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A judge has ordered Angelina Jolie to hand over private emails and text threads tied to the disputed sale of Château Miravel, the Provence estate she once co-owned with Brad Pitt. The ruling marks a clear win for Pitt in a fight that has spanned years and involves lawyers, business advisers and allegations about whether Jolie lawfully sold her share.
What the court ordered and the deadline
The court found that certain communications must be produced for discovery. Jolie has 45 days to provide the requested messages and emails, according to court filings. The material centers on the 2021 transaction that transferred her share to the Stoli Group.
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- Scope: emails and text threads tied to the sale negotiations.
- Recipients requested: business managers, publicists, and financial advisers.
- Timeframe: communications around the 2021 sale and surrounding planning.
Why these messages matter to Brad Pitt’s case
Pitt’s legal team argues those exchanges will show Jolie’s intentions and provide details of the deal terms. They contend the messages include discussions about the sale structure and negotiations with third parties. Pitt says the communications are central to proving his claim that the sale violated a prior agreement.
In filings, Pitt’s lawyers assert that internal notes and texts discussing the “terms of sale” are the key documents in dispute. They say Jolie has produced only limited records so far.
Legal arguments over privilege and discovery
Jolie’s attorney has pushed back, claiming many of the messages are protected by attorney-client privilege. Her team argues those communications concern legal advice and litigation strategy, and should remain private.
The court disagreed in part, ruling that some exchanges with non-lawyer advisers are not shielded simply because they touch on legal topics. The judge determined brainstorming sessions with non-lawyers can be discoverable when they relate to the sale’s core issues.
Who is included in the disclosure order
- Terry Bird, business manager
- Chloe Dalton and Arminka Helic, publicists
- Two financial consultants linked to the deal
Reactions from both sides
Pitt’s camp called the ruling a win and said the emails will expose Jolie’s true motives. An insider told the press the documents could contradict Jolie’s public statements about the sale.
Jolie’s lawyer, Paul Murphy, criticized the court’s reading of California privilege law and signaled an appeal. He described the order as a violation of Jolie’s rights and framed the litigation as part of a long-running pattern of pressure by Pitt.
Timeline and background of the Miravel dispute
The vineyard was bought jointly in 2008 for roughly $28.4 million. The couple married in 2014, separated in 2019, and later pursued separate business moves for the estate.
- 2008: Chateau Miravel acquired by Pitt and Jolie.
- 2014: The couple married.
- 2019: They separated.
- 2021: Jolie sold her share to the Stoli Group, triggering the current claim.
Legal stakes and next steps in the litigation
The case centers on whether the spouses had a binding promise to consult before selling their respective shares. If the court finds Pitt’s position persuasive, it could affect the validity of the sale or lead to damages.
Jolie intends to appeal the discovery order, arguing it undermines her right to a fair process. Pitt’s team will review the produced materials for evidence to support their claims.
How lawyers describe the disputed communications
Pitt’s attorneys labeled some messages “brainstorming between non-lawyers,” saying they cannot be protected by privilege simply because legal advice was discussed elsewhere. Jolie’s counsel counters that many of the exchanges reflect legal strategy and should remain confidential.
The court’s decision hinges on distinguishing routine business discussions from privileged legal consultations.
