Jolie-Pitt legal battle mirrors Depp-Heard saga over estate feud

Despite seeming incredible to many, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's conflict continues to rage, outlasting their two-year marriage following their 2014 wedding. In summary, their dispute has encompassed child custody, allegations of domestic abuse and Pitt's alcoholism issues, and disagreements over business and property ownership, including their public commentary on the divorce and their legal marital status. The feud has escalated into a bitter struggle over the Provence-based Château Miraval estate.

Jolie stands accused by Pitt of unlawfully selling part of the estate to a Russian oligarch. Following a recent legal setback for Jolie, indications are that Pitt is prepared to pursue a full trial.

A controversy flared in the summer of 2022 when Jolie sold part of the estate, dear to Pitt, to what was described as a "Russian oligarch," businessman Yuri Shefler. Despite Shefler's reported opposition to Putin's regime and his business activities outside Russia, the narrative Pitt leaned on was the sale to "Russian oligarchs."

Pitt has alleged that Jolie's sale of her shares in the villa was done without his consent, preventing him from assuming complete control of Château Miraval, which is renowned for its profitable rosé wine production.

In reaction to Pitt's legal action, Jolie's legal team filed documents denouncing his claims as "frivolous and malicious" and part of a larger pattern of antagonism towards Jolie, seeking dismissal of his claims.

However, the court has decided against Jolie's request, thereby empowering Pitt and his legal team to initiate a trial where both parties would be called to testify—a scenario that raises the potential for another high-profile, heavily scrutinized trial akin to Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's, with personal disputes laid bare.

The fate of the Jolie-Pitt case remains a focal point for international media, with proceedings active in France, the United States, and Luxembourg. Recent judgements in Luxembourg have seen Shefler lose 10% of his shares in the estate, bolstering Pitt's position as the principal owner.