Brad Pitt was "committed" to making his marriage to Angelina Jolie work.
Although the couple – who were together for 12 years and married for two – had issues, Brad, 52, reportedly told Angelina, 41, he was open to therapy in order to save their union.
A source told E! News: "Brad did not want the marriage to end. He was committed to doing what he needed to make it work. He was open to therapy."
Another insider added: "He is emotionally torn. Right now, he is devastated. He still loved Angelina and would have preferred they fight to make the marriage work. He was willing to do whatever it took to save the marriage and didn’t know Angelina had already given up on it.
"He has wanted to protect the children. He didn’t want it to play out publicly."
However, despite Angelina filing for divorce this week, the pair are reportedly working together to make the split easier for their children – 15-year-old Maddox, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, eight,
The source said: "Both sides are in a better place. There is a commitment from both sides to look out for and protect the children. They are both determined to protect the kids and find the best way to resolve this situation."
It has been claimed Angelina filed for divorce due to her concerns about how Brad parented the kids, as well as worrying he has an anger problem and indulges too heavily in alcohol and marijuana consumption.
However, sources insist the ‘Big Short’ star has "never" put his offspring in danger.
Brad has admitted he is "very saddened" by the demise of his 12-year relationship.
In a statement, he said: "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids.
"I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."
Meanwhile, representatives for Angelina – who tied the knot with Brad in 2014 – said she filed for divorce for the sake of her kids.
Her longtime manager Geyer Kosinki told E! News: "Angelina is doing what’s best in the interest of taking care of her children. She appreciates everyone’s understanding of their need for privacy at this time."
Whilst entertainment attorney Robert Offer added in a statement: "Angelina has filed for dissolution of the marriage. This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time."
Brad Pitt was ‘committed to making marriage work’
