Inside Brad Pitt's broken relationship with son Maddox, 18, who isn't 'receptive' to reconciling

The relationship between Brad Pitt and his oldest son, 18-year-old Maddox, remains deeply wounded, and the teenager "hasn't been receptive" to the idea of reconciling. But now that Maddox is away at college, Pitt allegedly sees opportunity for improvement — with one of his other sons.

“With Maddox overseas, Brad is also hopeful that Pax will also be interested in reconnecting without the influence of his older brother,” Us Weekly reports.

Insiders say Maddox is holding firm in the estrangement, showing few signs of interest in reconnecting with his adoptive father: "For Brad, it's a tremendous loss," but Maddox has taken a more measured attitude, telling a paparazzo earlier this year, "Well, whatever happens, happens."

The breaking point appears to be a 2016 incident that unfolded while the family was traveling together on a plane. Pitt, who was allegedly intoxicated, was "verbally abusive and physical" toward Jolie and their children, according to TMZ. (Although initial reports said Pitt was under investigation for child abuse, the LAPD later denied this claim.)

"He got drunk and was fighting with Angie," Us Weekly reported at the time. "Maddox stepped in to defend Angie and got in Brad's face."

One day after the altercation, Jolie filed for divorce. In the three years since announcing their separation, Pitt has admitted that he struggles with alcohol abuse. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous, telling the New York Times, "I had taken things as far as I could take it, so I removed my drinking privileges."

The ex-couple shares six children ranging in age from 11 to 18.