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Brad Pitt Learned of Estranged Son Maddox’s College Plans Right Before News Went Public (Exclusive)

It was one of those milestones every proud dad eagerly awaits: Brad Pitt’s eldest child, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, had selected a college. But in the case of Pitt, 55, and his estranged son, 18, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star didn’t exactly get an emotional father-son moment to bond over the teen’s decision to study biochemistry at South Korea’s Yonsei University.

Related: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Custody Battle: Everything We Know So Far

In fact, according to a Jolie-Pitt insider, the actor learned of his son’s plans right before the news leaked to the media earlier this month. “Brad hasn’t been spending much time with Maddox lately,” an insider reveals exclusively in the current issue of Us Weekly, adding that the Oscar winner wasn’t invited to join ex-wife Angelina Jolie, Maddox’s mom, to take the boy to school this month. “Brad won’t be going.”

Brad Pitt Learned Maddox College Plans Right Before News Went Public
Brad Pitt and Maddox Jolie-Pitt. IPA/INSTARimages.com; Invision/AP/Shutterstock

That he wouldn’t be included in such a landmark event in his son’s life was unfortunately no surprise to Pitt. He and Maddox have had a strained relationship ever since the actor allegedly got into an altercation with the boy. He was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.

Related: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: A Timeline of Their Relationship

“Maddox doesn’t really see himself as Brad’s son,” another source adds. But, a family insider says even Jolie, 44, who has her own complicated feelings about Pitt, has urged her son to “move forward on a new path with Brad.”

Brad Pitt Learned Maddox College Plans Right Before News Went Public

Related: Putting the Kids First! These Former Celebrity Couples Are Crushing Coparenting

Brangelina, who split in 2016, also share kids Pax, 15, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 13, Vivienne, 11, and Knox, 11.

For more on Pitt and Maddox’s relationship, watch the video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now!

With reporting by Jen Heger

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