Meanwhile Jolie has requested physical custody of her and Pitt's six children - Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Her attorney released a statement that read: "Angelina has filed for dissolution of the marriage. This decision was made for the health of the family.

"She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time."

Pitt, meanwhile, has said that he is "saddened" by the breakdown of his marriage, and has asked the press to give his children the space they deserve.

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