Brad Pitt has mostly remained silent when it comes to the news surrounding his ex-wife Angelina Jolie and their six children.
The actor, 62, and his ex Angelina, 51, were married for five years before kicking off a divorce trial and legal battles that would span for several years, some of which are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, their children, sons Maddox, Pax and Knox, and daughters Zahara, Shiloh and Vivienne, have all dropped his last name, legally or otherwise, over the past couple years, with the youngest of them turning 18 in July.
© Getty ImagesBrad Pitt addresses "family stuff" and suicidal thoughts
In a new wide-ranging interview with Esquire, the actor opened up about some of his darker thoughts for the first time, tying them back to what he cryptically dubbed issues with his "family."
While discussing the highs and lows of life, Brad stated: "I was never suicidal in any way. It just was not my makeup. In fact, if I have any afflictions, it's probably being a congenital optimist."
He later adds: "Anyway, I've never been suicidal except for one little period. And in that one little period, I just thought—I just couldn't—just didn't see a way out."
© Getty ImagesThe actor described the pain as feeling so "oppressive" that he thought about "the cold steel of the bullet in my head," although clarified he never actually meant to act on it. After saying he finally could "understand" suicide, he continued "It's just looking for relief from the pain. But I also think we have incredible survival instincts. And for me, that immediately kicked in, but it was just . . ."
When asked if the thoughts were tied to "kid stuff," Brad simply responded: "Family stuff," with a nod, adding: "We could leave it at that." Previously, Angelina has stated that she is maintaining her primary residence in California due to a custody arrangement requiring her to be near Brad for their kids who were minors.
© Getty ImagesHowever, she had stated that she'd be moving away from the country, most likely to Cambodia, once her twins turned 18.
Brad discusses his sobriety journey
Elsewhere in the conversation, the actor also detailed his journey with alcohol abuse and sobriety. He had revealed in 2016 that he was going sober, especially crediting fellow Hollywood star Bradley Cooper for his help with it.
© Getty ImagesIn Esquire, though, the star confessed that he was drinking again. "I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon," he admitted.
"In a more restrained manner," he clarified, explaining: "I got overconfident a couple times, went, Yep, nope, not good for me. Not in big quantities," saying he can stand "a few" glasses of wine.
© Getty Images"But I can't have a lot. I have to be professional about it," Brad added.
