Brad Pitt Breaks Silence on Divorce From Angelina Jolie: ‘What Matters Most Now Is the Well-Being of Our Kids’

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in happier times. (Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)

Brad Pitt has spoken out about his divorce from Angelina Jolie.

In a statement released to PEOPLE, Pitt said his focus is on the “well-being of our kids.”

“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids,” he said in the statement. “I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”

Jolie filed from divorced from the actor, 52, on Monday after just two years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split.

Jolie also released a statement addressing the divorce: “This decision was made for the health of the family,” the actress’ attorney said. “She will not be commenting at this time, and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time.”

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Jolie has asked for physical custody of the couple’s shared six children – Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne, and Knox – asking for Pitt to be granted visitation.

“Both Brad and Angelina care very much about their kids and there is sadness on both sides,” a source close to the situation tells PEOPLE.

Another source close to the couple told PEOPLE: “The divorce is a complete shock. They have definitely spent more time apart this year, but it’s still a shock. They just celebrated their wedding anniversary together.”

The documents state that the couple have been separated since Sept. 15.

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