The untold tale of how Angelina Jolie’s Cambodian adopted son, Maddox, went from a struggling orphan in Cambodia to being raised by a famous Hollywood actress, enjoying a life of privilege and attending a renowned university, has finally come to light after over two decades of secrecy.
Angelina Jolie, accompanied by her two adopted sons from Southeast Asia, Pax Thien and Maddox, has been a beacon of inspiration for many. It all began during the filming of Tomb Raider (Secret of the Ancient Tomb) in Cambodia back in 2000, where she developed a deep affinity for the country. During her time there, she decided to visit an orphanage and that’s when fate brought Maddox into her life. Upon meeting Maddox, Angelina knew she had found her son and wasted no time in starting the adoption process. With the assistance of her partner, Sarath Mounh, who is involved in non-governmental work in Cambodia, the legalities were swiftly taken care of. However, in a recent interview in July 2021, Sarath Mounh expressed doubts about Maddox’s status as an orphan, raising questions about his background.
Exclusive photos of Angelina Jolie during her visit to Cambodia to meet and adopt Maddox have surfaced. Sarath Mounh spoke about Maddox, describing him as a bright child who smiles more than other kids his age. This special connection between Jolie and Maddox was evident from the first time they met. “When Angelina Jolie first laid eyes on Maddox at the orphanage, instead of crying like the other children, he smiled and stood up. His smile melted Angelina’s heart, leading her to choose him,” Mr. Sarath shared. Mr. Sarath also mentioned the legal hurdles Jolie had to navigate in order to adopt Maddox over 20 years ago. He explained that during that time, there were significant challenges related to child trafficking across borders in Cambodia, and Jolie was meticulous in ensuring everything was done correctly.
Back in 2000, Angelina Jolie starred in the film Tomb Raider and it was during this time that she crossed paths with her future adopted son, Maddox. A friend and colleague of Angelina’s, Sarath, decided to adopt Maddox as his own child and then legally transferred his guardianship to Angelina. This act officially made Maddox her third child on paper. Thanks to Sarath’s generous gesture, Maddox was able to move to America and join Jolie’s big family of six children. Maddox’s life took a new direction, with Angelina as his new mother. He still keeps in touch with his roots by visiting Cambodia and learning about its rich traditions.
Angelina Jolie has been an exemplary mother to Maddox for the past two decades. Cambodians are proud and grateful that Maddox had the privilege of growing up in such wonderful circumstances with Angelina. Mr. Sarath expressed his hope for Maddox to return to Cambodia to further immerse himself in the country’s culture. Throughout the years, Maddox has been a loyal companion to his mother, accompanying her on various journeys around the world, engaging in volunteer work, and experiencing the highs and lows of life in the spotlight. Despite being adopted, Jolie has always considered Maddox as her own flesh and blood. In 2017, Angelina and her six children traveled to Cambodia for the premiere of her film “First They Killed My Father,” where her two adopted children assisted behind the scenes. Unfortunately, they were unable to meet with Sarath during their visit.
Angelina Jolie always makes sure her adopted children are connected to their roots and appreciate where they come from. In a recent interview, the actress mentioned that Cambodia feels like a second home to her, and her children have formed close bonds with the children there. Maddox, her eldest son, is especially happy to be back in his birthplace. A new documentary titled The Stolen Children is in the works, seeking to uncover the truth about adoption practices in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with references to Angelina Jolie and Maddox. Maddox is currently a college student, studying in Korea and immersing himself in the culture. He attends Yonsei University, one of the top universities in the country, known for its rich history and academic excellence.
A unique and rare photo has surfaced showing Maddox with his famous adoptive parents, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, before their marriage ended in 2016. Out of the six children Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt share, Maddox is the eldest and the only one who has reached adulthood, no longer requiring parental supervision. Despite the custody battles that followed their divorce, Maddox consistently chose to reside with his adoptive mother, showing the strong bond between them. Angelina Jolie once spoke about Maddox, calling him her first child and expressing how he transformed her into a better person. This young boy from Southeast Asia played a significant role in her life, helping her to become more nurturing, leaving behind a rebellious phase, and embracing a more responsible lifestyle. Following the adoption of Maddox, Angelina Jolie also welcomed two more adopted children and gave birth to three biological children with Brad Pitt.
When Maddox entered Jolie’s life, she had already experienced two unsuccessful marriages, but he helped awaken her natural motherly instincts.
Maddox’s charming smile and innocent demeanor captured the heart of a famous actress at an orphanage. He came into Jolie’s life after she had just ended her second marriage, becoming her beacon of hope during a dark time. Throughout the years, Jolie has stood by Maddox in all his life decisions, just as he has shown unwavering love and respect for his adoptive mother. During Jolie’s tumultuous divorce with Brad Pitt, Maddox was her pillar of strength, providing support through the tough times. During a flight in 2016 from France to Los Angeles, tempers flared between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. In a moment of crisis, Maddox stepped in front of his mother to shield her, leading to a confrontation between the Hollywood actor and his eldest son. The incident prompted the Los Angeles Department of Child Protection and Family Support to intervene and investigate whether any violence had occurred.
Maddox quickly formed a close bond with her adopted mother before eventually crossing paths with Brad Pitt, whom she would later fall in love with.
The well-known actress shares a close bond with her adopted son from Cambodia. Despite Brad Pitt’s exoneration, his relationship with Maddox deteriorated. It’s no secret that both adopted sons, Maddox and Pax Thien, have always supported Angelina Jolie during their high-profile divorce. Reports surfaced last March that Maddox was willing to provide favorable testimony for Jolie in the custody battle, but the court didn’t allow the children to testify. As a result, Brad Pitt temporarily gained custody of all five kids. This decision left the Maleficent actress feeling upset and agitated. However, in late July 2021, the judge overseeing the custody case suddenly lost their authority, leading to all previous rulings being overturned. Subsequently, Angelina Jolie became the temporary sole guardian of the children.
Following the end of her marriage, Angelina Jolie will have temporary custody of her kids.
