Brad Pitt, 56, and his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, 51, shared a sweet reunion earlier this year at the SAG Awards after their separation in 2005. He also attended her 50th birthday party last year.

It has now been reported by The Mirror that the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood actor’s apology to the Friends actress paved the way for their reconciliation. 

In 2011, Brad upset Jennifer with some seemingly harsh comments about their marriage, according to the publication.

USA GAG has contacted representatives for Brad and Jennifer for comment.

While speaking to Parade magazine in 2011, the Hollywood star said: “I spent the ’90s trying to hide out, trying to duck the full celebrity cacophony.

“I started to get sick of myself sitting on a couch, holding a joint, hiding out. It started feeling pathetic.

“It became very clear to me that I was intent on trying to find a movie about an interesting life, but I wasn’t living an interesting life myself.”

Brad then addressed his marriage with Jennifer being in the public eye.

He added: “I think that my marriage had something to do with it. 

“Trying to pretend the marriage was something that it wasn’t.”

The Fight Club star went on to gush about his relationship with Angelina Jolie, 44, who he began dating after his split with Jennifer.

Brad continued at the time: “I’m satisfied with making true choices and finding the woman I love, Angie, and building a family that I love so much.

“A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss. That’s the trade-off. But I’ll take it all.”

However, Brad later issued an apologetic statement to clarify that his words about Jennifer were misinterpreted.

He told Access Hollywood shortly after his interview with Parade magazine in 2011: “It grieves me that this was interpreted this way. 

“Jen is an incredibly giving, loving and hilarious woman who remains my friend.”

Brad then insisted he was not trying to portray Jennifer as “dull”.

He added: “It is an important relationship I value greatly. 

“The point I was trying to make is not that Jen was dull, but that I was becoming dull to myself and that, I am responsible for.”

A source reportedly told Entertainment Tonight in January this year that Brad also reached out to Jennifer to apologise for past issues in their relationship.

The insider said: “Brad is in such a different place than he was when they were together. Brad is truly an introspective guy who has worked hard on himself.

“He has apologised to her for many things he felt were his issues in their relationship.

“He truly takes ownership of his mistakes, and that has changed their relationship with each other today. They both have moved on.”