Angelina Jolie files to adopt from Vietnam
Update: The Associated Press reports that Angelina did in fact file an application last week – but it doesn’t list Brad! However, Brad wasn’t listed on Zahara’s Ethopian application either, and she’s certainly his daughter. The family visited the country over Thanksgiving.
Originally posted February 22nd: According to Us Weekly, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pittare planning to add to their family by adopting a little boy from HoChi Minh City, Vietnam. The couple has filed paperwork to begin theproceedings. It is rumored that they want to adopt a 3 or 4 year old.
Angelina has said that she would like to adopt children of similar ethnicities for each of her kids. Maddox, 5, is from Cambodia, Zahara, 2, is from Ethiopia, while Shiloh, 8 months, has dual citizenships from the US and Namibia.
Recently, Angelina said, "If we’re going to have 10 kids, we’d liketo raise them while we’re young." We don’t know if she was joking about10 kids, but it definitely makes sense to get the party started if theywant that many. Three down, seven to go.
Thanks to CBB readers Kristine, Katheryn, Lyn, Whitney, Amanda, Michelle, Tiffany, and Corinne.
Have you either adopted or considered adopting a child from Vietnam? What can Angelina and Brad expect?
- Posted on Mar 2, 07 at 10:00AM
- Permalink
- 63 Comments
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Referring to their family as “technicolor” is rude — downright racist in my opinion — as defining people by the color of their skin is Not OK. Saying they plan to “add to their family” would have been quite sufficient.
Furthermore, assuming that a boy from Vietnam would be a “buddy for Maddox” is *also* racist, as well as gendered. If they are planning another adoption right now, then “it sort of makes sense” (as stated above) because … they want to add to their family!
Any new child added — by whatever means — to their family will be just that: a new son/daughter; a new sister/brother.
I expect greater sensitivity from CBB.
Finally, according to an adoption agency I have worked with, one can expect a 15-18 month wait for a referral for a child from Vietnam, not a 3-4 month wait as stated above.
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:45 pm
I typically don’t trust Us Weekly but if Brad & Angie decide to adopt again, I say good for them. And I do think it makes sense to adopt/give birth to the children close together especially if they want a large family since Brad is 43 which is not ancient but he’s no spring chicken either. Heidi Klum and Seal had their first three fairly quickly and very few people questioned their family choices but the pessimist in me feels like some will find reason to criticize Brad and Angie for theirs.
Oh and just to clarify Angie never said she wants to adopt a buddy for Maddox. In her interview with Diane Sawyer, Angie said she realizes that Shiloh can look at she and Brad and see similar features and they would like the same for Maddox and Zahara. Maybe I’m not explaining it right but they do think about what it will be like for Zahara and Maddox to grow up in a household with no one who looks like each of them. I don’t want to put words in her mouth but I think that’s it in a nutshell. If I’m wrong, please correct me.
February 22nd, 2007 at 9:51 pm
As it is well known they are my favorites EVER. I cant wait to see if it is true. I think Maddox would love a brother or a sister, as long as they are all together like they always are. My neighbors are from, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and I have always wanted to go with them when they go back every year.
February 22nd, 2007 at 10:08 pm
I think they should at least wait until Shiloh is atleast 3 years old. 2 many baby’s at once…but they have the money soooooooooo, I suppose!
February 22nd, 2007 at 10:19 pm
My mom’s cousin’s granddaughter was adopted from Vietnam. It was an open adoption, and the parents had some problems with their little girl’s birth mother. She would send them letters asking for money for her daughter’s siblings, of which there were none. Hopefully, Angelina and Brad will have an easier time of it, if this is what they are indeed doing.
February 22nd, 2007 at 10:37 pm
I hope its true, and I believe its true, since they’ve been to Vietnam a few times recently.
February 22nd, 2007 at 11:03 pm
My SIL just adopted twins from Vietnam. I think overall it was a pretty easy experience, compared to other countries anyway. She chronicled their experience at http://2moretolove.blogspot.com/
February 23rd, 2007 at 12:25 am
i’m still waiting for the day they want to adopt a 20 year old from Indonesia, aka me.
February 23rd, 2007 at 3:33 am
I think that if they are not married they will not be able to adopt from Vietnam. Here is info from the US State Department:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS: According to the Vietnamese “Law on Marriage and the Family,” adoptive parents must be at least 20 years older than the children they wish to adopt. Only one single person or one married couple may adopt. S/he or they must meet all of the following requirements: have not had their parental rights restricted by authorities, have good ethical qualities, and have the capacity to care for, support, and educate the adoptive child. If married, both persons must meet all requirements. Children up to and including the age of 15 can be adopted. Under Vietnamese law, a child over age nine must consent in writing to his/her adoption.
