Judge Lia Martin has ruled that Angelina Jolie must submit non-disclosure agreements spanning eight years as part of the ongoing legal battle over the French vineyard, Château Miraval, which she co-owned with Brad Pitt. Pitt's legal team aims to uncover Jolie's justifications for selling her shares without Pitt's knowledge.
A Los Angeles judge has ruled in Brad Pitt's favor, ordering Angelina Jolie to provide non-disclosure agreements from 2014 to February 2022 as part of the ongoing legal battle over their shared French winery, Château Miraval. Pitt's legal team seeks these documents to understand Jolie's supposed reasons for breaching their agreement when she sold her winery shares.
Sources close to Jolie, however, believe Pitt's move is futile and could prolong the already protracted legal battle. They claim that Pitt understands that the NDAs will not be admissible in court and are merely intended for media attention.
Jolie's attorneys have expressed their willingness to comply with the court order. They argue that these NDAs are not comparable to Pitt's demand and that they are eager to turn them over.
Pitt's victory is considered a "crushing blow" to Jolie's defense, as the judge's ruling opens the door to discovery on issues related to Pitt's alleged misconduct. Jolie's attorneys, however, welcome this transparency and look forward to the end of the litigation.
Pitt and Jolie purchased Chateau Miraval in 2008 and spent considerable time there during their relationship. In 2021, Jolie sold her company, Nouvel, to Tenute Del Mondo, effectively transferring her Miraval ownership interest.
Pitt claims this sale breached their contract, while Jolie's company alleges that Pitt has engaged in a "vindictive campaign" to damage the business since their 2016 divorce.
Pitt had originally purchased the 1,200-acre French estate for $28.4 million in 2008 with the intention of raising his children with Jolie at the winery and developing a successful business.
Nouvel, Jolie's company, accuses Pitt of mismanaging the estate's assets by undertaking unnecessary renovations, including a $1 million investment in a swimming pool remodel.
In March, the court rejected Jolie's claim that Pitt's lawsuit was frivolous and gave the green light for a trial. The latest ruling further supports Pitt's legal position and may have significant implications for Jolie's defense.
The legal battle over Château Miraval continues to play out in court, with Brad Pitt emerging victorious on this particular front. Angelina Jolie's need to provide non-disclosure agreements could potentially weaken her central defense, while the transparency it may bring to the proceedings could also impact the overall outcome of the case.
