Full Breakdown
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Ongoing Legal Battle Over Château Miraval
6/27/2026, 4:20:35 AM
Core Dispute
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie co-owned the 1,200-acre Château Miraval winery in southern France. In 2021 Jolie sold her 50 % share to Tenute del Mondo, the wine arm of the Stoli Group, without Pitt’s consent. Pitt sued in February 2022, saying the sale breached an agreement requiring both parties’ approval and warning that the deal introduced a “Russia-affiliated spirits conglomerate.” In June 2024 a California Court of Appeal reversed an earlier ruling, finding that Stoli founder Yuri Shefler played a decisive role in the transaction.
Timeline
- 2008 – Pitt and Jolie acquire Château Miraval.
- 2021 – Jolie sells her share to Tenute del Mondo.
- Feb 2022 – Pitt files lawsuit alleging breach of consent agreement.
- June 2024 – Court of Appeal finds Yuri Shefler played a decisive role.
- Sept 30 2024 – Depositions of Stoli executives scheduled in London.
Data & Stakes
The sale price of Jolie’s share was $64 million; Shefler guaranteed $39 million, exposing him to nearly $40 million. The 1,200-acre estate produces wine and rosé. The couple’s six children—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne—stand to inherit Pitt’s portion.
Implications
The dispute tests contractual rights, reputational risk from sanctions-related boycotts of Russian-linked firms, and the children’s financial interests. Clarifying Shefler’s role could reshape Miraval’s ownership and distribution.
Official Statements
A Pitt-aligned source called the appellate ruling “another step towards transparency.” Jolie’s lawyer Paul Murphy said the decision “has no impact on the merits of the case” and that Jolie “looks forward to defeating the case at trial next year.” Both note it does not affect the 2024 divorce settlement.
Criticism
Jolie’s filings call Pitt’s accusations against Shefler a “xenophobic, untrue smear campaign.” A spokesperson says the sale to Stoli was meant to secure a distribution partner for the children’s benefit, and accuses Pitt of “ego and obsession for control.”
Conflicting Reports
People reports schedule the trial for 2027, while other filings anticipate a trial “next year.” Sources also disagree on whether a right-of-first-refusal agreement existed; Jolie’s team denies it, Pitt’s filings assert it did.
Verbatim Quotes
- “strong evidence that Shefler had the ultimate decision-making authority as to whether the negotiations would continue and on what terms,” — Justice Gail Feuer
- “Russian exile who is a long-time critic of Vladimir Putin,” — Pitt legal team
- “This win is another step towards transparency over what took place,” — Pitt source
- “This is an important victory for Ms. Jolie,” — Paul Murphy, Jolie’s lawyer
Next Steps
The court ordered depositions of Alexey Oliynik and other senior Stoli officials in London by September 30 2024. A hearing on compelling Yuri Shefler’s testimony is set for July 8 2024. After depositions, the case will move toward trial, with the date to be scheduled.
