Angelina Jolie has opened up about the severe physical impact of her crumbling marriage to Brad Pitt. The Maleficent star revealed that the intense stress leading up to their 2016 divorce resulted in a frightening diagnosis: Bell’s palsy.
The Body’s Reaction to Trauma In a candid interview with The Wall Street Journal, the Academy Award winner explained that her body “reacts very strongly to stress.” She noted that her blood sugar fluctuates wildly and that she developed Bell’s palsy six months before officially filing for divorce.
This condition causes sudden weakness or paralysis in facial muscles. While the exact cause often remains unknown, medical experts link it to inflammation and stress, noting how terrifying the sudden loss of movement can be for patients.
A Volatile End Jolie and Pitt, who were together for 12 years and share six children, separated after a now-infamous altercation on a private jet. An FBI report detailed allegations that Pitt shook Jolie and poured beer on her during a confrontation.
Pitt has consistently denied allegations of physical abuse. His representatives state that while he accepts responsibility for his actual behavior, he vehemently rejects the accusations regarding physical harm to his family.
Moving Forward Jolie’s admission highlights the often-overlooked physical consequences of emotional trauma, reminding fans that the stress of a breakdown affects everyone, regardless of fame.