If I am reading this right, eighter singles or married couples can addopt and cohabitating couples are not to be considered.
February 23rd, 2007 at 3:33 am
I think that if they are not married they will not be able to adopt from Vietnam. Here is info from the US State Department:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS: According to the Vietnamese “Law on Marriage and the Family,” adoptive parents must be at least 20 years older than the children they wish to adopt. Only one single person or one married couple may adopt. S/he or they must meet all of the following requirements: have not had their parental rights restricted by authorities, have good ethical qualities, and have the capacity to care for, support, and educate the adoptive child. If married, both persons must meet all requirements. Children up to and including the age of 15 can be adopted. Under Vietnamese law, a child over age nine must consent in writing to his/her adoption.
If I am reading this right, eighter singles or married couples can addopt and cohabitating couples are not to be considered.
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:54 am
Oh!I am so happy for them; I hope this is true!!Can’t wait to see the new little one!He will be a lucky child!They seem to be good parents, I couldn’t be happier for both the new baby and the family.
February 23rd, 2007 at 8:45 am
I guess as long as they don’t have any more of their own, don’t know what the big rush is. Sorry if this bothers any of their fans but I really can’t stand them.
February 23rd, 2007 at 8:50 am
I hope this is true. My mother is from Vietnam so I would be so excited for them. My huband and I decided that we would eventually adopt from Vietnam. My mom & other relative have told us about the orphanages there. Although some can be okay others aren’t so great. It breaks our hearts. Hopefully with the restrictions they will still be able to to adopt from there.
February 23rd, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Good for them. I’ve read some of their interviews which were given 2 or 3 years before they got together and each talked about wanting a large family.
February 23rd, 2007 at 3:00 pm
I hope they fix their problems first before adopting another child. I read on another (reliable)site that Brad and Angie were going to therapy to work on their relationship. It seems that they are having anger issues towards one another and want to work out their differences and solidify their own relationship first – which is very commendable!!!
The article went on to say that they had talked about adoption and wanted to wait until Shiloh was over a year before doing so…never know what to believe when you read.
February 23rd, 2007 at 3:56 pm
TracyG,
That story came from the UK Grazia magazine which is the equivalent of Star Magazine in the USA. Go google it for yourself to read the all so believable stories *cough lies cough* about Kate Moss’s secret UK wedding and how Elizabeth Hurley is starving herself to death. I have no idea why people are so quick to believe the negative stories printed by tabloids about the Pitts when their actions tell us how solid they are. Think about it for a couple who according to rags like UK Grazia, Star Magazine, and National Enquirer are having so many problems, Brad and Angie haven’t spent more than 5 days apart in over 2 years. For a couple who according to the rags can’t get along, Brad and Angie speak so highly of each other in interviews. For a couple who according to the rags are arguing about adoption, Brad and Angie’s respective interviews say how much they love their children and hope to add more in the very near future. The tabs are NEVER going to paint an accurate or happy picture of the Pitts because accurate and happy don’t sell.
I obviously don’t know what’s going on in their household but when I see the original source is from UK Grazia, I know they have no clue either.
Good luck to the Pitts in whatever they decide. I wish them the best.
February 23rd, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Having a lot of kids so early can put a
strain on a relationship. My friend had five
girls close together and said “thank
goodness my husband and I were friends
first!”.
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:18 am
“..and he’s certainly her daughter.” What??? Again you are posting without reading over it. This makes you look like a joke.
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:25 am
The reason Brad wasn’t listed is because you can only file as a couple if you are married (in Vietnam I guess, not sure about other places). I’m sure he’ll formally adopt afterwards like he did with the other kids.
I think its great that they’re adopting again. I wonder how long it takes before they get their child. They’re going to have their hands full!
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:30 am
Did Brad ever adopt Maddox and Zahara? I remember hearing that the name change had been approved, but nothing about the adoptions being completed.
