Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, once Hollywood’s golden couple, continue to be entangled in a complex legal battle years after their highly publicized split in 2016. While the initial shock of their separation has faded, the legal proceedings surrounding their divorce and business ventures have only intensified, offering a glimpse into the fractured relationship and the bitter disputes over assets and custody.
The Heart of the Matter: Chateau Miraval
At the center of the latest legal battle lies Chateau Miraval, a sprawling French estate and vineyard purchased by the couple in 2008. The estate, where they married in 2015, holds both sentimental and financial value, boasting a successful wine business that Pitt claims he was instrumental in building.
The conflict ignited when Jolie sold her stake in Miraval to a subsidiary of Stoli Group in 2021. Pitt contends that this sale violated a pre-existing agreement requiring each party’s consent before selling their shares. He alleges that Jolie’s actions were driven by a desire to financially harm him and that the sale was part of a hostile takeover attempt.
Jolie’s Counteroffensive: A $350 Million Countersuit
Jolie has vehemently denied Pitt’s accusations, firing back with a hefty $350 million countersuit. She argues that a deal to sell her shares to Pitt fell through due to his unreasonable demands for a broad non-disparagement agreement (NDA) that went beyond the scope of the Miraval business.
According to Jolie’s legal team, Pitt leveraged the sale negotiations to silence her from speaking publicly about alleged abusive behavior towards her and their children during their marriage. They claim that Pitt’s insistence on the expansive NDA was a direct response to Jolie filing sealed documents in their ongoing custody battle, detailing allegations of domestic violence.
A Deeper Dive into the Allegations
Central to Jolie’s argument is an alleged incident aboard a private plane in 2016, which ultimately led to her filing for divorce. Jolie alleges that Pitt, under the influence of alcohol, physically and verbally assaulted her and their children. While Pitt denies these allegations, the incident was reported to authorities, prompting investigations by both the FBI and child welfare services.
Though no criminal charges were filed against Pitt, the FBI’s internal review reportedly found that the investigation and charging decisions had violated the rights of Jolie and their children. Jolie’s legal team emphasizes that she never intended to make these allegations public but was forced to address them as part of her defense against Pitt’s lawsuit.
NDAs and the Battle for Transparency
The legal battle has taken a turn towards a battle over transparency and information control, with both sides accusing the other of using NDAs to their advantage. Pitt’s legal team points to Jolie’s use of NDAs with employees, suggesting hypocrisy in her refusal to sign his proposed agreement.
However, Jolie’s lawyers argue that the scope of Pitt’s NDA was overly broad and designed to silence her on matters unrelated to Miraval. They maintain that Jolie’s use of NDAs with employees was standard practice, unlike Pitt’s alleged attempt to use it as leverage in a personal dispute.
The Stakes Remain High
The ongoing legal battle between Jolie and Pitt is a stark reminder that even amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, personal conflicts can devolve into messy and protracted legal battles. With millions of dollars and the well-being of their children at stake, the outcome of this case remains uncertain.
