The legal dispute between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie over their $500 million French winery, Chateau Miraval, has escalated significantly, with new developments indicating that more personal aspects of their tumultuous marriage could be exposed. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently ruled against Jolie’s motion to dismiss the case, meaning the contentious battle will move forward, potentially dragging on until 2026.

Bitter Legal Dispute Heats Up

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s bitter legal fight began back in 2016, shortly after their divorce proceedings were set in motion. The two were once proud co-owners of Chateau Miraval, a sprawling vineyard in Provence, France, which they bought in 2008. At the time, the winery symbolized their joint venture and idyllic life together, raising their six children in the peaceful countryside. However, the once-shared dream has now become a symbol of their fractured relationship.

The new ruling comes after years of legal back-and-forth, with Pitt seeking to block the sale of half of Jolie’s shares to the Stoli Group, a Russian alcohol giant. Jolie made the controversial sale in 2021, without consulting Pitt, which he claims violated their original agreement to give him the right of first refusal should she wish to sell her stake. Pitt has since filed a lawsuit to reverse the transaction, arguing that his former wife’s actions were made without his consent and, as such, the sale should be voided.

The court decision to move the case forward means that both Pitt and Jolie will likely be forced to sit for depositions, where they will be questioned about the business dealings as well as more personal aspects of their relationship. With the trial expected to span over the next several years, further revelations about their marriage — and possibly the reasons behind their divorce — could come to light.

The Complicated History of Chateau Miraval

Chateau Miraval‘s history is as much a part of the couple’s relationship as it is a piece of their business legacy. Purchased in 2008, the vineyard was not only an investment but a symbol of their love and family life. Pitt and Jolie initially shared ownership of the winery, with Pitt holding 60% and Jolie 40%. However, in 2014, just before their wedding on the estate, Pitt transferred 10% of his shares to Jolie, making them equal partners in the property.

While the vineyard has grown into a highly successful wine business, their personal relationship began to unravel soon after their marriage. In 2016, after filing for divorce, Jolie sold her shares in the winery without consulting Pitt, a move that sparked the legal conflict. Pitt claims that their original agreement required her to offer him the first opportunity to buy her shares, and that her actions breached that understanding.

Jolie’s legal team has denied any wrongdoing, instead accusing Pitt of using the legal battle to retaliate against her. Jolie’s camp contends that Pitt is trying to impose a harsh non-disclosure agreement on her, preventing her from speaking out about alleged past misconduct.

The dispute over Chateau Miraval has thus evolved beyond a business matter into a personal vendetta, with both sides accusing each other of acting out of spite and personal agendas rather than business interests.

Trial Set to Expose More Personal Details

As the case proceeds, there is now the possibility that Pitt and Jolie will have to publicly testify under oath, revealing more about their troubled marriage and their years-long legal battle. According to sources close to the case, a settlement seems unlikely, and both sides are preparing for a lengthy trial that could expose further details about their personal lives.

One source close to the proceedings noted, “Eventually Angie and Brad will have to sit with depositions, there’s now no way out as they move towards trial.” This means that not only the financial details of their divorce and the sale of the winery will be scrutinized but also the dynamics of their marriage, which have been shrouded in mystery since their split.

The Stoli Group, which purchased Jolie’s shares, is also seeking to have the case dismissed, citing that the dispute is primarily between the two former spouses and does not involve their business dealings. A hearing on this request is set for March 2024, after which the court will schedule a trial date.

For many, this legal conflict over Chateau Miraval serves as a reminder of the couple’s once-glamorous but now deeply fractured relationship. The vineyard, which was intended to be a family retreat, has become the centerpiece of an ongoing legal drama that seems far from resolution.

For more updates on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s legal battle, tune in to Vviptimes.