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:30 am
“and he’s certainly her daughter”
I think you meant “she’s certainly his daughter”
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:44 am
I really love them and they have such a beautiful family but I have to say It’s quite disturbing to see angelina wants to adopt again…and again…every year…from every country…It’s not a game. They already have 3 wonderful kids…but please they don’t need another one every year!!!! And despite what Angelina says I’m quite sure she feels closer to Mad and Z than to Shiloh…
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:04 am
estherpanda: It’s nobody’s business if they decide to add a child to their family every year. I know families who choose to have another biological child every year and they get nothing but congratulations from others, but somehow when it comes to adoption there’s a double standard that keeps getting applied. Heidi Klum and Seal have another baby every year and I don’t hear them being criticized for it. Why should families formed through adoption be any different.
It’s not up to you to decide if they need or should have another child every year – it’s their decision and theirs alone. They are the only ones who can truly know what is right for their children and what they can and cannot handle.
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:12 am
Wow, great news! I’m happy for them.
And for all the haters – Angie and Brad are grown adults and they can adopt as many kids as they want. Their children are obviously loved and cared for so what’s the problem? They know their family and what they can handle so who are we to say they should wait to adopt?
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:15 am
Most intelligent post i have read today Grace Bravo to you ITA. It just seems like these double standards only apply to Brad and Angie. Its getting quite absurd. There wasn’t this much hupla back in the day when Steven Speilberg and his wife kate capshaw did the same thing but brad and angie get blasted for im dumbfounded by it. Another thing angie waited 4 yrs. beforing adopting Zee and she had shiloh 9 months after Zee’s First birthday so i wouldn’t quite say that she has adopted a baby a year thats quite and Exageration. Plus who are we to push our views on this couple what whe may not be able to handle may be a peice of cake to them. JMO
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:16 am
Good for them. I am sure this is exciting news for the whole family. I say the more the merrier!
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:19 am
Jodi:
Thanks so much for posting the name of your SIL’s website. I just went to the website to check it out and those babies are adorable. How exciting to have two new babies in the family to love.
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:20 am
Yeah I’m not if Brad even adopted Maddox & Zahara….did he? Like I remember hearing about it, but nobody confirmed it.
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:21 am
I share the dream of having the resources to buy a big house in the country and fill it with adopted children, at least ten – all ages, from around the world. The capacity for unconditional love has no limits – so good for Angelina, and Brad, although I believe she is the leader of this particular project!
BTW anyone know the designer of that fab sweater Ang is wearing in the stroller pic?
I love it!
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:37 am
i think they need to wait a while. i think perhaps every family should, even biological familys.
its not my place to judge or even to say anything, they can do what they want, but with their careers it migt be good to keep what they have. the kids are going to have a hard time moveing from school to school when they get older and their parents want to film on location.
but they are good parents. so whatevs.
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:45 am
How wonderful! I heard it could be a 4 year old boy? If so how nice would it be for that child to come into a home with two sisters and a brother. I think these children are so lucky to be able to experience the love that comes with that family. Obviously none of us know the ins but I believe they are good parents and want the best for their children. Adopting a child so that Maddox has someone to relate to growing up is so nice. I know that my brother who is 8 years old and my half sibling had a harder time then my sister and I who were 19months apart and from the same father. Every little difference can make a child feel left out so hopefully these children will grow up feeling really happy and loved. I personally am wanting to adopt verses having my own children and respect Angelina so much!
March 2nd, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Grace, I agree with what you’re saying it’s not up to me to decide if they should adopt again or not but you don’t have to tell me what to think or not to think.
I’m sure they are good parents but excuse me if I think it’s strange she ’s going on adopting again and again…. If they go on like that, in 5 years they have a family of 10!!!!!! Ok it’s their business but let me have my own opinion! When she adopted Maddox she said I want to have more..the same thing when she had Zahara..the same when Shiloh was born… It’s not a lottery excuse me… They already have 3 beautiful kids…under 6…so please don’t tell me they can’t wait to have another one that Shiloh gets older….
And I’m pretty sure i’m not the only one to thing that way…so don’t be hypocrytical please..
March 2nd, 2007 at 12:25 pm
I have a problem with this. She should not be filing as a single parent if she has a live-in boyfreind. My friend was not allowed to adopt internationally, because the homestudy incuded live-in boyfriend. Angelina is not single and if she is filing as a single parent she is cheating the sytem.
If Vietnam makes an exception for Angelina than it will mean that you can get anything if you are a celebrity. Vietnamese adoption authorities should treat adoptve parents the same way whether they are celebrities or not.
I am not an Angelina hater – I just want equality.
March 2nd, 2007 at 12:36 pm
AWESOME!! I’m so thrilled for them!!
