Meet Melissa Lee Gatlin, The First Wife Of Billy Bob Thornton

However, a year after their daughter’s birth, Billy and Melissa ended their marriage in 1980. At the time, their daughter Amanda was 18 months old.

Why did they divorce?

While Thornton never mentioned why he and Melissa ended their union, the latter, in an interview said it was due to the actor’s commitment issues and infidelity were the reason.

Melissa also said Thornton’s disregard towards kids was one of the reasons why his and Angelina Jolie’s relationship broke down. Whilst talking to the Daily Mail in November 2017, Gatlin claimed,

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he did not want to be around children back then. Look at the timeline: she adopted Maddox and then, [Billy] was gone.

Jolie and Thornton separated in March 2002 as soon as the former adopted Maddox in March 2002. Jolie’s next partner, Brad Pitt, however, adopted Maddox when he and the actress started their courting in 2005.

Melissa likewise added Thornton’s habits of cheating were also the reason. She said that Billy must have cheated on his other wives as well. She also expressed her surprise at the possibility of Thornton cheating on Angelina Jolie.

Following Gatlin and Thornton’s separation, Amanda grew up estranged from her father. Her mom Melissa raised her all by herself. During her interview with Barbara Walters, Gatlin said she had thought Thornton was amazing at the beginning but they weren’t friends anymore after their separation.

Meanwhile, Melissa’s ex-husband Thornton would go on to marry five women including his sixth wife Connie Angland. He also has a daughter Bella Thornton with Connie.

Melissa’s Daughter Is Serving 20 Years In Prison

Melissa and Thornton’s only daughter, Amanda got incarcerated in 2011 for aggravated manslaughter of a minor. She would serve 20 years in a Florida prison.

Brumfield was in the care of one-year-old Olivia when the little girl died from swelling and bleeding to the brain.

Despite the aforesaid ruckus, one of Amanda’s neighbors in Ocoee, Florida described Melissa’s daughter as “quiet and normal.”

Amanda, however, was set free in September 2020. She now has a husband and a daughter. She lives in Arkansas with her family.