Brad Pitt Challenges Angelina Jolie’s Legal Conduct
Brad Pitt has accused his ex-wife Angelina Jolie of “persistent misdirection” in their ongoing legal battle over Chateau Miraval, the French vineyard they once co-owned. The dispute, which began after Jolie sold her share in 2021, has escalated as Pitt pushes for access to correspondence related to the transaction that he claims she has withheld.
According to legal documents obtained by Us Weekly, Pitt has asked a judge to reject Jolie’s request for $33,000 in legal fees and compel her to release private emails connected to the deal. He argues that her refusal to disclose these communications hinders transparency and delays the discovery process.
Source: The Economic Times
Background of the Legal Dispute
The conflict stems from Jolie’s 2021 sale of her stake in Chateau Miraval to Tenute del Mondo, the wine division of the Stoli Group. The couple separated in 2016 after 12 years together.
Pitt maintains that the sale violated an agreement between the pair stating that neither could sell their shares without the other’s consent. He filed suit in February 2022, alleging breach of contract. Jolie countersued months later, accusing Pitt of conducting a “vindictive war” following their divorce.
Pitt’s Argument for Email Disclosure
Pitt’s latest filing demands that Jolie turn over her correspondence with business manager Terry Bird, British publicists Chloe Dalton and Arminka Helic, and financial advisors. He contends that these exchanges are not protected by attorney-client privilege because they concern “business and strategy” rather than legal counsel.
His legal team stated, “What Jolie describes are brainstorming sessions between non-lawyers. The fact that these may have followed legal advice does not make them immune from disclosure. Pitt alleges that Jolie has “categorically withheld” nearly all internal communications about the Miraval sale except one, which he claims are key to proving that the transaction was not lawful.
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Jolie’s Legal Team Denies Allegations
Jolie’s attorneys argue that Pitt’s attempt to access her private messages violates her rights and includes communications that are legally protected.
“Mr. Pitt’s filing still relies on speculation to intrude on her private communications,” her lawyer said. “This lawsuit is another attempt to harass and control Ms. Jolie.” Her legal team is also seeking $33,000 in attorney’s fees for defending against his motion.
A Prolonged Legal Saga
The Chateau Miraval dispute remains one of Hollywood’s lengthiest property battles. Although Pitt and Jolie finalized their divorce in December 2024, the lawsuit over the French estate continues to unfold.
Once a symbol of their shared success, the vineyard has become the center of accusations of breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress, highlighting the deep erosion of trust between the former couple.
Pitt’s Legal Motion and Next Steps
Pitt contends that Jolie’s refusal to disclose emails suggests she may be concealing critical information about the sale. His motion seeks a court order compelling compliance or imposing sanctions. He argues that releasing the emails would be the “simplest way” for Jolie to demonstrate that her redactions are justified.
A forthcoming hearing will determine whether Jolie must hand over the contested communications and whether Pitt’s motion for dismissal will advance.
Continuing Tensions Between the Former Couple
Once considered one of Hollywood’s most glamorous pairs, Pitt and Jolie’s relationship has devolved into years of courtroom conflict and public scrutiny. Their fight over Chateau Miraval extends beyond finances, reflecting deeper issues of control and accountability.
Legal experts predict that the case could stretch into 2026, further blurring the boundaries between private correspondence and public litigation in one of the most closely watched celebrity legal battles of the decade.
