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February 3rd, 2011, 09:16 GMT · By

The Jolie-Pitt Twins Have Down Syndrome, Says Star

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Star magazine comes out with another Brangelina story: the twins may have Down Syndrome
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Almost a year after the story that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s twins, Knox and Vivienne, may have Down Syndrome first made its way into the tabloid media, Star is again bringing it up with the latest print issue, which comes with the screaming caption on the cover “Down Syndrome Drama.”

As the first photo attached will also confirm, the cover leaves absolutely no doubt as to what the article inside should contain, stating that confirmation comes from Jolie’s nanny that, indeed, the youngest members of the Jolie-Pitt clan have the condition.

“Brangie nanny tells al: truth about the twins,” reads another caption, right beneath a photo of Jolie and inserts of the twins.

Inside the magazine, though, is an entirely different story, as a scan of it (courtesy of Jezebel) proves: there’s no nanny account that the twins have the condition and, for that matter, Star has no reliable source to confirm this.

In fact, the entire piece is speculation on the twins’ appearance and quotes coming from so-called “insiders” that don’t even say what their connection to the family is.

Star says – as per the “sources” – that the twins’ problems began even before they were born, with Jolie having a rather difficult pregnancy that even required her to go to complete bedrest for about 2 months.

It then argues that Viv and Knox were sickly children, repeatedly developing colds and infections. It also notes that, unlike the other four Jolie-Pitt children, the twins are rarely seen out in public.

Star magazine comes out with another Brangelina story: the twins may have Down Syndrome
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“But unfortunately the signs that something could be wrong continue to fuel a wave of questions and concerns,” Star writes.

“The tots ‘are taking longer to grasp things than Shiloh did,’ an insider confirms, and they are much less playful than their outgoing, rough-and-tumble siblings,” the magazine goes on to say.

It also claims Angelina “freaked out” when one of her people suggested they “looked into the possibility that the twins have a disorder,” and says that, on a recent trip to Missouri at Brad’s parents, people started wondering “if there was something wrong with the twins. It just seemed like something was off.”

The aforementioned Jezebel analyzed Star’s article cited above, noting there isn’t even a hint of a trace of evidence to the claims. The conclusion: “All in all, disgusting business. Christ.” 

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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: lyn on 09 Feb 2011, 04:10 UTC reply to this comment

Some people are so jealous of this family that they will stop at nothing to keep a story in print.

Let the children alone!


Comment #2 by: honeybee on 13 Feb 2011, 00:42 UTC reply to this comment

If they children have Down Syndrome then what is the big story? millions of people around the world have Down Syndrome. If this is true then Brad and Angie will talk about it when they are ready and no one needs to force them to do so. Similar to Jett Travolta situation.... it is the family's decison to share or not share we are merely interlopers on their lives and we don't count.

Comment #2.1 by: Alice on 06 May 2012, 00:09 GMT

Angie stated that she would never keep it a secret if any of her children had Downs or anything else. She seems like the type of person who would become an advocate.


