The contentious legal battle between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once Hollywood’s golden couple, has taken another dramatic turn.
On November 25, a judge ruled in favor of Jolie, ordering Pitt to hand over documents, including emails and text messages, that her legal team claims are pivotal in exposing alleged abuse, cover-ups, and falsehoods.
This latest development intensifies the already fraught case surrounding the sale of Château Miraval, the French winery the former couple once co-owned.
The dispute began when Jolie sold her stake in Château Miraval to the Stoli Group in 2022.
Pitt filed a lawsuit against her, alleging the sale violated an agreement requiring mutual consent before either party could sell their share.
Pitt’s legal team argued that Jolie’s sale not only breached their contract but also opened the winery’s operations to a third party he viewed as untrustworthy.
Jolie, however, has maintained that she attempted to sell her stake back to Pitt but was met with conditions she found untenable.
According to her team, Pitt demanded she sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that would have restricted her from speaking about his alleged abusive behavior.
This demand reportedly stems from an infamous 2016 private flight incident. During the flight, Pitt was allegedly abusive toward Jolie and their children while intoxicated.
Although no charges were filed after an investigation by authorities, the incident marked the beginning of their divorce proceedings, with Jolie filing for separation days later.
Jolie’s legal team hailed the judge’s decision to require Pitt to produce documents as a major win. Her lawyer, Paul Murphy, described the materials as “crucial evidence” that could illuminate the harm Jolie and her children endured.
In his statement, Murphy emphasized that Jolie has sought to resolve matters amicably and was reluctant to take the dispute to court.
“She never wanted any of this,” Murphy said, adding that Jolie initially sought to sell her stake back to Pitt without contention.
“She left all their properties, and she is the one who tried to sell him the business in the first place. She wants this to end, and the children want this to end.”
Murphy also took aim at Pitt’s approach to the case, suggesting he focus on rebuilding his relationship with their children rather than prolonging the legal battle.
“If he does not, Angelina will defend herself in court by presenting the evidence necessary to demonstrate that Pitt’s allegations are demonstrably false,” Murphy stated.
At the heart of the dispute lies the issue of abuse allegations stemming from their tumultuous relationship. Jolie has alleged a pattern of abusive behavior by Pitt, including the 2016 incident on the private jet.
While Pitt has consistently denied these allegations, Jolie’s legal filings suggest that the NDA he sought to impose during the winery negotiations was an attempt to silence her.
The allegations have also had a profound impact on their children. Jolie and Pitt share six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.
Some of the older children, particularly Maddox and Pax, have reportedly distanced themselves from Pitt in recent years.
Although Pitt was cleared of any wrongdoing after the 2016 incident was investigated, Jolie’s legal team argues that the ruling does not erase the harm caused.
Her filings detail what she describes as a history of volatile behavior, adding another layer of complexity to the already bitter legal proceedings.
Château Miraval is no ordinary business asset. The sprawling estate, nestled in the South of France, is not only a profitable winery but also a symbol of Jolie and Pitt’s former life together.
The couple purchased the property in 2008 and even hosted their wedding there in 2014.
The winery became a successful venture, producing acclaimed rosé wines, but it has now become a point of contention in their bitter divorce saga.
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Pitt’s team has argued that Jolie’s decision to sell her stake to the Stoli Group undermined their mutual investment and introduced risks to the winery’s future.
Conversely, Jolie’s team sees her sale as a necessary step to sever ties with her ex-husband after years of conflict.
With this latest ruling, the stage is set for an intense court battle between Jolie and Pitt, scheduled for next year.
The release of the requested documents could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome, potentially shedding new light on the allegations against Pitt.
Jolie’s legal team has hinted at their willingness to present evidence to counter Pitt’s claims if necessary, signaling that the trial could delve into deeply personal and contentious issues.
The legal wrangling has undoubtedly taken a toll on both Jolie and Pitt’s public images. While Pitt continues to enjoy a successful career in Hollywood, including recent box office hits, the allegations have cast a shadow over his reputation.
Jolie, meanwhile, has focused on her humanitarian work and directing projects but has faced criticism for her role in the prolonged legal battle.
Ultimately, the court’s findings and the potential release of evidence could have far-reaching implications—not only for the outcome of the case but also for how the public views this high-profile split.
For now, Jolie’s recent victory is a significant step forward in her pursuit of closure and resolution. Whether it brings an end to the legal strife between her and Pitt remains to be seen.
