Angelina Jolie preparing for his upcoming civil trial with: Brad Pitt because of the disputed sale of Château Miraval after a recent court decision in favor of the actor. A California Superior Court granted Pitt’s motion to compel depositions from members of the business that acquired the winery, in a decision dated June 17.According to PEOPLE magazine, the decision represents another development in the long legal battle between the former spouses over wine, which has become one of the most controversial property disputes in Hollywood. A lawyer for Jolie responded to the court’s decision by emphasizing his client’s focus on the upcoming trial and his determination to resolve the matter.
Brad Pitt’s court victory over depositions
Pitt’s legal team successfully argued that executives from the company that purchased Château Miraval had direct knowledge of Jolie’s 2021 sale of her stake in the winery. The court ruled that these people must provide deposits even if they are located outside the United States.In June 2025, Pitt tried to fire an executive at the acquiring firm, but court documents say the person refused to turn over documents or appear for questioning under the guise that he was a resident of Switzerland. The newly issued judgment overruled these objections, specifying that the depositions must take place in London on September 30.
The judgment of the Court of Appeal on the involvement of the billionaire
On June 24, the California Court of Appeals issued a separate ruling regarding the businessman who ran the company. The appeals court reversed part of an earlier decision, finding it “contrary to trust” that he risked nearly $40 million in a transaction in which he had no involvement. A hearing on a motion to compel his deposition is scheduled for July 8.
Angelina Jolie’s response and legal strategy
Jolie’s legal representation responded to the recent decisions by downplaying their importance in the overall case. “The rulings have no effect on the merits of the case, and certainly have no effect on Ms. Jolie’s case,” her attorney told the publication on June 25. “At this point, Ms. Jolie is just looking forward to losing the case at trial next year so her family can finally focus their energy on healing and moving forward.“
Competing narratives about sales
A source close to Jolie provided context on her decision-making about the sale. “He didn’t sell the company for any reason other than he hoped it would be an excellent global distribution partner that would help grow the business for the benefit of their children, who stood to inherit Brad’s share,” the insider said.The same source said that the conflict in the business relationship with the personal dynamics of Pitt. “The truth is that Pitt’s ego and obsession for control got in the way. Brad refused to work at the company simply because Angie chose them, not him,” the source said.
Brad Pitt’s view on the decision
A separate source close to Pitt described the court’s decision differently, framing it as progress toward understanding what happened. “The court victory is another step towards transparency of what’s going on,” the insider told the outlet. The source said the businessman was “a partner chosen by Jolie, knowing that this is a partner that Brad does not want to be involved in the business.”According to this account, Jolie initially agreed that Pitt had “first right of refusal” before any sale of his stake, but went ahead with the transaction without his consent. “The recent decisions mean that members of the company, possibly including the trader, will have to explain exactly how the deal was orchestrated,” said the source.
The original dispute and: divorce settlement:
The legal battle over Château Miraval began in February 2022, when Pitt filed a complaint alleging Jolie sold his share despite a prior agreement requiring mutual consent for any such transaction. Jolie filed a countersuit in September 2022, claiming the actor had “waged a vindictive war against” her since she filed for divorce in 2016 after two years of marriage.The couple, who have six children, reached a divorce settlement in December 2024, although the property dispute continues independently.