In the glitzy world of Hollywood, power alliances are everything, and Angelina Jolie knows it. As her high-stakes legal battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt drags on, the Maleficent star has found an unexpected yet potent ally in none other than Salma Hayek. According to sources close to the situation, Angelina has been cozying up to Salma, hoping that their friendship will not only bolster her emotional support but also provide a much-needed boost to her bank balance as legal fees continue to skyrocket.
Hollywood’s New Power Duo
Angelina Jolie, 49, and Salma Hayek, 57, have become quite the dynamic duo in Tinseltown. Their friendship, which has blossomed over the past few years, is more than just casual dinners and red carpet appearances. The two A-list actresses have been working closely on several high-profile projects, cementing a deep professional collaboration that’s proving to be incredibly strategic for Angelina.
“Angelina has met plenty of billionaires during her career as an actress,” a source exclusively tells In Touch. “But the friendship she has forged with Salma over the last few years is a different animal altogether and really ratchets up Angelina’s power in the business.”
Salma Hayek, with her impressive net worth of over $200 million, is married to billionaire François-Henri Pinault, who boasts a jaw-dropping $7 billion fortune. This connection has added significant muscle to Angelina’s corner, especially as she navigates the financial strains of her ongoing legal war with Brad Pitt.
From Eternals to Without Blood: A Lasting Collaboration
Angelina and Salma’s friendship has only deepened since they worked together on Marvel’s Eternals nearly six years ago. Since then, the two have remained close, with Salma taking the lead in Angelina’s latest directorial venture, Without Blood, a pandemic-conceived project that has been quietly in the works for three years. Set to roll out on the festival circuit this fall, Without Blood marks another milestone in their ongoing partnership.
“Angelina and Salma have a deep, ongoing collaboration that hasn’t let up since they shot Eternals together almost six years ago,” the insider reveals. With Without Blood on the horizon and Angelina’s portrayal of Maria Callas also set to hit screens later this year, the timing couldn’t be more critical for Jolie to have her legal troubles behind her. However, as the source explains, a quick resolution seems unlikely.
The Brad Pitt Battle: Legal Woes and Winery Wars
The legal skirmish between Angelina and Brad Pitt, 60, has been nothing short of a marathon. Despite being declared legally single in 2019, the former Hollywood power couple has yet to finalize their divorce, largely due to an ongoing dispute over their co-owned winery. The feud escalated when Brad sued Angelina over their business contract, leaving little hope for reconciliation.
“How does [Angie and Salma’s working relationship] impact Angelina’s ongoing legal battle with her ex-Brad Pitt?” the source continues. “Well, it certainly helps to have a massive fortune like Salma’s in your corner, and not just for the purposes of getting a film financed.”
It’s not just the winery that’s causing friction. The battle for custody of their children remains a thorny issue. Although Brad was initially granted joint custody in 2021, the decision was reversed after the judge was removed from the case, handing Angelina full custody and opening another legal front for Brad to challenge.
Salma’s Billionaire Backing: The Ace Up Angelina’s Sleeve
As the legal drama unfolds, having Salma and her billionaire husband on her side is proving to be a crucial advantage for Angelina. The couple’s influence, particularly in Europe’s luxury sector, offers Angelina resources and contacts that rival, if not surpass, those Brad has leveraged in his fight against her.
“Salma and her husband have a level of expertise and contacts in the Europe-based luxury world that matches and even surpasses the resources Brad has wielded in his fight with Angelina,” the insider notes. “You can bet that Angelina is going to call on that support as she looks for some kind of resolution to her and Brad’s conflict.”
With Salma by her side, Angelina isn’t just navigating Hollywood’s treacherous waters; she’s doing so with a powerful ally whose influence extends far beyond the silver screen. Whether this friendship will help bring her legal battles to a close remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Angelina Jolie is playing her cards strategically, and she’s got a winning hand in Salma Hayek.
FAQs
Why are Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek so close?
Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek have become close friends after working together on Eternals and have continued to collaborate on multiple projects. Their friendship has also been strategic, especially as Angelina faces financial strains due to her ongoing legal battles.
How is Salma Hayek helping Angelina Jolie?
Salma Hayek, married to billionaire François-Henri Pinault, offers Angelina significant financial and influential support, which is proving valuable as Angelina’s legal battle with Brad Pitt continues.
What is the status of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s divorce?
Although legally single since 2019, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have yet to finalize their divorce due to ongoing disputes, including over their co-owned winery and custody of their children.
What are Angelina Jolie’s upcoming projects?
Angelina Jolie is set to release Without Blood, a film she directed, and a biopic where she portrays Maria Callas. Both projects are slated for release this fall.
How does Salma Hayek’s influence affect Angelina’s legal battles?
Salma Hayek’s wealth and connections, particularly in Europe, provide Angelina with resources that could help her navigate and potentially resolve her ongoing legal disputes with Brad Pitt.
