Angelina Jolie has revealed the emotional and legal struggles following her divorce from Brad Pitt in a recent court declaration, highlighting the difficulties she faced while navigating their ongoing dispute. The actress, 50, disclosed how she left their family homes without requesting alimony in hopes of easing tensions during the contentious breakup. This statement comes amid a prolonged legal battle after Pitt, 61, sued Jolie over her sale of shares in the French winery Chateau Miraval, a joint asset from their marriage.
Legal Disputes Over Winery Sale and Private Communications
Jolie’s court filings, submitted on October 6, emphasize her denial of Pitt’s claim that she needed his approval to sell her stake in Chateau Miraval to the spirits company Stoli. The lawsuit escalated when Pitt requested that Jolie produce private emails exchanged between her and her legal team. Jolie opposed this, citing attorney-client privilege and refusing to comply with the discovery request. Furthermore, Jolie demanded Pitt cover $33,000 of her legal fees for resisting the motion.
According to the court documents, Jolie’s legal team repeatedly asked Pitt to withdraw his motion for these communications, warning that they would seek reimbursement for the legal costs if the court denied him. Despite this, Pitt refused to retract the request. Jolie consequently asked the court to order Pitt to pay her attorneys’ fees related to this dispute.
Jolie’s Emotional Account of Separation and Family Impact
In her declaration, Jolie described the emotional trauma that led to her decision to separate from Pitt and the impact on their children. She shared that she left Pitt in control of their homes in Los Angeles and at Miraval, refusing any compensation to foster a calmer post-separation atmosphere. Jolie explained that she and their children have not returned to the Miraval property due to painful associations with their divorce.
She added that she began searching for new housing for herself and her children immediately after the split, initially renting as she sought a permanent solution. Jolie also emphasized her efforts to keep Brad Pitt actively involved in their children’s lives, including purchasing a home near his residence despite financial challenges.
Financial Struggles and Support During Custody Transition
Jolie revealed that she had not requested alimony or financial support early on, as her savings were tied up in Miraval and her priority was focusing on the health and recovery of their children. She recounted declining work engagements for nearly two years to care for the family during this difficult time. Because of limited funds, Jolie asked Pitt for a loan to purchase a home for their children in Los Angeles, which he agreed to provide with interest.
Difficult Negotiations Over Miraval in the Wake of Divorce
The actress detailed strained negotiations with Pitt in early 2017 regarding the buyout of her interest in the winery. Jolie described the discussions as emotionally taxing due to her deep attachment to Miraval, which held significant personal memories—being their wedding location, the place where she experienced part of her pregnancy, and where their twins were brought home from the hospital. The abrupt separation from this family home caused considerable distress for Jolie and their children.
NDA Proposal and Breakdown of Agreement Attempts
Jolie said the situation changed in 2021 after she raised allegations of domestic violence during the divorce proceedings, leading Pitt to withdraw from the Miraval buyout deal. She explained that Pitt asked her to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) covering personal and business details despite the lack of any public charges or statements about the events causing their divorce. Jolie refused this request, citing her role as a mother and advocate for violence victims worldwide, finding the demand distressing and coercive.
She firmly stated that she kept Pitt’s actions confidential for their family’s well-being and had no plans to reveal the details publicly. Jolie declined the NDA, leading to the collapse of their agreement. Jolie also claimed she informed Pitt she was selling her shares to Stoli, though Pitt’s legal team contested her version of events.
Ongoing Legal Battle Over Document Disclosure
Pitt has persisted in demanding Jolie provide certain private messages he believes are critical to his claims in their legal conflict. He maintains that these documents are essential evidence in the case, while Jolie’s lawyers argue the requests breach confidential attorney-client communications and are without merit. Jolie’s legal team characterized Pitt’s motion as a transparent attempt to force the disclosure of privileged information, urging the court to deny his request.
The judge has yet to issue a ruling on this motion, continuing the lengthy and complex litigation between the former couple.
The Wider Impact of the Protracted Court Disputes
Angelina Jolie’s detailed declarations underscore the intense emotional toll and legal complexities surrounding the Angelina Jolie Brad Pitt divorce. Their dispute extends beyond typical property division to encompass sensitive personal accusations and protective measures for their children’s wellbeing. The ongoing battles over assets like Chateau Miraval and private communications reveal the challenges inherent in high-profile separations. As the case progresses, the outcomes may set precedents for privacy protections and asset management in celebrity divorces, influencing future legal approaches in similar situations.
