Angelina Jolie has scored a legal win against Brad Pitt in their long-running fight over Château Miraval.
On May 5, a Los Angeles judge denied a motion from Pitt’s legal team seeking access to 22 communications connected to the former couple’s ongoing dispute over the French winery. The ruling protects Jolie’s attorney-client communications for now, though the judge left room for the issue to be revisited later if new evidence emerges.
The decision marks another tense turn in one of Hollywood’s most drawn-out post-divorce legal battles.
Angelina Jolie Wins Fight Over Private Legal Communications
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ciny Pánuco ruled that Pitt’s team had not met the legal standard needed to override attorney-client privilege.
In the ruling, the judge said Pitt “has not met his burden” to show why the communications should be disclosed.
That does not mean the matter is permanently closed. Pánuco noted that “further discovery may yield additional facts,” meaning Pitt’s team could potentially try again if the case develops.
The judge also denied Jolie’s request for $33,692.50 in sanctions against Pitt. Pánuco said Pitt’s argument, while unsuccessful, was “not without substantial justification.”
Jolie’s Team Calls It A Major Victory
Jolie’s attorney, Paul Murphy, framed the decision as a significant win.
“This is an important victory for Ms. Jolie,” Murphy said.
He also criticized Pitt’s attempt to access the documents.
“He was completely out of bounds when he sought access to obviously privileged documents,” Murphy said. “This is part of Mr. Pitt’s pattern of demanding control over anything Angelina, including control over her communications with her own attorneys.”
Murphy added, “We are extremely gratified that both the Court of Appeal and the trial court ultimately put a stop to it.”
Pitt’s side saw the ruling differently. A source close to Pitt said, “The judge allowed Pitt’s team to revisit the decision as evidence develops.”
The source added, “It’s notable how Jolie has withheld so many documents as privileged. It’s just some of the evidence in the case.”
Château Miraval Battle Keeps Getting Messier
The winery fight began in 2022, when Pitt sued Jolie over her sale of her stake in Château Miraval.
Pitt claims Jolie sold her share without his consent, violating what he says was a prior agreement between them. Jolie has denied that such an agreement existed.
She later filed a countersuit accusing Pitt of “waging a vindictive war” against her. The dispute escalated after Jolie sold her share to Tenute del Mondo, part of the Stoli Group. Pitt is seeking $35 million in damages.
Jolie’s attorneys previously argued, “The burdensome nature of any production is a matter of Mr. Pitt’s own creation, he is suing Ms. Jolie for $35 million in damages.”
The legal tension between Jolie and Pitt goes back nearly a decade. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016 after an alleged private jet incident involving the family. Their divorce was finalized in December 2024, but disputes over business interests and other matters have continued.
The former couple shares six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.
For now, Jolie has blocked Pitt’s access to the communications he wanted. But with the judge leaving the door open, the Miraval fight may be far from finished.
