Brad Pitt Ordered to Turn Over Crucial Documents in Angelina Jolie Winery Case
The once-golden couple of Hollywood, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, are locked in yet another courtroom drama, this time centered around their shared winery, Château Miraval. On November 25, a judge ruled that Pitt must produce key documents Jolie’s legal team claims are critical in proving allegations of abuse, cover-ups, and more during their tumultuous marriage.
This latest twist in the years-long battle comes as part of Pitt’s lawsuit against Jolie for selling her half of the famed French estate to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of the Stoli Group, in 2022. Pitt argues the sale violated an agreement to seek mutual approval before selling.
Jolie’s Lawyer Alleges Years of Misconduct
Jolie’s attorney, Paul Murphy, described the requested documents as containing evidence of “communications concerning abuse, lies to authorities, and years of cover-up” that Pitt has fought to keep hidden.
“His actions harmed Angelina and their children,” Murphy stated on November 26. “She never wanted this to escalate, but Mr. Pitt has left her no choice.”
Murphy emphasized that Jolie initially tried to sell her share of the winery back to Pitt but rejected his terms after he allegedly demanded a sweeping NDA that would silence her on matters of personal misconduct.
Pitt Fights Back Against “Fishing Expedition”
Pitt’s legal team previously called Jolie’s requests “sensationalist” and argued that they amounted to a “fishing expedition” designed to dredge up issues from their 2016 divorce.
A source close to Pitt described the judge’s earlier decision to side with him over a written agreement about the winery sale as a significant win.
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“This is a clear victory for Brad,” the insider told PEOPLE. “It shows the other side’s claims lack substance.”
A History of Allegations Resurfaces
The bitter winery battle has reignited past allegations of abuse, including claims stemming from a private plane flight in 2016, during which Pitt allegedly became drunk and abusive toward Jolie and their children.
Though Pitt was cleared by authorities following investigations at the time and has since become sober, Jolie’s legal team continues to reference a broader history of abuse predating the flight.
NDAs at the Center of the Storm
The court’s decision to demand disclosure of eight years’ worth of Jolie’s NDA agreements has added another layer of intrigue to the case. Pitt’s team hopes to demonstrate that NDAs were a common business practice, while Jolie’s side argues the one Pitt proposed was an overreach meant to silence her.
Murphy previously claimed Pitt’s NDA demands were “punitive” and aimed at “controlling” Jolie.
“The Children Want This to End”
Jolie’s lawyer says the actress wants the lawsuit resolved to protect their family and focus on healing.
“The children want this to end,” Murphy said. “Mr. Pitt should focus on reconciliation, not litigation.”
However, reports suggest that relations between Pitt and several of his six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox—remain strained, with some reportedly dropping Pitt from their last names and maintaining limited contact.
A Divorce Eight Years in the Making
The Château Miraval dispute is just one facet of the former couple’s complex legal saga, which has dragged on since Jolie filed for divorce in 2016.
“All the bitterness is partly why the divorce has taken so long,” a source told PEOPLE. “Neither side will let it go.”
Despite being declared legally single in 2019, unresolved financial and custody issues have kept the pair tethered in court battles.
What’s Next for Pitt and Jolie?
With the case moving closer to trial, more revelations are expected in the coming months. Pitt’s legal team continues to push back against attempts to tie the winery lawsuit to their divorce, while Jolie’s camp prepares to present evidence they believe will support her claims.
As both sides dig in, it’s clear that this is far from over. Whether the court drama ends in a truce or another bitter standoff, one thing remains certain: the world will be watching.
FAQs
What is the Château Miraval lawsuit about?
The lawsuit centers around Angelina Jolie selling her half of the winery to a third party, which Brad Pitt claims violated their agreement to seek mutual consent.
What documents has Brad Pitt been ordered to produce?
Pitt must disclose emails, texts, and other communications related to alleged abuse and misconduct. Attorney-client or therapy-related communications are exempt.
Why is Angelina Jolie rejecting Pitt’s NDA proposal?
Jolie’s legal team argues that Pitt’s proposed NDA was overly broad and aimed at silencing her on matters of personal misconduct.
How has the legal battle affected Pitt and Jolie’s children?
Reports suggest strained relationships between Pitt and some of his children, with limited contact in recent years.
When will the winery lawsuit go to trial?
No official trial date has been set, but the case is progressing closer to court proceedings following recent rulings.
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