And for the haters: it’s their life, their kids, their choice. Time to tend to your own affairs and stop criticizing others.
March 2nd, 2007 at 1:09 pm
They aren’t adopting every year. Maddox was adopted nearly 6 years ago and Zahara nearly 2. It’s not a game and I don’t see why people think they know better than they know themselves. They aren’t normal people who work normal hours. They probably spend more time with their kids than the average person. They can stop working tomorrow if they want to. When the new little one comes Shiloh will be over a year old! If Angelina got pregnant as soon she could after having Shiloh she would be having a baby about the same time. I doubt many people would complain. Growing up with lots of siblings is wonderful. I’m from a big family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
March 2nd, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Congratulations to them! I agree that it’s nobody’s business how many children they adopt and when they choose to do so. Lots of celebrities have had biological children very close together, some even under a year apart (Jillette’s kids are barely 10 mos. apart), and people weren’t as critical towards them.
March 2nd, 2007 at 1:57 pm
What is wrong with having a family of 10? I come from a family of 9 children and my oldest sister is expecting her 7th soon. When did having children become a terrible thing? This couple has the means and the love to care for a lot of children. This is what they want to do and I think it is wonderful. I honestly can not understand the criticism. It may not be for SOME, and SOME may not be able to handle a large family…but this doesnt mean that others can’t or shouldnt. As long as the family can afford them and as long as the children are loved…who cares?
March 2nd, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Hey that is right! The Spielbergs have how many kids now? I lost track. They have bio kids and adopted kids and Kate Capshaw adopted one when she was pregnant. I heard NO criticisms from anyone about this.
I think some just like to complain about whatever Brad and Angelina do. Good thing they dont care.
March 2nd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
estherpanda: I never told you what to think or what not to think. What I said was that it’s none of your business, and I stand by that statement. It’s nobody’s business how many children they choose to have/adopt or when they choose to bring those children into their family. There was nothing about that statement that even implied that I was telling you what to think.
As for your comment: “And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one to think that way….so don’t be hypocritical please” : I addressed your post and not others because you were the first person to make a negative comment in this post since the news was confirmed. And I’m not the one telling others what to think, you are, I think telling me not to be hypocritical confirms that. And calling someone a hypocrite is against the rules of this board. Insuling other posters isn’t supposed to be allowed.
March 2nd, 2007 at 2:28 pm
It’s not really that big of a deal that Brad is not listed. Brad will just file to adopt the new baby once he or she is settle here in the states and Vietnam adoption is finalized. That is basically what he did with Zahara.
March 2nd, 2007 at 2:41 pm
I freaking hate double standards. If Brad and Angie decided to give birth to all their children back to back then there would be nary a complaint. Why is that? Is it because some of you believe biological children are somehow more worthy than adopted children? Why is it that Heidi & Seal can have three kids back to back and everyone congratulates them?
And I’m freaking tired of people saying Angelina loves Maddox and Zahara more than she loves Shiloh. Have you read all of her interviews since giving birth to Shiloh? I’m not talking about quotes taken out of context and splashed across the internet. I’m talking about the actual interviews from beginning to end. Where she talks about how happy she and Brad were to see the sonogram for the first time. How “sweet” it is to see Brad in Shiloh’s face. How carrying Shiloh brought she and Brad and their other two kids closer together.
Ask yourselves, why those positive comments from Angelina weren’t splashed across the internet. It’s because simple quotes taken out of context can be made into something negative and negative sells and some of you bought it and continue to buy it. Leave this family alone and stop bashing this woman. I swear, we women are our own worst enemies.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Wow…. Short amout of time to adopt kids. But I would feel this way, even if they were having them biologically. I really think people should wait a couple of years (Obviously, if they accidently get pregnant, well that happens
). It could be confusing for the kids they already have to suddenly have a older child come in (Not Maddox, but maybe the girls would be confused). IDk. It’s their choice, but I think people should just wait for a little while – There’s no harm in taking a little time to think about it, and looking after your others kids.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Look at how judgemental people can be. I hope Brad and Angelina have several more biological babies and adopted children and they are never seen or pictured just because I hate reading the comments from people who nitpick everything Brad and Angelina do as parents.
Angelina has stated for a long time she wants lots of kids and Brad has maintained for years he wants a large family also. Angelina has said they want to raise their kids while they are young and Brad’s 43 so I’m willing to bet he probably wants to expand his family sooner than later.
