Have you heard
FANS who are still hurting over the way BRAD PITT and JENNIFER ANISTON parted ways 14 years ago need to get over it, because they definitely have. Brad (55) sneaking into his ex-wife’s 50th birthday party at Hollywood’s Sunset Tower Hotel earlier this month may have shocked the world, but insiders say they’ve been firm friends for about three years now.
“Brad wanted to support and celebrate Jen by attending her birthday party,” a source explains. “He doesn’t like to dwell on the past, and of course wishes he’d handled the end of their marriage in a more thoughtful manner. He asked Jen’s forgiveness a long time ago and she gave it.”
Apparently the exes grew closer following the death of Jen’s estranged mother, actress Nancy Dow, in 2016 and the breakdown of their respective marriages. Brad and Angelina Jolie (43) called it quits in 2016 while the Dumplin’ actress split from husband Justin Theroux (47) in 2017.
“Brad contacted Jen after her mom died, and she was touched that he knew what a difficult time it was,” an insider says. Jen reportedly reached out to him months later, after Angelina had filed for divorce in September 2016 and kicked off an acrimonious custody battle. “Jen wanted Brad to know that she’d be a character witness because of the serious allegations being made against him,” the source reports. “He responded almost immediately, and they’ve been in communication since that time.” Insiders added that although Angie’s not happy about the fact that the exes have reconnected, there’s not much she can do to stop it. “She was incredibly controlling about that. She kept Brad from old friends, and they lived an insulated life.” But now that Brad’s a free agent, he’s enjoying reconnecting with Jen – to whom he was married from 2000 until 2005 – even though they don’t often meet up and communicate mainly via text. But anyone hoping for the ultimate Hollywood reunion, might be a little disappointed. “They’re simply two people who shared a life together and have mutual respect for each other,” an insider says.
‘[Brad] doesn’t like to dwell on the past, and wishes he’d handled the end of their marriage in a more thoughtful manner’