Actor Brad Pitt has informed a judge that he is encountering obstacles in obtaining private messages from his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, which he believes are critical to their contentious court case involving their French vineyard. The legal battle centers around Château Miraval, a winery the former couple acquired during their marriage, with Pitt aiming to secure evidence from Jolie’s communications to strengthen his claims.
Impediments in Depositions and Document Requests
On June 30, Pitt submitted court documents highlighting difficulties in deposing Alexey Oliynik, an individual affiliated with the Stoli Group, which purchased Jolie’s winery shares. Oliynik has refused to participate in a deposition or provide relevant documents, citing his residence in Switzerland as protection from appearing in a California court. Pitt asserts that Oliynik holds direct knowledge of negotiations related to the sale of Jolie’s stake and has requested all communications involving Jolie and her associates.
A source close to the case said,
“this is another example of the defendant’s repeated opposition to sharing documents that would provide insight.”
—Source close to the case
The court has yet to issue a ruling on this matter.
Background on the Miraval Winery Disagreement
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie jointly purchased Château Miraval earlier in their marriage, with Pitt holding his interest through a company called Mondo Bongo and Jolie controlling hers via Nouvel. Although the couple separated in 2016, they maintained ownership of the winery until Jolie sought to exit in 2021. Pitt and his team offered $55.4 million to buy out Jolie’s stake, but Jolie proceeded to sell her shares to the Stoli Group instead, a transaction Pitt contests.
In 2022, Pitt filed suit claiming Jolie sold Nouvel’s stake without his consent, which he argued was contractually required. Jolie denied these allegations and maintained she was entitled to sell without Pitt’s approval.
Disputes Over Non-Disclosure Agreement and Allegations of Abuse
Jolie accused Pitt of attempting to enforce a non-disparagement agreement during their negotiations, which she claims was intended to conceal years of alleged abuse. Pitt has firmly denied these allegations. Pitt’s lawyer dismissed Jolie’s claim as a pretext, stating,
“[Jolie] and Nouvel had covertly lined up and tentatively struck a deal with a third party: the Stoli Group, owned and controlled by Russian billionaire, Yuri Shefler.”
—Pitt’s lawyer
In addition to pursuing Oliynik, Pitt is also seeking to depose a representative from Nouvel to gather further evidence.
Counterclaims Raised by Angelina Jolie’s Company
Nouvel has filed a countersuit accusing Pitt of mismanaging Miraval’s assets and using winery funds for personal expenses. The countersuit states,
“Pitt and Mondo Bongo have turned Château Miraval into their personal piggy bank.”
—Nouvel countersuit
It further alleges,
“They have entered into a series of transactions using Château Miraval’s funds that have deprived [Stoli] of the profits and loan repayments to which it is entitled.”
—Nouvel countersuit
Pitt and Mondo Bongo have denied these accusations and have sought to dismiss the countersuit. The dispute remains unresolved as both parties prepare for a potential 15-day trial, with no start date yet announced.
Implications and Next Steps in the Winery Conflict
The ongoing litigation over Château Miraval highlights the complex entanglement of Pitt and Jolie’s financial and personal disputes years after their separation. Access to private messages and relevant communications could provide key insights into the transaction and intentions behind the sale of the winery shares. How the judge rules on the deposition and evidence requests may significantly influence the case.
With trial preparations underway, the outcome could affect ownership and operational control over one of the most notable celebrity-owned vineyards, while also revealing deeper fractures in the former couple’s post-divorce business dealings.
