The saga of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt continues to capture the public’s imagination as the former power couple rekindles their legal feud over the ownership and sale of their French winery, Château Miraval. This latest chapter unfolds just weeks after the duo seemed to have closed the chapter on their protracted divorce proceedings.
The Spark that Reignited the Battle
The conflict resurfaced when Pitt accused Jolie of breaching an agreement they made during their marriage concerning the sale of her stake in Château Miraval. According to reports, the dispute flared up over disagreements on the terms of the sale and subsequent actions taken by both parties. Pitt alleged that Jolie sold her 50% interest in the winery without his consent, which was a violation of their initial agreement that neither party would sell their shares without the other’s approval.
The Legal Wrangle Over Winery Sale
In a legal twist, Pitt claimed he had negotiated to buy out Jolie’s share for a hefty sum of $55.4 million, offering $46 million upfront along with additional installments. However, Jolie rejected his proposal and instead, sold her stake to Stoli, a different company, for $64 million. This move led Pitt to file a lawsuit aiming to nullify Jolie’s sale, escalating the dispute further.
The legal tangle didn’t stop there. The new owners of the winery came under fire from Pitt, who accused them of a hostile takeover. In response, the owners countered with accusations against Pitt for alleged misuse of company funds, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Angelina Jolie’s Counterclaims and Defense
Angelina Jolie’s stance in the courtroom was robust, denying all of Pitt’s allegations. Her legal team clarified that she had indeed offered to sell her half of the winery to Pitt, which included a clause that would prevent any disparagement against Miraval’s wine business. This deal fell through when, at the last moment, Pitt withdrew from the agreement, influenced by Jolie’s filings accusing him of domestic violence in 2021—allegations that Pitt’s legal team later acknowledged he had accepted responsibility for.
Moreover, Jolie accused Pitt of prioritizing his career over the welfare of their family, stating that his insistence on a new, broader non-disparagement clause covering personal misconduct was a major sticking point that caused the deal to collapse.
Ongoing Legal Drama and Public Interest
As the court proceedings drag on, both Jolie and Pitt continue to deny any wrongdoing while seeking outcomes that would favor their respective positions. The drama not only highlights the complexities of high-profile celebrity divorces but also underscores the intense personal and public battles that can emerge from them.
The case continues to garner significant media attention, reflecting broader societal interests in celebrity lifestyles, legal battles, and the personal challenges they face. As both stars prepare to reveal more in their ongoing legal confrontations, the public and media alike remain riveted by every development.
This renewed legal battle over Château Miraval not only underscores the enduring conflicts in post-divorce adjustments among high-profile couples but also reflects the broader implications of celebrity partnerships in business ventures and their complex dissolutions. As this story develops, it will continue to provide insights into the intersection of celebrity, legality, and personal life in today’s media landscape.