They just filed for adoption so it will take a few months for the process to be complete. By the time that happens, Shiloh will probably be one year old. I don’t understands what’s so wrong about wanting lots of kids and having them while you are young. They have the resources, they can afford the extra help and the best thing is, they are providing a child with a loving family and lots of siblings. What’s the problem with that?!!!
Angelina does not work while Brad works and vice versa. They take turns and seem to be settled in New Orleans very peacefully. Brad’s parents seem happy toO as they are getting to visit their son, daughter in law and their grandkids. (I know they aren’t legally married but they act more like a married couple than some other married couples).
If Brad and Angelina have no objections, and they are the ones adopting, then I don’t understand how others could possibly have a problem with that.
If you as an individual don’t like the idea of having lots of young kid to raise, then that’s fine but don’t project your own feelings on to this family.
Like others have said, I am so sick of the double standards applied to them.
NO ONE IS CRITICIZING HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE SO PLEASE DON’T CRITICIZE OR COMPLAIN ABOUT WHAT BRAD AND ANGELINA DO IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE. You can express your opinion but why make it sound like they don’t know what they are doing just because they aren’t following your rules.
And yes, the adoption process for Maddox and Zahara has already gone through. It was stated in a Newsweek interview Brad did after they got back from Namibia but no one reported it.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Antoinetta,
Great post! You hit the nail right on the head. I obviously don’t know them, but when you read WHOLE interviews and not just sensational tidbits out of context it is clear that they put a lot of love, thought and consideration into their family unit. I don’t see them going around doing things willy-nilly as they like it. They are so thoughtful to even think about and try to help other people in the world who are a lot less fortunate than themselves and all of us here with time to sit around and talk crap on blogs about things irrelevant to our own lives. The people who so enjoy being critical of others for living lives different than their own should wake up and realize during the time it took to write their judgmental messages that children in other countries are hungry, sick, and essentially never have a childhood. A childhood is only an entitlement in developed countries. Children everywhere grow up without dreams or hopes, the only goal being survival. This is what helps keep the third world from ever progressing. If children are the future why do we ignore the majority of it that exists in this world? This is exactly what I believe Angelina had in mind when she began adopting. That she was giving these children a chance at a life that would have been impossible for them otherwise. How can you find fault in that? I would think birthing back to back would be more dangerous for your marriage than adopting. Call me crazy but I imagine a good majority of men prefer their wives not pregnant as opposed to pregnant (I prefer myself that way for sure). Just the physical changes and demands on you are so much greater. Wouldn’t adoption be less stressful on a growing family then? There’s a difference between getting pregnant and adopting more than the obvious one, and something I think people often forget, is that no one ACCIDENTALLY adopts a baby.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Interesting comments, from all. One thing, however, distresses me. I don’t see anybody commenting on the welfare of the children here. Isn’t that what this is really about? Have any of you saying that Angelina and Brad adopting another child is a bad thing thought to consider where Maddox and Zahara would be living right now if they hadn’t been adopted? How about the child in Vietnam who will be adopted? Are you really going to say that this child, any child, is better off in an orphanage, or a shelter, or on the street, than to be placed with a family? A loving, generous family, I might add, who has the financial means to more than comfortably support all of the children they have, not to mention parents who are interested, and invested, into more than just their Hollywood life, or their tiny corner of the world? Who honestly cares if they decide to adopt 10 infants in 10 days? They aren’t adding to the population, they aren’t relying on government assistance to provide for these children, so I really don’t think any of you should be saying this is a bad thing! They are saving the life and giving a family to a child in this world who otherwise stands a good chance of growing up ALONE. Think about that.
March 2nd, 2007 at 4:58 pm
NOT HATING JOLIE
—————-
I would like to honestly ask you if you did any research before stating that you think Angelina is cheating the system, because I did and this is what I found out when I
googled Vietnam adoption law requirements and here is what they said.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS:
According to the Vietnamese “Law on Marriage and the Family,” adoptive parents must be at least 20 years older than the children they wish to adopt. Only one single person or one married couple may adopt. S/he or they must meet all of the following requirements: have not had their parental rights restricted by authorities, have good ethical qualities, and have the capacity to care for, support, and educate the adoptive child. If married, both persons must meet all requirements. Children up to and including the age of 15 can be adopted. Under Vietnamese law, a child over age nine must consent in writing to his/her adoption.
