angelina jolie Preparations are underway for an upcoming civil trial. brad pitt The sale of Château Miraval has been controversial following a recent court ruling in favor of the actor. In a June 17 ruling, the California Superior Court granted Pitt’s motion to require testimony from members of the business that purchased the winery.According to People magazine, the ruling represents another development in the long legal battle between the former couple over the wine estate, which has become one of the most contentious property disputes in Hollywood. Jolie’s lawyer responded to the court’s decision by emphasizing her client’s concern about the upcoming trial and her determination to resolve the matter.
Brad Pitt scores victory over court testimony
Pitt’s legal team successfully argued that executives from the company that purchased Chateau Miraval had direct knowledge of Jolie’s 2021 sale of her stake in the chateau. The court ruled that the individuals must provide testimony even if they are outside the United States.Pitt had been trying to oust an executive at the buyout company in June 2025, but court documents say the man refused to hand over documents or be questioned under the guise of being a Swiss resident. The newly released ruling overturned those objections and established that the testimony must take place in London by September 30.
Brad Pitt’s legal team has secured a ruling allowing executives linked to the controversial sale of Château Miraval to give testimony. Image source (Instagram)
The wider context of Pitt’s allegations
Pitt filed a lawsuit against Jolie in 2023, seeking damages resulting from the sale of her stake in Château Miraval to the company’s wine division. Pitt claimed in his legal filing that the deal involved a “Russian-affiliated spirits group” and posed a risk to the reputation of the business he helped build. His legal team has highlighted concerns about a boycott related to the company’s Russian ownership and allegations of anti-LGBTQ legislation.The executive Pitt is seeking to remove is a senior official at the company. The business itself is controlled by a Russian expat billionaire living in Switzerland. The “most qualified individuals” from entities involved in structuring the deal will also be asked to testify at depositions, new court documents show.
Appeal Court ruling on billionaire involvement
On June 24, a California appeals court issued a separate ruling against the businessmen who ran the company. The appeals court overturned parts of an earlier ruling, finding it “implausible” that he risked nearly $40 million in a deal in which he had no involvement. A hearing on the motion to compel him to testify is scheduled for July 8.
Angelina Jolie’s response and legal strategy
Jolie’s legal representatives have responded to the recent rulings by downplaying their significance to the overall case. “These rulings have no impact on the merits of the case and certainly have no impact on Ms. Jolie’s case,” her attorney told the publication on June 25. “At this moment, Ms. Jolie is only looking forward to winning her case at trial next year so that her family can finally focus on recovering and moving forward.“
Angelina Jolie’s legal team insists the recent ruling does not affect the substance of her case ahead of her trial next year. Image source (Instagram)
In court documents, Jolie described Pitt’s characterization of the businessman as a “xenophobic, untrue smear campaign.” Her legal team insists her motivation for selling the property is purely commercial and will benefit the couple’s children, who will inherit part of Pitt’s estate.
Competing narratives about the sale
A source close to Jolie provided context for her decision on the sale. “She is not selling to the company for any reason other than that she wants the company to be a great global distribution partner that can help grow the business for their children, who will inherit Brad’s share,” the person said.The same source attributed the conflict in the business relationship to Pitt’s personal dynamics. “The truth is, Pete’s ego and obsession with control got in the way. Brad refused to work with the company simply because Angie chose them over him,” the source said.
Brad Pitt’s thoughts on the ruling
A source close to Pitt described the court’s decision differently, describing it as a step forward in understanding what happened. “The court victory is another step toward transparency about what happened,” a source familiar with the matter told the outlet. The source said the businessman “was Jolie’s chosen partner because she knew Brad wanted no part of the business.”Jolie reportedly initially agreed that Pitt would have a “right of first refusal” before selling her stake, but the deal went ahead without Pitt’s approval. “The latest ruling means members of the company, potentially including the businessman, will have to explain exactly how the deal was orchestrated,” the source said.
The initial controversy and divorce agreement
The legal battle over Chateau Miraval began in February 2022, when Pitt filed a lawsuit alleging that Jolie sold her shares despite a previous agreement requiring mutual consent for any such transaction. Jolie countersued in September 2022, claiming that Jolie had been “waging a vindictive war against her” since she filed for divorce in 2016 after two years of marriage.The couple, who have six children together, reached a divorce settlement in December 2024, although property disputes continue.
