Angelina Jolie hires Scandal inspiration

Angelina Jolie has hired the woman who inspired ‘Scandal’ to help with her divorce battle.

The ‘Maleficent’ actress – who filed for divorce from husband Brad Pitt after two years of marriage last week – has drafted in crisis manager Judy Smith, who Kerry Washington’s character in the TV series, Olivia Pope, is based on, to handle the highly-public split.

A source told People magazine: "Judy and her firm have a long history of handling issues that have unfortunately garnered too much attention in the public eye, and she knows how to push towards resolutions that are swift and discreet."

And insiders think hiring Judy – who has previously worked with the likes of Michael Vick, Paula Deen and Monica Lewinsky – is a sensible move for Angelina as she will give her client good advice.

A source told E! News: "She is typically a calming non-combative influence.

"Certainly seems like someone to give better advice than what she has been apparently been getting."

Following the news of the divorce, it had been speculated the 41-year-old actress hated Brad’s partying, alleged drug taking and was unhappy with the way he parented their children, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

And the FBI was then said to be probing the 52-year-old actor following reports he had drunkenly rowed with Maddox while on their private plane.

Brad and Angelina were together for 12 years and tied the knot in 2014.

It was previously claimed Brad was left "completely devastated" by his divorce.

An insider shared: "He is beside himself and has been crying. He was completely caught off guard and blindsided and had no idea she would do this."

Angelina is seeking sole physical custody of the children while allowing Brad visitation but the ‘Moneyball’ star is planning to fight for joint custody.