Brad Pitt Seeks Court Intervention in Email Dispute with Angelina Jolie

Brad Pitt has requested that a judge intervene in his ongoing legal dispute with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over the production of specific emails. The actor filed court documents on October 27, 2023, accusing Jolie of “persistent misdirection” and seeking to dismiss her demand for him to pay $33,000 in legal fees. This latest development highlights the continuing tensions between the former couple, particularly regarding their shared investment in the French winery, Chateau Miraval.

In his filing, Pitt, 61, claims Jolie, 50, has refused to provide emails involving her business manager, Terry Bird, British publicists Chloe Dalton and Arminka Helic, and two financial consultants. He asserts that Jolie admitted in a declaration that she routinely discusses “essentially all aspects” of her professional life with Bird, including legal advice and strategy.

Pitt argues that these discussions, which he describes as “brainstorming sessions,” should not be shielded by attorney-client privilege. He stated, “The fact that these brainstorming sessions may have followed or preceded advice from a lawyer does not shield them from being turned over.” His legal team contends that Jolie has withheld critical communications related to her sale of a stake in Chateau Miraval to a third party, a key issue in their litigation.

Jolie’s representatives have responded by denying Pitt’s claims regarding the emails and asserting that they are protected under attorney-client privilege. In previous filings, they have maintained that she has no obligation to produce the requested documents. Jolie’s legal team has also demanded that the court impose sanctions on Pitt for his continued pursuit of the emails, labeling it as harassment.

As the litigation unfolds, Pitt has expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from Jolie, stating that she has only produced one email mentioning the sale terms that are central to the case. He claims, “After three and a half years of litigation, there are a ton of missing emails.” Pitt has raised concerns that Jolie’s refusal to voluntarily submit the emails for in-person review is unusual given the circumstances.

This legal battle has also brought to light the complexities surrounding the couple’s financial dealings. Pitt alleges that Jolie sold her interest in Chateau Miraval without his approval, a claim she vehemently denies. The winery, which they purchased during their marriage, has become a focal point in their disputes, with each party accusing the other of undermining their respective interests.

In her own filings, Jolie described the emotional toll the divorce has taken on her and their children, emphasizing the significance of Chateau Miraval in their family life. “It was a focal point of our family life. To have such a sudden break from my home and memories has been hard,” she stated.

The ongoing conflict has also seen Jolie’s accusations against Pitt regarding attempts to impose a non-disclosure agreement covering personal matters outside of their business affairs. She claims that negotiations to sell her stake in the winery fell apart after Pitt’s demands for her to sign the NDA, leading her to sell to the company Stoli instead.

As the situation develops, both parties are preparing for a forthcoming hearing, with Pitt indicating that he expects the trial will last around 15 days. The court has yet to set a definitive trial date, but the stakes remain high for both Pitt and Jolie as they navigate their contentious legal landscape.