Actor Brad Pitt has achieved a significant legal win in the court case against his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, concerning their French estate, which includes a vineyard.
The former couple remain locked in lengthy legal proceedings that started after their split in 2016, covering matters of divorce, child custody, and asset division.
Currently, the actors are disputing ownership of Château Miraval in France, the venue where they once held their wedding. Jolie sold her share in 2021 to a Russian businessman who owns an alcohol company. This businessman, often referred to as the “vodka king,” left Russia in 2002 after facing criminal charges. He acquired British citizenship and now resides in Switzerland. His companies have been labeled “extremist” in Russia.
The recent legal battle ended in Pitt’s favor when the trial court ruled that California cannot exercise jurisdiction over the businessman, as the deal negotiations took place in Europe. However, the appeals court overturned this decision, noting that the businessman himself guaranteed Jolie’s payment of $39 million and was actively involved in the transaction.
This marks a major legal victory for Brad Pitt, who will now get the chance to confront the businessman in court. According to sources, Jolie was aware that Pitt did not want to sell his stake in Miraval, and selling his share behind his back is seen as a retaliatory move over child custody disputes. The court also observed that it seems unlikely such an experienced businessman would risk a large sum of money on a deal he had no knowledge of.
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