Civil Status of Prospective Adoptive Parents:
Vietnam law permits adoption by married couples (one man, one woman) and single heterosexual persons. Vietnam law prohibits homosexual individuals or couples from adopting Vietnamese children.
——————————-
So you can be rest assured, that Angelina is following all the adoption laws that Vietnam has and is NOT cheating the system. Every country has it’s own set of adoption laws and Angelina seems to be following them. Just because she is in a relationship, does not mean she is cheating the system. She is still considered LEGALLY single under the law. She’s still Ms. Angelina Jolie not Mrs. Angelina Jolie – Pitt. As for your assertion that you have a problem with this and that “She should not be filing as a single parent if she has a live-in boyfreind.”….well she LEGALLY can and she is. Vietnam is not making an exception for Jolie. It’s not called cheating the system, as long as you are LEGALLY considered single.
Actually if you to the Lainey gossip website, Lainey reported when Angelina took Maddox with her to Vietnam for charity work, that’s when the adoption papers were filed but they tried to keep it quiet as long as possible for privacy and legal purposes.
———————————-
This is what Lainey said:
“As you know, the First Family has now settled in New Orleans, I’m told Maddox is now thriving in a regular schedule, parents at the immersion school were sent letters a few weeks ago, informing them of the arrival of the Pitts and new security measures that were instituted in preparation, resulting in a change of entrance and exit routes for students in and out of the facilities.
In regards to that trip to Vietnam – Angelina took Maddox for a series of meetings about the Maddox Chivan Project last week and although they’ve “officially” denied initiating adoption proceedings, I’ve received a couple of (as yet unconfirmed) tips from new sources there who insist that paperwork was indeed submitted and filed with the US Consulate in HCM City for a fourth child that the Pitts supposedly met and fell in love with during their trip to the country together several week ago. For what it’s worth, said sources claim that they saw the documents with their very own eyes and that the process should be complete before summer – standard procedure they say and notable because they apparently all expected the Hollywood Pitts to ask for exceptions and were stunned when they didn’t.
As I said before, still working to lock this down, let you know when I do.”
March 2nd, 2007 at 5:31 pm
wow, some people are so judgmental!! bottom line is….its THEIR life! If they want to adopt 20 kids they can! They are good parents who balance work, family, and charities better than anyone I have seen!
March 2nd, 2007 at 5:33 pm
“There’d be nary a complaint?” No, there’d still be a complaint if the children were biological, except then it would be “it is too hard on her body/ she didn’t breastfeed long enough/ there are children up for adoption in this world.”
So basically, no matter what they do, they will be criticized.
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Only Angie’s name is on the papers, so those laws won’t be a problem. Brad will just have to apply to adopt them afterwards like he did with Mad and Z. Anyway, People’s website confirmed it!! Congrats to the Jolie-Pitts!
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:47 pm
As I’ve said in another comment thread, people are inevitably going to find something wrong with everything. I frequent this blog because I can’t get enough of seeing celebrity baby photos…in essence thats the purpose of this site. However, it always turn into a celeb bashing session over the family’s private matters (like this pending adoption), whether or not they dress their daughters girly enough, not seeing enough photographs of certain dads holding their child, which of the celeb kids are pretty or plain, etc. What’s next? Negative comments about celeb parents who make their kids wear ugly green-purple polka dot socks? Gee wiz.
Yes I suppose you have an opinion to post what you want here. However I have an opinion as well: the negative comments in this thread and a few other related ones are frighteningly absurb. Some of your over analyze and obssess over these families’ private business way way way too much…as if its your own business.
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:47 pm
If this really does happen and it all goes through i would like brad and angelina so much more. I’m Vietnamese and i’ve been to Vietnam five times my mom actually took me to some ophanages a couple of times. they are some needy children there and i think whoever they adopt will be lucky to have parents like them and who care if they have another child, some celebrity parents these days have children who are about or less than a year apart.
March 2nd, 2007 at 8:32 pm
This family, especially Angelina, gets criticized no matter what they do and it’s not fair. It is as if some of you are on a witch hunt and choose only to believe or find the negative. Angelina, the so-called bad girl, is not out partying all hours of the night flashing her privates to the cameras or driving with her kids on her lap or wearing borrowed underwear from strippers yet some still find fault with her. You’re all like armchair psychologists who use a few pictures and quotes taken out of context to justify your meanness and that’s just sad.
