Brad Pitt's PR Move with George Clooney Amid Family Issues

In a recent GQ article, Brad Pitt's friendship with George Clooney is highlighted as a strategic public relations move, aiming to reshape perceptions of Hollywood as a competitive and ruthless industry. The article serves as a platform for Pitt to present himself as an ordinary person, despite his celebrity status and private jet travels. This portrayal comes at a time when Pitt is navigating the fallout from his contentious separation from Angelina Jolie and the subsequent decision of his children to distance themselves from his surname. Pitt's efforts at damage control are evident, particularly following his hiring of crisis management expert Matthew Hiltzik after Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. The actor addresses his past struggles with alcoholism, discussing his journey to sobriety and his work as a producer on critically acclaimed films like "Moonlight" and "12 Years a Slave." Hiltzik's approach has been effective, as noted by journalist Anne Helen Petersen, who pointed out the media's framing of Jolie's actions as a "smear campaign" against Pitt. The dynamics of Hollywood have shifted significantly, with the traditional star system giving way to the influence of social media. Actors are now subject to constant scrutiny, making it challenging to control their public image. The narrative surrounding Pitt is no longer solely dictated by major studios, as the flow of information is relentless and often unfiltered, complicating the landscape for stars seeking to manage their reputations.