Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have officially concluded their divorce, but the legal disputes surrounding their shared French winery, Château Miraval, persist. A source close to Pitt claims that Jolie's actions have caused significant damage to those involved in the family. Following the settlement announcement on December 30th, Jolie expressed hope for Pitt to move forward, emphasizing the need for peace and healing within the family. However, a source near Pitt views Jolie's decision to sell her share of the winery as an act of retribution.
In 2022, Pitt initiated a lawsuit alleging that Jolie violated a prior agreement by selling her portion of the estate without his consent. Jolie responded with a countersuit, accusing Pitt of waging a vindictive campaign against her. Despite these ongoing legal battles, both parties continue to express their desire for closure and resolution. The case has now moved closer to trial, with potential evidence suggesting a written agreement existed between them.
Jolie's Decision to Sell Her Share of Château Miraval
Jolie's choice to sell her stake in the prestigious winery has been met with mixed reactions. According to insiders, this decision was intended to sever ties with Pitt and bring financial independence. Jolie maintains that there was no formal agreement requiring mutual consent before selling shares. This stance has fueled further conflict, as Pitt argues that her actions undermine their previous commitments.
Jolie sold her 50% share of Château Miraval to Tenute del Mondo, a wine division of the Stoli Group, for $67 million in 2021. This transaction sparked immediate backlash from Pitt, who felt betrayed by her decision. He believes that Jolie deliberately disregarded their understanding to keep the winery within the family. In response, Jolie filed a countersuit, asserting that Pitt's legal actions are part of a pattern of hostility. She emphasized that they did not have any unwritten or secret contracts regarding the sale of shares. The court documents reveal that Jolie's legal team claims Pitt refused to buy her out unless she signed a non-disclosure agreement, which she viewed as an attempt to silence her about past issues.
Pitt's Allegations and Legal Strategies
Pitt's allegations against Jolie have centered around her alleged violation of their informal agreement concerning the winery. Sources close to Pitt suggest that he built a valuable business at Château Miraval, only to see it compromised by Jolie's decision to sell. His legal strategy aims to prove that Jolie acted against their mutual interests. Despite the contentious relationship, both parties share six children and have expressed a desire for peace and stability for their family.
In November 2022, Pitt achieved a significant victory when Jolie's motions to dismiss the lawsuit were rejected. This development brought the case closer to trial, with evidence potentially supporting Pitt's claims of a written agreement. Pitt's lawyers have also won a motion compelling Jolie to produce eight years' worth of non-disclosure agreements, aiming to demonstrate that she herself has used similar agreements in the past. Meanwhile, Jolie's legal team continues to stand firm, rejecting accusations and emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness. Both sides remain committed to their respective positions, with the legal battle over Château Miraval continuing to unfold.