‘I don’t need to be liked’: Angelina Jolie reflects on her public image and split from Brad Pitt

ANGELINA Jolie has spilled on her public image and messy divorce from Brad Pitt, revealing her six children are her “best friends”.

The 42-year-old actress reflected in a new interview on how “difficult” the last year has been, but explained she only cares what her kids think of her.

“I never expect to be the one that everybody understands or likes,” Jolie told The New York Times. “And that’s OK, because I know who I am, and the kids know who I am.”

Jolie — who split from husband Pitt in September last year — has children Maddox, 16, Pax, 13, Shiloh, 11, Zahara, 12, and nine-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. She said she has found strength in her kids.
“They really help me so much. We’re really such a unit,” she said. “They’re the best friends I’ve ever had. Nobody in my life has ever stood by me more.”
She added: “None of it’s easy. It’s very, very difficult, a very painful situation, and I just want my family healthy.”

In a separate interview with People magazine, the By The Sea star said she is a “little bit stronger” following her divorce.

“I have had my ups and downs. I guess I am a little bit stronger,” she said. “We all have our difficult times, but as a mother you also have a responsibility first and foremost towards the kids. They are going through their formative years and everything else comes second to that.”

Jolie’s eldest son, Maddox, also spoke to the magazine, describing his Hollywood star mum as a “wonder”.

“[She’s] fun, funny, and easy to work with,” he said. “She’s a wonder.”

Angelina Jolie with her sons Maddox (left) and Pax (centre). Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/AFPSource:AFP

Maddox worked alongside his famous mum on First They Killed My Father, a Netflix drama directed by Jolie based on Loung Ung’s memoir about surviving the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia.
Maddox revealed he pitched in at meetings, prepared shoots and helped to review dailies, while his brother Pax worked as a set photographer.
The revealing interviews come after Jolie walked the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival with her kids. The notoriously private star signed autographs and took selfies with fans.

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