Brad Pitt has secured an important legal victory in his ongoing dispute with former wife Angelina Jolie over their French winery, Chateau Miraval. A recent court ruling allows members of the Stoli Group to provide testimony about Jolie’s sale of her ownership stake, giving Pitt’s legal team access to information they believe is crucial to the case.
The decision marks another major step in the years-long legal battle between the former Hollywood couple. While the ruling does not settle the dispute, it gives Pitt an opportunity to question individuals connected to the controversial transaction.
Court orders testimony from Stoli Group representatives
According to newly released court documents, members of the Stoli Group have been directed to testify regarding Angelina Jolie’s sale of her share in Chateau Miraval.
The sale took place after Jolie transferred her stake to Tenute del Mondo, the wine division of the Stoli Group. Brad Pitt has consistently argued that those involved in the deal possess important details about how the transaction was negotiated and completed.
Therefore, the latest ruling allows his legal team to gather evidence directly from key individuals linked to the sale.
Brad Pitt has challenged the sale for years
The dispute began after Angelina Jolie sold her interest in Chateau Miraval without reaching an agreement with Pitt.
In 2023, Pitt filed a lawsuit seeking compensation over the transaction. His legal team claimed the sale was made to a “Russia-affiliated spirits conglomerate,” arguing that the decision damaged the reputation of the luxury wine business.
According to court filings obtained by People, the Stoli Group is led by billionaire Yuri Shefler.
Pitt’s lawyers further argued that the company’s public image had suffered because of allegations regarding its association with Russia during the Ukraine conflict. They also claimed the business faced criticism and consumer boycotts, which could negatively affect Chateau Miraval’s global reputation.
As a result, Pitt believes the sale harmed a brand that he spent years helping to build.
Angelina Jolie strongly rejects the allegations
Angelina Jolie has firmly denied Pitt’s claims about the sale.
Her legal team argued that describing Yuri Shefler as a Russia-linked businessman was misleading and unfair. They pointed out that Shefler has publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for years.
According to Jolie’s lawyers, the allegations amount to a “xenophobic” and inaccurate campaign against the businessman rather than a fair description of his background.
They maintain that the sale was a legitimate business decision with no political motivation.
Pitt’s team welcomes the latest ruling
Following the court’s decision, a source close to Brad Pitt described the ruling as another victory in the search for transparency.
The source said the testimony could provide important answers about the circumstances surrounding the sale and why Jolie chose the Stoli Group despite Pitt’s objections.
According to the source, Pitt had made it clear that he did not want the company involved in Chateau Miraval’s ownership.
Disagreement over right of first refusal
Another point of disagreement involves Pitt’s claim that Jolie had previously agreed to give him the first opportunity to purchase her share before selling it to another buyer.
According to sources close to Pitt, Jolie later proceeded with the sale to the Stoli Group instead.
Because of the latest court order, Yuri Shefler and other Stoli executives could now be questioned about how negotiations took place and whether the agreement followed previous commitments between the former spouses.
Jolie says the sale benefited the family’s future
Sources close to Angelina Jolie have offered a different explanation for the transaction.
According to them, Jolie selected Stoli because she believed the company had the international distribution network needed to expand Chateau Miraval’s business.
They also argued that stronger global growth would ultimately benefit the couple’s children, who are expected to inherit Brad Pitt’s remaining ownership interest in the future.
The source further claimed that Pitt refused to cooperate with Stoli simply because Jolie had selected the company.
According to the statement, “Brad’s ego and obsession for control got in the way,” insisting that Jolie’s decision was based entirely on business considerations.
Court ruling does not decide the final case
Although the latest decision favors Brad Pitt procedurally, it does not determine who will ultimately win the lawsuit.
Angelina Jolie’s lawyer has emphasized that the court’s order only allows testimony to move forward. According to her legal team, the ruling does not strengthen Pitt’s overall claims or resolve the central legal issues.
The case is expected to continue as both sides present further evidence regarding the ownership and sale of Chateau Miraval.
Legal fight remains far from over
The Chateau Miraval dispute has become one of the longest-running legal battles between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie since their separation.
While Pitt has secured an important procedural victory, the final outcome will depend on the evidence presented during the next stages of the case.
For now, the testimony from Stoli Group representatives could become a key part of the legal proceedings as both parties continue to fight over ownership rights and the future of the renowned French winery.