Angelina Jolie isn’t just dreaming about leaving Los Angeles anymore—she’s actively planning her exit.
The 50-year-old Oscar winner has made no secret of her desire to relocate to Europe, and new reports suggest she’s closer than ever to making that move a reality.
With her youngest children about to turn 18, the actress is reportedly “excited” about finally having the freedom to leave the city—and country—she’s called home for years.
Following in the footsteps of stars like Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell, Jolie has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with life in America, particularly Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lacks “Humanity,” According To Jolie
During a candid 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Atelier Jolie founder didn’t hold back about her feelings toward Los Angeles.
She described the city as lacking “humanity” and made it clear that staying there wasn’t her choice—it was a necessity dictated by her custody arrangement with ex-husband Brad Pitt.
I am here because I have to be here from a divorce, but as soon as they’re 18, I’ll be able to leave. When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety.
Those words painted a picture of someone counting down the days until freedom.
Insiders have reinforced this sentiment repeatedly, telling People that the Maleficent actress “never wanted to live in L.A. full time” and has been unhappy there for years. Her children—and the legal constraints of custody—were the only things keeping her rooted in Southern California.
She didn’t have a choice because of the custody arrangement with Brad. She’s eyeing several locations abroad. She’ll be very happy when she’s able to leave Los Angeles.
A Growing Disconnect From America
Jolie’s dissatisfaction extends beyond Los Angeles—it encompasses the entire United States.
At the San Sebastián Film Festival in Spain last September, where she was promoting her film Couture, the Eternals actress spoke openly about feeling disconnected from her own country. She addressed America’s political turmoil, particularly following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with measured but pointed words.
Anything, anywhere that divides or limits personal expressions and freedoms, I think, is very dangerous.
Then came her most striking statement.
I don’t, at this time, recognize my country. I’ve always lived internationally. My family is international. My life, my worldview, is equal [and] united.
Her words reflected not just political frustration, but a fundamental misalignment between her values and what she perceives as America’s current trajectory.
The Tomb Raider alum concluded her comments carefully, acknowledging the weight of the moment.
I think these are such serious times that we have to be careful not to say things casually. So I’ll be careful in a press conference. But these are very, very heavy times.
July 12th: The Date That Changes Everything
Jolie’s twins, Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Léon, turn 18 on July 12th—a milestone birthday that represents more than just adulthood for their famous mother.
It’s her liberation date.
Once both children reach legal adulthood, the custody arrangement that has kept Jolie tethered to Los Angeles will no longer apply. The mom-of-six will finally have the freedom to relocate wherever she chooses, and all signs point to Europe.
But Jolie isn’t waiting until July to start her exit strategy.
Already Preparing For Departure
According to reports from late last year, the Maria star has already begun the process of selling her Los Angeles home.
Sources told People that after completing renovations, the property was being shown to pre-qualified buyers—a clear indication that her plans are well underway, not just wishful thinking.
She’s ready for a life that isn’t centered in Los Angeles. There are a lot of projects she’s excited about and she’s feeling good. She’s looking forward to 2026 and the flexibility she’ll have then.
That “flexibility” represents something money can’t buy: the ability to live life on her own terms, free from legal constraints and geographical obligations.
What Europe Offers That America Doesn’t
While Jolie hasn’t publicly confirmed which European locations she’s considering, insiders say she’s evaluating several options.
What draws her across the Atlantic? Several factors align with her stated priorities:
- Privacy and peace: European privacy laws offer significantly more protection from paparazzi and media intrusion than American regulations
- International perspective: Jolie has always identified as globally-minded, and Europe’s multicultural environment better reflects her worldview
- Cultural richness: With her deep involvement in film, fashion, and humanitarian work, European cultural centers offer opportunities aligned with her interests
- Safety for her family: She’s consistently emphasized wanting a secure, private environment for her children
Her humanitarian background also plays a role. Jolie has spent decades working internationally through her role as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, giving her established connections and comfort living abroad.
Following A Celebrity Exodus Pattern
Jolie isn’t alone in her desire to leave America.
Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell have both reportedly made similar moves, relocating to Europe amid America’s increasingly polarized political climate. This growing trend among high-profile celebrities reflects broader concerns about American society, politics, and quality of life.
What makes Jolie’s situation unique is how long she’s been planning and waiting for this moment—and how transparent she’s been about her reasons.
A New Chapter Awaits
With just months remaining until her twins’ 18th birthday, Angelina Jolie is entering what could be the most personally liberating phase of her life.
After years of feeling trapped by custody arrangements and disillusioned by her surroundings, she’s finally approaching the freedom to choose where and how she lives. Sources describe her as not just ready, but genuinely excited about what comes next.
The question isn’t whether she’ll leave—it’s where she’ll go and what this next chapter will look like.
For someone who has spent much of her adult life advocating for refugees and displaced people around the world, there’s something poignant about Jolie herself seeking a new home where she feels she truly belongs.