Maddox, the firstborn child of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has made a notable personal decision by discontinuing the use of his father's surname, Pitt. According to a report by People magazine, Maddox, who is now 24 years old, has chosen to be credited solely as Maddox Jolie in connection with his recent work as an assistant director on his mother’s upcoming film, "Couture." This change signifies a break from his father's name, reflective of his personal relationship with his parents.

The decision of Maddox to abandon the Pitt surname is not isolated, as it has been reported that four of his siblings have also chosen to drop their father’s name in favor of Jolie. This trend within the family highlights ongoing tensions that stem from the high-profile and tumultuous divorce of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, which was finalized ten years after they separated. The family's dynamics and the children’s choices seem to be influenced by the complex history and public scrutiny surrounding their parents' relationship.

As Maddox steps into his own professional life, this decision may carry implications not just about his personal identity but also about the perception of his family in the public eye. It emphasizes the children's autonomy in defining their identities separate from their father's legacy, which has been clouded by controversies over the years. Such choices could reflect broader societal conversations about names, identities, and familial relationships in the shadow of celebrity culture.