The ongoing legal dispute between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt over their formerly co-owned French vineyard, Château Miraval, has intensified. Jolie's former company has filed new court documents accusing Pitt of orchestrating a scheme to deplete the vineyard's assets and undermine its profitability. These accusations portray Pitt as engaging in a “vindictive campaign” to “loot” the business following Jolie's 2016 divorce filing.
The court filings specifically allege that Pitt misused company funds on frivolous renovation projects, including a $1 million swimming pool renovation. A source close to Pitt, however, contests these claims, asserting that Pitt has invested substantial sums into the vineyard over the past decade and characterizing the accusations as “absurd.”
Jolie's legal team also challenges Pitt's assertion that he was instrumental in building the wine business into a successful venture. They argue that Pitt's primary occupation as an actor precluded him from playing a significant role in the vineyard's operations, highlighting his extensive film work and promotional appearances as evidence. The documents pointedly state, “Pitt is an actor, not a winemaker…He deals in illusions, not dirt and grapes.”
The heart of the dispute stems from Jolie's sale of her 50% stake in Château Miraval, which she and Pitt acquired in 2008. Pitt contends that Jolie sold her share without his consent, violating a prior agreement. He claims he only learned of the sale through media reports. Conversely, a source close to Jolie maintains that Pitt was offered the opportunity to purchase her stake but declined unless Jolie agreed to remain silent about alleged past abuse. This source asserts that Jolie’s primary concern has been the well-being of their children and advocating for improved domestic violence support systems, and that the current legal battle arose solely from Pitt’s lawsuit.
Jolie's initial abuse allegations against Pitt, detailed in earlier court filings, describe a 2016 incident involving physical altercations with both Jolie and their children. These allegations, which prompted an FBI investigation, were ultimately not pursued for criminal charges. A source close to Pitt maintains that these claims are fabricated and that Jolie has repeatedly altered her account of the incident.
The legal battle continues, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives. The future of Château Miraval and the resolution of this deeply personal dispute remain uncertain.
