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Billy Bob Thornton Clarifies the Blood Vial Necklace Myth with Angelina Jolie

11/19/2025, 1:35:12 AM

Setting the Record Straight on Blood Vials

Billy Bob Thornton, in a recent interview with *Rolling Stone*, addressed the long-standing rumor that he and his ex-wife Angelina Jolie wore vials of each other's blood as necklaces during their marriage from 2000 to 2003. Thornton clarified that these vials "never existed," stating, "We each had a little locket, literally with a drop of blood in them. That’s a romantic little idea, and that’s all that was." He humorously added that public perception had exaggerated the situation, saying, "But by the time it’s over, we’re vampires. We live in a dungeon, we drink each other’s blood, and this kind of stuff."

The Origin of the Lockets

The idea for the blood lockets originated from Jolie, according to Thornton. He explained that she suggested they take a small amount of blood and place it in lockets as a romantic gesture while they were apart due to their filming schedules. "She thought it would be interesting and romantic if we took a little razor blade and sliced our fingers, smeared a little blood on these lockets and you wear it around your neck just like you wear your son or daughter's baby hair in one," he elaborated. This gesture, however, was quickly sensationalized by the media.

Reflections on Their Relationship

Thornton reminisced about his time with Jolie, describing it as "one of the greatest times of my life." He emphasized that their relationship ended amicably, stating, "She and I are still very, very close friends. And that was the one that ended up being a really civilized breakup. We simply split up because our lifestyles were so different." He noted that their marriage was under intense media scrutiny, which he found "pretty weird," especially since he was the more famous one when they met.

Public Fascination and Media Scrutiny

The couple's relationship attracted significant media attention, which Thornton found overwhelming. He remarked, "We couldn’t go anywhere. I mean, we did, and then of course we had times when we would say things that became sound bites or whatever." This constant scrutiny contributed to the myth surrounding their blood vials, which Thornton insists was a simple romantic gesture that spiraled out of control.

Current Status and Personal Lives

Since their divorce, Thornton has married Connie Angland, with whom he has a daughter, Bella. He has been married six times in total. Jolie, on the other hand, has had a high-profile relationship with Brad Pitt, with whom she shares six children. Despite their separate paths, both Thornton and Jolie have expressed fondness for their past together, with Thornton stating, "I still love him dearly and think the world of him," reflecting Jolie's sentiments about their relationship.

Conclusion

Billy Bob Thornton's recent comments serve to clarify the misconceptions surrounding his relationship with Angelina Jolie, particularly the infamous blood vial necklaces. Their story, marked by romance and media frenzy, continues to capture public interest, but Thornton emphasizes the simplicity and affection behind their gesture, rather than the sensationalized narratives that have emerged over the years.