Comment #3 by: foxeylady65 on 22 Feb 2011, 02:20 UTC reply to this comment

As a single parent of a young 22 year old man with Down Syndrome, I resent the use of such words /phrases as the ones used in the recent STAR article which include: "Down Syndrome Drama", "nursing a secret pain", "afflicted with a genetic disorder", and "those with the disease". I find it very hard to believe that in this day and age of an enlightened medical environment, that the Doctors acting as pediatrians for the twins did not do any bloodwork on the babies at birth to easily detect whether or not one of the babies did indeed have Down Syndrome. Only one twin would have Down Syndrome, but not both. The ease of the bloodwork detects whether or not the 21st chromosome is linked differently than the rest of the chromosomes in a pattern of II I, not the typical I I pairing. While not all of the typical characteristics of children born with Down Syndrome are present at birth, many characteristics are, some more evident than others.
The existence of local groups comprised of families with children with Down Syndrome lend valuable education, current information, supportive fellowship, positive energy, activities, sports organizations, and the list goes on.
I also very seriously doubt that a team such as Jolie and Pitt, who can memorize film scripts and bring a level of energy and depth to their acting, could wait for 2 years of their children's lives to locate professional medical staff (not a nanny) to gain the correct information about Down Syndrome, what this means in their lives, and surround themselves with words that are positive and uplifting for the children they say "they love to bits just the same".
My son has graduated from high school, holds down a job, is an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, has performed in 3 high school plays, does volunteer work in the community, is a great team player on bowling leagues, baseball and softball teams, is a wonderful Uncle to 6 nephews and nieces, can cook his own dinner, can e-mail his friends and use a cell phone. He is not the exception, he is simply a reminder that individuals with Down Syndrome do succeed.
This article in the recent "STAR" does a complete disservice to all individuals who have Down Syndrome and their wonderful contirbutions to our families, churches, schools, communities, and organizations. It goes against all the education we have tried to give to the public. Our lives do not revolve around the negative, gloomy impression one gets from this article. We don't use vocabulary such as "drama", "affliction", "ailment" or "disorder" when describing our lives.
I can only hope that others will provide Angelina and Brad with the correct information that will assist them in being the best possible parents for their children, and not allow them to frame their lives with the likes of mag. articles that are incorrect and at best detrimental. Looking forward to reading what other parents have to say about the wonderful successes of their children!

Comment #3.1 by: canadalass on 01 Apr 2011, 04:51 GMT

there are twins born with down syndrome. About 22 cases in the world.


Comment #4 by: alumette on 28 Feb 2011, 08:00 UTC reply to this comment

they seem sluggish and have no expression on their faces. Unusual for children that age. They do not look like Down syndrome, but perhaps a tad slow. Maybe they will catch up.


Comment #5 by: alumette on 28 Feb 2011, 08:06 UTC reply to this comment

well, it would certainly be a huge concern to have a child with Down syndrome. No need to be offended at people's reactions. They are normal. Parents love their children and do the best they can. When given lemons, please do make lemonade.


Comment #6 by: canadalass on 01 Apr 2011, 04:58 UTC reply to this comment

I just want to say, maybe it doesn't really matter. But it is okay to have a child with Down Syndrome. My son was born to me, I didn't adopt. He is 9 years old now, and I love him very much. He is very high functioning. Empathetic, caring, loving and playful! Who cares if some celebs had a child or children with DS. Hopefully they know to tap into our immense support group. Other celebrities have children with Down Syndrome...Joe Diffie, John C. McGinley from scrubs. We all just learn a different path. It is okay, and I wish them all the best. I may have not been on TV or movies, but have been on the news for advocating for people with Down Syndrome. Hoping all is okay!


Comment #7 by: xladyx on 25 Aug 2011, 05:46 UTC reply to this comment

sometimes the tabloids can be cruel especially to children. without proof you are exploiting children to make a buck. if accusations like this is true, news should be released by the parents at their time not yours!!!!!


Comment #8 by: Jenn on 05 Nov 2011, 12:40 UTC reply to this comment

I have a little girl with Down Syndrome. I did not know until I gave birth to Aisha that she was a Down Baby. The Dr and Nurse reentered my room with looks on there faces like my child had past away. As a matter of fact, the Dr verbiage was delivered with such negativity "You had a beautiful daughter, * ..... Right away you think the worst. Then the words, your daughter seems to have signs of Down Syndrome. Like it was a death sentence. Its not, just a little challenging in the beginning.
Infants with Down Syndrome have low tone. Down infants may have difficulties with respiratory issues as a result of the low tone. However, this will get better as the child receives physical therapy and starts to move about more. Keep in mind, every child develops differently. If the media is going by a money hungry ex employee of the family or photos that most likely have been photoshopped, thats sad. If Brad and Angelina want to keep this issue private, the media should respect that. Stop exploiting their children. Angelina & Brad have embraced children from all over the world. Write about that!! Jenn


Comment #9 by: logicalperson on 01 Mar 2012, 02:40 UTC reply to this comment

I think that most of the time Brangelina ignore the tabloids, but THIS is one story that is going to * them off. Expect law suits.

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