November 15, 2025: The legal battle between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie over their French estate, Chateau Miraval, is set to intensify as the case heads to trial, with potential for a lengthy courtroom showdown that could last until 2026. The ongoing dispute, which has been brewing since their divorce in 2016, revolves around ownership of the winery, which is valued at $500 million.
A recent ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge rejected Jolie’s attempt to have the case dismissed, meaning the trial will move forward. Both Pitt and Jolie are expected to be deposed, likely bringing further personal details about their tumultuous relationship to light, especially as both sides continue to present increasingly personal allegations in their filings.
The origins of the conflict can be traced to 2008, when the couple purchased the estate together during a period of marital harmony. At that time, Pitt owned 60% and Jolie 40%. However, just before their wedding in 2014, Pitt transferred 10% of his shares to Jolie, making them equal 50/50 partners in the property. The dispute began when Jolie sold half of her shares in Chateau Miraval to the Stoli Group, the liquor company, without consulting Pitt, violating what he claims was an agreement that gave him the right of first refusal to purchase her shares.
Pitt subsequently filed a lawsuit to block the sale and reverse the transaction, but Jolie’s legal team has retaliated with accusations that Pitt’s legal actions have personal motives. Jolie also claims that Pitt attempted to impose a harsh non-disclosure agreement to silence her regarding his alleged past misdeeds. These personal elements have made the case much more complex than a simple business dispute, with both sides offering conflicting narratives.
Meanwhile, the Stoli Group, which now holds half of the shares, has asked for the case to be dismissed, citing its involvement in the matter. A hearing on this request is scheduled for March 2024, after which a trial date may be set.
Given the intricate legal arguments and the personal history involved, legal experts suggest that the case could drag on for years, potentially reaching a resolution as late as 2026. The outcome of this high-profile dispute holds significance not only in financial terms but also as a symbol of what was once a shared dream for the couple—a vineyard in the idyllic French countryside where they raised their family.
In summary, what started as a business deal between two A-list Hollywood stars has now evolved into a drawn-out legal battle, with both parties taking increasingly public stances. As this dispute continues, it promises to reveal more about the personal dynamics between Pitt and Jolie, as well as the complex intersection of love, money, and business.