The Brad Pitt French winery legal battle is intensifying, as newly revealed court filings indicate the Oscar-winning actor and his former spouse, Angelina Jolie, are preparing for a pivotal face-off in court. The pair, whose marriage ended last year, are now heading for a 15-day jury trial concerning ownership and control of their shared French property, Winery Miraval, a case that remains unresolved despite their finalized divorce.
Disagreement Over Miraval Estate Ownership
According to sources, Pitt alleges that the upcoming proceedings are complicated by the involvement of foreign stakeholders and the tangled history between the pair. The dispute centers around Pitt’s 2022 claim against Jolie, asserting that she sold her shares of the winery independently, violating what he contends was an implicit agreement that they would retain joint stakes in the estate following their separation in 2016. Pitt has claimed the couple intended to preserve the winery for their children, keeping the business as a family legacy even after the split.
However, Jolie challenged these claims, referencing,
“no interest in sharing the business,”
—Angelina Jolie, Ex-Wife, as a factor in her decision to part ways with the vineyard. She cited the absence of mutual goodwill and specific concerns about how the business relationship would continue post-divorce as central to her motivation to divest her interest.
Allegations of Unapproved Stake Sale and Hostile Takeover
Pitt’s filings argue that Jolie’s sale of her ownership in the property was completed in 2021 to the Stoli Group, which is run by Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler. Pitt alleges that this transfer was executed without his approval and against previous discussions. The actor has also accused the Stoli Group of attempting a hostile takeover of the French winery, further escalating tensions between the former couple. The matter is complicated, with Pitt asserting that a non-disparagement agreement was initially discussed as a condition of the deal, before Jolie opted out, suspecting the NDA was designed to silence her regarding issues of alleged abuse.
Jolie Refutes Allegations as Parties Brace for Trial
Angelina Jolie has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining her position that there was never a binding agreement requiring Pitt’s consent for her to sell her stake. She maintains that her decision to sell was above board, and that Pitt’s claims lack legal foundation. The courtroom clash, which was outlined in US Weekly, has not yet been scheduled for a specific date, but both parties have made clear their intent to vigorously defend their positions as the trial approaches.
Implications for Parties, Children, and Ownership
This legal showdown could have significant consequences for the former couple, their children, and the future of the winery itself. A decision in Pitt’s favor might restore partial control or financial compensation, while a ruling for Jolie could affirm her right to dispose of her interests as she saw fit. With substantial financial and emotional investment in the estate, as well as the involvement of international parties like Yuri Shefler and the Stoli Group, the outcome is set to influence broader discussions around joint ownership, post-divorce agreements, and the handling of significant joint assets in high-profile separations.
