Full Breakdown
Angelina Jolie Wins Court Order Blocking Release of Private Communications in Miraval Winery Dispute
5/6/2026, 5:51:45 PM
Court Blocks Release of Communications
On May 5, 2024, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ciny Pánuco denied Brad Pitt’s motion to compel Angelina Jolie to produce 22 private messages tied to their Château Miraval winery dispute. The judge found Pitt “has not met his burden” to overcome attorney-client privilege, reaffirming an appellate court’s earlier reversal.
Background of the Miraval Winery Dispute
The dispute started in 2022 when Pitt sued after Jolie sold her Miraval stake to Tenute del Mondo, the Stoli Group’s wine division. Jolie denies any prior agreement requiring joint consent. Their divorce, filed in September 2016 and finalized in December 2024, left them co-owners of the French winery and six children.
Timeline of Litigation
- Sept 2016: Jolie files for divorce.
- 2022: Pitt files lawsuit over Jolie’s Miraval sale.
- 2021: Jolie sells her Miraval share to Tenute del Mondo.
- May 5 2024: Judge blocks production of the 22 communications.
Financial Stakes and Impact
Pitt seeks $35 million in damages for alleged harm to Miraval’s operations. Jolie’s request for $33,692.50 in sanctions was denied. The case also involves their six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, twins Knox and Vivienne—and highlights the scope of attorney-client privilege in commercial disputes.
Official Statements & Responses
Jolie’s attorney Paul Murphy called the ruling “an important victory” and condemned Pitt’s attempt to access “obviously privileged documents.” A source close to Pitt said the judge allowed further discovery if new evidence emerges.
Criticism & Opposition
Pitt argues Jolie’s refusal to produce documents hampers assessment of the $35 million claim. An anonymous source said Jolie “has withheld so many documents as privileged,” framing the dispute as a transparency issue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Jolie denies any prior agreement requiring joint approval of the winery sale, while Pitt’s filings suggest such an understanding existed. Her countersuit cites a 2016 private-jet incident alleged to involve abuse; authorities never charged Pitt and Jolie declined to press charges, leaving verification incomplete.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is an important victory for Ms. Jolie,” — Paul Murphy, attorney for Angelina Jolie
- “completely out of bounds when he sought access to obviously privileged documents.” — Paul Murphy
- “this is part of Mr. Pitt’s pattern of demanding control over anything Angelina, including control over her communications with her own attorneys. We are extremely gratified that both the Court of Appeal and the trial court ultimately put a stop to it.” — Paul Murphy
- “The judge allowed Pitt’s team to revisit [the decision] as evidence develops. It’s notable how Jolie has withheld so many documents as privileged. It’s just some of the evidence in the case.” — source close to Brad Pitt
Next Steps
Judge Pánuco indicated that further discovery could uncover facts capable of rebutting Jolie’s privilege claims. Both parties are expected to file additional motions as the $35 million damages claim proceeds, potentially leading to a settlement or further court rulings.
