Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s protracted legal battle surrounding their jointly owned French winery, Château Miraval, is set to advance to a civil trial in 2027. This legal dispute has been ongoing for years, and both parties are preparing for what could be a pivotal moment in their storied saga.
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Recently, new developments in the case have indicated that Pitt’s legal team has gained some momentum. A motion filed by Pitt was granted by a California Superior Court, allowing his team to compel depositions from key individuals associated with the company to which Jolie sold her interest in the winery. This includes testimony from members of the Stoli Group, the spirits and wine conglomerate involved in the transaction.
The court’s approval pertains to Jolie’s controversial sale of her shares in Château Miraval to Tenute del Mondo, a division of the Stoli Group. Pitt contends that this sale violated a previous agreement stipulating that neither party could sell their shares without the other’s consent. He filed a lawsuit against Jolie in 2022, alleging damages resulting from the sale.
The legal tug-of-war took a turn in June when the court agreed to Pitt’s request for depositions from Stoli executive Alexey Oliynik. However, Jolie’s legal team claims that Oliynik has refused to comply, citing his status as a Swiss resident as grounds for non-cooperation. The ongoing court proceedings highlight the complexity of the case and the various layers of legal protocols involved.
Pitt’s claims have been further intensified by the context surrounding the Stoli Group, which is led by billionaire Yuri Shefler and has been scrutinised due to its connections to Russia. Pitt argued that this association risks tarnishing the reputation of Château Miraval, a brand he has closely associated with his personal and professional life. Recent filings suggest that the depositions must take place in London by the end of September.
In a notable ruling from the California Court of Appeal, the court partially reversed a previous decision concerning Shefler’s involvement in the sale. The ruling questioned the plausibility of Shefler risking a significant financial stake without participating in the negotiation process. A hearing on Pitt’s motion to compel Shefler’s deposition is scheduled for early July, indicating that the case may soon take another decisive step.
In a recent statement, a representative for Jolie expressed confidence that the legal decisions thus far have not affected her position. The lawyer reiterated that Jolie is now focused on the upcoming trial, hoping to bring closure to the drawn-out situation and to allow her family to heal and move forward. Jolie maintains that her intention in selling her shares was entirely professional, aimed at ensuring the winery’s continued success for their family’s future.
Jolie has vigorously rejected Pitt’s characterisation of the sale and the associated implications regarding her motivations. Her legal filings refer to Pitt’s narrative as a “xenophobic, untrue smear campaign,” indicating the personal nature of their ongoing conflict. Sources close to Jolie emphasise that her partnership with Stoli was initially driven by the hope that it would enhance the winery’s reach, not personal animus towards Pitt.
On the other hand, Pitt’s camp contends that Jolie acted against their pre-existing agreements. They allege that she knowingly chose a partner whom he had expressly rejected for the business. Insiders have claimed that Jolie had promised Pitt the first right of refusal regarding any sale, which, if true, adds another layer of complexity to the case.
The legal showdown over Château Miraval has been particularly contentious, reflecting broader tensions stemming from their marital split and subsequent divorce proceedings, which were settled in December 2024. Both Jolie and Pitt share six children, and the ramifications of this battle extend far beyond mere financial considerations, touching on family dynamics and long-term legacy.
As the situation develops, both parties remain entrenched in their positions, with the trial on the horizon likely to bring more revelations to light. The outcome may not only affect their financial stakes but also the future of Château Miraval as a symbol of their complicated relationship. As 2027 approaches, the eyes of the public and legal observers will undoubtedly be focused on this high-profile case.