Brad and Angelina have chosen to expand their family and from where I sit that’s a very good thing. I have read their respective interviews (NOT TABLOIDS) and it is obvious, at least to me, they love children and our devoted to family.
Brad when dating Gwyneth P. talked about wanting a big family, when he was married to Jennifer A., he talked about wanting 7 children. Angelina long before meeting Brad had said she wanted 7 kids, another time she said she wanted a football team of children. They each know what they want as a family and at age 31 and 43 respectively, they don’t want to waste any time in getting it. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines.
March 2nd, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I’ve adopted 4 girls. 1 from Vietnam, Heidi, 1 from China, Maisie, 1 from Italy, Mila, and 1 from Romania, Willow.
Zoe
March 2nd, 2007 at 10:29 pm
ZOE:
I love the name of your girls! Especially Willow =) Have you heard the song “Little Willow” by Paul McCartney? Really beautiful – sad, but beautiful =)
March 3rd, 2007 at 12:22 am
I am surprised by the criticism towards Angelina and Brad for saving and helping children.
I think it is particularly great that they would be adopting an older child (if the news is accurate). Many times older children are less desirable for adoption so I admire the Jolie-Pitts for this. I think it’s great that they want to balance their family because it shows a strong commitment to their family and their children.
I think it takes a special kind of soul to adopt one child and an extraordinary soul to adopt more than one.
I think that an older child will not confuse or disturb the children in their family in any way.
I wish them all the best with this endeavor and I look forward to watching their family grow in all ways! I absolutely adore this blended family.
March 3rd, 2007 at 1:33 am
Okay, I did not have time to read through all of the comments.. but am I the only one who thinks this statement is kind of weird:
Angelina has said that she would like to adopt children of similar ethnicities for each of her kids.
Gosh, the way thats phrased it makes me think she thinks of her children as collectables.. and she wants a matching pair.
Maybe that’s taken out of context? I dont know. It just struck me as very odd.
March 3rd, 2007 at 5:23 am
To me:
Yes, I have done research on adoption for personal and professional reasons and I believe that in most countries that allow Americans to adopt (if not all of them) you have to include a homestudy in addition to your adoption petition. The homestudy has to list all the people that you share the household with. If you claim you are a single parent but you have a homestudy that lists the father of your three kids as your living partner than something is off.
Maybe I should not use the word “cheating the system” but I do think it is a strech of a definition of “single”. I know some single women who were not allowed to adopt due to having a live-in boyfriend. Additionally, I know people, who got married in order to adopt so they would meet foreign country adoption criteria. So, if Angelina is able to adopt, so should the all the women with live-in boyfriends, who so far were not able to do so.
Also, let if be known that if Angelina was really single or married to Brad I would not have problem with another adoption. It’s bending the rules of the country your child coming from that bothers me. Why can’t they adopt from the country that allows cohabitating couples to adopt?
It is also a fact that when Angelina was adopting Zahara she did not live with Brad, so the homestudy could not have listed him as her partner. Therefore she was trully single.
With all due respect, “me”,I am presenting my opinion on the matter and you do not have to agree.
March 3rd, 2007 at 6:36 am
Even if the rumour turns out to be true, the fact that Angelina’s started the filing process now doesn’t mean she and Brad are going to have a houseful of Vietnamese kids anytime soon. Doesn’t adoption in most countries take at least a year to complete? I think Shiloh will be plenty old enough by the time another kiddiwink comes along for there to be time and space for a new baby, she’s not a tiny infant anymore.
March 3rd, 2007 at 9:49 am
Zoey,
I see nothing wrong in wanting to adopt children of similar ethnicities. Maddox and Zahara have two Caucasian parents, with Caucasian grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. As of today, there is no one in the family that looks like either one of them who can truly understand what it’s like being Asian or African living in the US.
One criticism of transracial adoptions has always been that some parents neglect to teach their children about their biological heritage/culture nor can fully relate to and prepare the child for the negative experiences he/she WILL have to face in being non-white in the world. These challenges won’t go away just because their last name is Jolie-Pitt. Having siblings with similar backgrounds will allow each child to feel not so different and provide the child with someone who more readily understands them. It seems to me Brad and Angelina recognize this and are committed to giving all their children the best support possible.
