Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Château Miraval Dispute Heats Up: What’s Next?
The Ongoing Legal Battle Over Château Miraval
Angelina Jolie is preparing for a civil trial against Brad Pitt regarding the controversial sale of Château Miraval, following a recent court decision that favored Pitt. On June 17, a California Superior Court approved Pitt's request to compel depositions from executives of the company that purchased the winery, marking another significant moment in the ongoing legal dispute between the former couple over this high-profile estate.
Jolie's legal team has reiterated her focus on the upcoming trial and her determination to resolve the issue. Pitt's attorneys successfully argued that the executives from the acquiring firm possess crucial knowledge about Jolie's 2021 sale of her stake in the winery. The court ruled that these individuals must provide depositions, even though they are located outside the United States. In June 2025, Pitt attempted to depose one executive, but the individual declined, citing residency in Switzerland. The recent ruling mandated that depositions take place in London by September 30, overriding previous objections.
The origins of Pitt's allegations trace back to 2023 when he initiated a lawsuit against Jolie, seeking damages related to her sale of shares in Château Miraval to the wine division of the acquiring company. Pitt claimed that the deal involved a "Russia-affiliated spirits conglomerate," which he argued could harm the reputation of the business he co-founded. His legal team expressed concerns about potential boycotts due to the company's Russian ties and allegations of anti-LGBTQ legislation.
On June 24, a California Court of Appeals issued a ruling concerning the businessman managing the acquiring company, reversing part of a prior decision. The appellate court deemed it unlikely that he would risk nearly $40 million on a deal in which he had no involvement. A hearing to compel his deposition is scheduled for July 8. In response, Jolie's legal team downplayed the importance of the recent rulings, asserting that they do not impact the merits of her case and expressing her eagerness to resolve the matter in court next year.
As the legal proceedings continue, differing narratives have emerged regarding the sale. A source close to Jolie indicated that her decision was strictly business-driven, aimed at securing a reliable distribution partner for the benefit of their children. In contrast, a source close to Pitt described the court ruling as a move towards transparency, alleging that Jolie selected a partner he did not approve of, despite an agreement granting him the first right of refusal. The initial dispute began in February 2022, with Pitt claiming Jolie sold her share without mutual consent, while Jolie countered that Pitt has been pursuing a vindictive campaign against her since their divorce filing in 2016.