Angelina Jolie's brother, James Haven, has spoken about how he became protective over Angelina and Brad Pitt's children following their split in 2016. Haven revealed this in an episode of the 90who10 podcast, stating that his protection kicked in as their personal lives unfolded in the public eye. He expressed a desire to support his sister and her kids through any situation. Haven emphasized the importance of being present for Angelina's children, especially as they enter their early 20s and become young adults. He stated that he wants to be there for them whenever possible. Angelina and Brad were married in 2014 but split after 12 years together, with just two years of marriage.

In 2016, reports emerged of an argument and altercation between the couple on a private jet with their children. Court documents that surfaced in 2022 alleged that Brad had choked one of the kids and struck another in the face. Brad's representatives refuted these claims, calling them "completely untrue." In November, it was revealed that the couple's son, Pax, had previously shared a scathing rant on Instagram about Brad. In the post, Pax called Brad a "terrible and despicable person" and voiced his discontent with him.