Lastly why is it no one questions Sharon Stone who chose to adopt three blonde, blue-eyed boys? Is she too treating her children like collectibles? I just feel that some people are more likely to throw out a word like “collectibles” when discussing adopted children of color than they are when talking about adopted white children. Zoey, I’m not saying that was your intention but I do see a difference in how people talk about Brad and Angelina’s adoptions as compared to Sharon Stone’s or Rosie O’Donnell and I honestly believe some of the comments I have read throughout the last few months are bordering on racist. Again Zoey, NOT saying or implying you are. It’s just that I’m beginning to see a theme that I don’t like.
March 3rd, 2007 at 10:15 am
Wow! Tanya you make Jolie sound like Mommy Dearest. You must be a tabloid writer’s dream because it is beyond obvious you haven’t read or seen any interviews done by Jolie but instead you think you know her by soundbites and blurbs. I could dissect your comments one by one but that would take too much time I don’t have but one of the most ignorant comments, and there are many, is the following:
“To justify Shiloh’s birth the US baby had to be born in Namibia, be given an african name and the baby photos money be given to Children’s Charity”
First, Brad and Angie did not nor do they need to justify where they chose their 3rd child to be born. They could have chosen the moon if they wanted to.
Second, please tell me when Shiloh became an African name? Again this tells me you bought into the tabloid reports of Brad and Angie choosing an African name for their child. Simply not true. Shiloh is not an African name. The tabloids lied and you believe them. So if you believed that tabloid tale it scares me to think of the other tabloid stories you believe.
Third, many celebrity parents sell the photos of their children and then pocket the money. Brad and Angie decided to donate the money instead but you find the donation of money to needy people a negative. Interesting.
The rest of your tirade is filled with tabloid rumors and outright falsehoods. You choose to believe Angelina is a horrible misguided parent who loves her adoptive children more than her biological one. Go read her interviews from start to finish to get the true story because your apparent love of tabloids is giving you nothing but falsehoods. And please stop assuming their 4 child “might turn out mentally hurt, hyperactive or something”. This blantant bias is one of the main reasons older children are less likely to be adopted.
March 3rd, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Sabina, People said they started the proceeding when Shiloh was born ten months ago.
March 3rd, 2007 at 2:09 pm
While People mag stated the process of research began shortly after Shiloh’s birth, it’s still going to be months before this new child is brought into their family. Afterall, the ‘actual’ adoption process does not begin until the papers are filed and that was done just this week. And let’s not forget she has only filed…the application still has to be approved and because they are who they are, their will be a lot of attention to make sure all procedures are followed properly. If anything they’ll be scrutinized even more.
That article stated the following:
Vietnam has one of the most complex and thorough processes in the world, the source explains, as a large number of reports must be created by Vietnamese authorities, background checks are undertaken, interviews are conducted and many meetings need to occur.
“That process could take a long time to unfold,” says the source, “and while it is wonderful that people are excited about it, the news that papers have been filed is only the beginning of a very comprehensive and detailed process.”
March 3rd, 2007 at 6:16 pm
NOT HATING ANGELINA
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In my humble opinion, it seemed like you didn’t state your opinion, you accused Jolie of cheating the system. I’m going by your words.
FYI, in Angelina’s Vogue interview, she stated that when Brad and Angelina both saw Zahara for the first time, they decided no matter what would happen between them, they would make sure she was taken care of. Brad and Angelina went to Ethopia to get Zahara together. And Brad had to go through scrutiny too in order to adopt Maddox and Zahara.
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“Yes, I have done research on adoption for personal and professional reasons and I believe that in most countries that allow Americans to adopt (if not all of them) you have to include a homestudy in addition to your adoption petition. The homestudy has to list all the people that you share the household with. If you claim you are a single parent but you have a homestudy that lists the father of your three kids as your living partner than something is off.”
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This statement of yours is vague and does not specifically talk about Vietnamese adoption laws at all. You talk about “most countries” but not Vietnam. Angelina has only filed for adoption, she will still have to go through a homestudy. I don’t think it’s up to any random individual to decide if “something is off” about Angelina living with Brad while filing as a single. She’s not bending the rules, she following them.
Legally, she’s considered single, so LEGALLY, she can file as a single parent. And when Brad files for adoption later, he will also have to face a lot scrutiny to adopt. “Something is off” is NOT a good enough reason to claim that Angelina is bending the rules or getting special treatement as you have done.
Please provide LEGAL proof that she is bending the rules since you state that you have done research on adoption for personal and professional reasons.
We’re closing the comments now. If any of you want to continue your conversations, you can hover your mouse over a poster’s name to see if they’ve left an email address to be contacted at. Thanks!