Pitt Wins Discovery Ruling in High-Stakes Miraval Dispute. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Getty Images
Brad Pitt has secured a major legal win in his long-running dispute with Angelina Jolie over their former French winery, Château Miraval. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ordered Jolie to hand over previously withheld private communications linked to the case.
The ruling was issued on December 17, just days before Pitt’s 62nd birthday. While procedural in nature, the decision could carry significant weight as the bitter legal fight continues.
Court Sides With Discovery Request
According to court filings, the judge granted Pitt’s motion to compel discovery. Jolie has now been ordered to produce unredacted versions of several non-attorney communications. These documents were earlier withheld under claims of legal privilege.
The order directs Jolie to submit the full versions within 45 days. The materials involve 22 documents listed in her privilege log dated February 14, 2025. The court made clear that communications between non-lawyers do not qualify for protection under attorney-client privilege.
Why the Messages Matter
Sources close to Pitt’s legal team believe the emails could be critical. They argue the communications may contradict Jolie’s public and legal claims regarding her intentions behind selling her stake in the winery.
According to the source, Pitt’s team maintains the records will show Jolie was not transparent from the beginning. They believe the messages could support claims that the sale was planned despite prior objections.
Jolie’s Legal Team Pushes Back
Jolie’s attorney, Paul Murphy, strongly criticized the ruling. He said the court misapplied California’s privilege laws and undermined Jolie’s right to a fair trial. He also described the decision as part of a prolonged effort by Pitt to harass and control his former spouse.
Murphy confirmed that Jolie intends to appeal the order. The legal battle, therefore, is far from over.
Roots of the Winery Dispute
The conflict dates back to 2022, when Pitt sued Jolie over the sale of her stake in Château Miraval. Pitt claimed they had an agreement requiring mutual consent before either party sold their share. He alleged Jolie violated that agreement by selling her portion to Tenute del Mondo, linked to the Stoli Group.
Jolie denied such an agreement existed. She responded with a countersuit, accusing Pitt of launching a retaliatory campaign against her.
Claims and Counterclaims Escalate
Jolie’s lawyers have argued that Pitt refused to buy her out fairly. They claimed he demanded a strict non-disclosure agreement that would silence her about alleged abuse. Those claims relate to a 2016 private jet incident involving Pitt and the family.
Authorities investigated the matter at the time. Pitt was not charged, and Jolie declined to pursue legal action. Still, the incident has remained central to the winery litigation.
In later filings, Pitt escalated his claims. He sued Jolie for $35 million in damages tied to her 2021 sale of the winery stake. He alleged the sale caused financial harm and disrupted Miraval’s operations.
Chateau Miraval. Getty Images
Emails at the Center of the Case
Court exhibits show heated exchanges between the two legal teams. In one 2023 email, Jolie’s lawyers argued that Pitt created the burden himself by pursuing massive damages. They said document production was necessary to test whether those damages were real.
Other emails referenced Pitt’s claims of ongoing harm to the winery. Jolie’s team also accused Pitt of withholding documents explaining why he wanted a four-year NDA tied to alleged personal misconduct.
They argued those records go to the heart of their defense and must be disclosed.
A Long Personal History
Pitt and Jolie finalized their divorce in December 2024, ending an eight-year legal separation. Jolie first filed for divorce in September 2016. The former couple share six children, all now teenagers or adults.
While their marriage has legally ended, the winery dispute keeps their names tied in court.
What Comes Next
The judge’s order marks a turning point but not a conclusion. If the emails reveal damaging details, they could shape future rulings. If the appeal succeeds, the scope of discovery may shift again.
For now, the Miraval battle continues, blending business, personal history, and high-stakes legal strategy.
