Johnny Depp and Amber Heard may have dominated recent headlines with their explosive defamation trial, but the world of celebrity legal battles is far from quiet. A new showdown is brewing, this time between former Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and at the heart of it all lies a vineyard.
The couple, once considered the epitome of Hollywood romance, purchased the Château Miraval winery in France back in 2008. The sprawling estate, boasting its own vineyard and a 35-room chateau, even served as the picturesque setting for their 2014 wedding. However, their fairytale romance crumbled just two years later, leading to a highly publicized divorce and custody battle that continues to this day.
Image of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
The current legal battle centers around Jolie’s 2021 sale of her stake in the winery to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of the Stoli Group, controlled by Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler. Pitt alleges that Jolie’s actions were deliberately harmful, accusing her of seeking to damage his own stake in the business.
Pitt asserts that a previous agreement between the two required his consent before either party could sell their shares. He claims Jolie’s actions were a breach of contract, and he’s seeking damages in court.
Jolie’s camp, however, presents a starkly different narrative. They maintain that Pitt’s lawsuit is nothing more than an attempt to control the narrative and paint Jolie in a negative light. A source close to the actress told People magazine, “Mr. Pitt’s lawsuit against Ms. Jolie is an extension of a false narrative, and the truth of this situation has still not been made public.”
Image of Château Miraval winery
Jolie’s representatives argue that she made the difficult decision to sell her stake after years of being unable to return to the property with their children due to the painful memories associated with the divorce. They claim she made multiple offers to Pitt before finding a suitable buyer in Tenute del Mondo, a company with extensive experience in the alcohol industry, ensuring the legacy of the winery for their children.
This latest legal entanglement between the two raises questions about the complexities of celebrity divorces, particularly when shared business ventures are involved. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both Pitt and Jolie, both personally and financially.
While it remains unclear whether this case will escalate to the level of the Depp-Heard trial, one thing is certain: the battle of the exes over Château Miraval is far from over.
