Photo Credit: Alexandra Stone
A Los Angeles judge has dealt a significant blow to Angelina Jolie in her ongoing legal battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt over the former couple's stake in the French winery Château Miraval. Judge Andrew Kruavilla ruled that Jolie must turn over all non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) from 2011 onward related to communication about Pitt and the winery.
"Any negotiations or transmission of information related to the potential transfer of Pitt's interest in Miraval certainly is relevant," the judge stated in his ruling, as reported by Entertainment Tonight.
A source close to Pitt called the ruling a "significant, tremendous victory" and a "hugely important achievement" for the actor's legal team. The source told PEOPLE, "This is a significant blow for Angelina given the court's refusal to reopen the issue and her being compelled to turn over documents."
However, Jolie's lawyer Amanda Quintero expressed confidence that the NDAs will not harm her client's case. "We more than happy to comply with
the court's order and supply these NDAs to Mr. Pitt's team. There's nothing to hide," Quintero told Entertainment Tonight.
The legal dispute stems from Jolie's 2022 sale of her shares in the winery business to a subsidiary of Stoli Group, despite having previously agreed with Pitt not to sell their interests without the other's consent. Pitt is suing Jolie over the sale, alleging she intentionally tried to undermine his investment by selling to a stranger.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Pitt's lawyers argue that "Pitt went through agony in an attempt to make the winery a success," investing millions after acquiring a majority stake in 2008. They claim Jolie then "pursued and consummated the purported sale in secret" and that the deal "provides a path toward driving Pitt out of the business he built and tarnishing his passion project."
For her part, Jolie has accused Pitt of launching "a vindictive war" against her and "waging an escalating legal campaign" over the winery. Her countersuit alleges that Pitt launched "this vindictive war" after she requested to be bought out following their 2019 divorce, and that he is only pursuing the case "to inflict harm on his ex-wife."
With the judge ordering Jolie to produce years of confidentiality agreements, this contentious legal battle over Château Miraval appears far from over. The once-beloved Hollywood couple continues to wage war through the courts over their storied French winery.
