Angelina Jolie has reportedly encountered another hurdle in her long-running legal battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt. According to a new report, a recent court ruling could force the actress to share private communications tied to the sale of their former French winery.
Angelina Jolie to hand over private emails and texts in winery legal battle with Brad Pitt — report
Per a report from the Daily Mail, a judge has ordered Angelina Jolie to turn over a collection of private emails and text messages exchanged with her aides in connection with the sale of Château Miraval. It is a French wine estate she once co-owned with Brad Pitt. The ruling is handed down by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lia Martin. It allegedly requires Jolie to produce 22 documents within 45 days.
The dispute centers on Jolie’s 2021 decision to sell her stake in Château Miraval to Yuri Shefler, the owner of Stoli’s parent company, for a reported $67 million. Pitt has claimed in court filings that the sale violated an alleged agreement between the former spouses that neither would sell their share without the other’s approval. Jolie, for her part, has disputed that the existence and enforceability of such an agreement.
According to the report, Jolie had argued that the requested communications were protected under legal privilege because they involved discussions with trusted advisers and business managers. Pitt’s legal team reportedly countered that the messages amounted to ordinary business communications rather than confidential legal strategy. Judge Martin appears to have agreed with Pitt’s position, at least in part, prompting the order to disclose the documents.
Attorneys for Pitt have alleged that the emails and texts could contradict Jolie’s previous claims about how and why the sale unfolded. A source close to Pitt told the outlet that the documents may suggest Jolie was not fully forthcoming during earlier stages of the dispute.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jolie’s attorney Paul Murphy criticized the ruling and confirmed her team will appeal. He argued the decision “undermines her [Ms. Jolie’s] right to a fair trial.” Plus, it affects what they characterize as a prolonged attempt by Pitt to exert “control” through litigation. The court has reportedly scheduled the winery trial for 2027 and ordered mediation to take place before then.
