Brad Pitt has gained fresh momentum in his years-long legal battle with former wife Angelina Jolie after a California court ruled in his favour in a key discovery dispute over the sale of their French winery, Château Miraval.
The latest decision orders individuals linked to the company that bought Jolie's stake in the estate to give sworn testimony, a move Pitt's legal team has been pursuing as it seeks to uncover more details about the controversial 2021 transaction. The depositions are expected to take place in London before the end of September, bringing the high-profile case a step closer to trial.
The dispute centres on Jolie's decision to sell her share of Château Miraval to Tenute del Mondo, the wine division of the Stoli Group. Pitt argues the sale breached an agreement requiring both parties to approve any transfer of ownership, while Jolie has consistently denied such an agreement existed and maintains she was entitled to sell her stake.
In its latest ruling, the court agreed with Pitt's request to compel testimony from Stoli Group representatives whom his lawyers believe possess first-hand knowledge of the negotiations surrounding the sale. An appeals court also questioned claims that Stoli owner Yuri Shefler had only a limited role in the transaction, noting it was difficult to believe a businessman would commit nearly $40 million without significant involvement. A separate hearing on whether Shefler himself must testify is scheduled for July 8.
People close to Pitt described the ruling as another step toward greater transparency in the case, arguing that the testimony could clarify how the deal was structured and who was involved. Sources familiar with Jolie's legal position, however, insisted the latest court order would not change the overall direction of the lawsuit and expressed confidence in their defence ahead of trial.
The Château Miraval dispute has become one of the final unresolved chapters of Pitt and Jolie's lengthy legal saga. Although the former Hollywood couple finalised their divorce in late 2024 after years of court proceedings, their disagreement over the ownership of the renowned French winery has continued to play out in court.
Purchased together during their relationship, Château Miraval became both a family home and a successful wine business before their separation. Pitt has accused Jolie of intentionally selling her interest to a buyer he opposed, while Jolie has argued that Pitt attempted to maintain control of the property through restrictive conditions, allegations he has denied.
With additional witness testimony now set to move forward, the legal fight over one of Hollywood's most valuable shared assets appears far from over. The case is currently expected to head to trial in 2027 unless the two sides reach a settlement before then.