Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, formerly the most prominent couple, continue to be involved in a legal battle over their co-owned French winery, Chateau Miraval. Jolie’s previous investment firm, Nouvel, now owned by Stoli Group, has accused Pitt of exploiting the company as his “personal piggy bank,” citing mismanagement and attempting to gain control over the flourishing business.
According to court records acquired by InTouch, Nouvel stated that the “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” star spent millions on self-serving projects, including $1 million on renovations for his personal swimming pool, instead of reinvesting in the winery’s growth. Nouvel’s accusations paint a concerning picture of Brad Pitt jeopardizing the winery’s future and brand reputation.
Chateau Miraval Winery Drama: Angelina Jolie’s Former Investment Company Accuses Brad Pitt of Mismanagement
Nouvel’s allegations extend beyond just financial mismanagement. They have accused Brad Pitt of blatant disregard for their co-ownership rights. Despite both parties holding a 50% stake, Nouvel claims Pitt has effectively operated as a sole proprietor, making unilateral decisions and entirely excluding them from the process. If these accusations are true, Pitt’s behavior would constitute a material breach of their co-ownership agreement that might lead to significant financial consequences for Nouvel, potentially jeopardizing their rightful share of profits and hindering their ability to influence the winery’s future direction.
Nouvel has also claimed that Brad Pitt purposefully kept them in the dark about finances and other business activities, further fuelling the worsened situation. These claims have resulted in a lack of transparency and distrust, preventing Nouvel from making informed choices.
“Pitt and Mondo Bongo have turned Château Miraval into their personal piggy bank. hey have entered into a series of transactions using Château Miraval’s funds that have deprived Tenute of the profits and loan repayments to which it is entitled.”
Nouvel didn’t stop there. They accused Brad Pitt of launching a smear campaign against Stoli Group’s owner, Yuri Shefler. The campaign, alleged to be motivated by xenophobia, implied an intention to harm Nouvel’s current owner’s reputation and potentially disrupt the once-shared business collaboration.
The Brad Pitt winery lawsuit dates back to 2022, when Pitt filed a lawsuit alleging Angelina Jolie’s violation of their agreement by selling her share in the winery to Tenute and its parent company, Stoli Group, in 2021. The contract stipulated that neither party could sell their share without the other’s consent. The former couple is already in a legal battle for years, with unresolved issues concerning child custody and finances. The Chateau Miraval dispute has further strained their relationship and cast doubt on their ability to co-manage the business they once shared.
The new turning point has ruled in favor of Brad Pitt. Pitt’s legal team requested Jolie to provide any non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) she has with staff members and other parties. Pitt’s side won the case, and Judge Lia Martin ordered Jolie to provide all proposed NDAs—regardless of whether they were finalized—and NDAs that others had suggested to her. Jolie also has sixty days to turn over NDAs signed by businesses under her control and any associated paperwork.
“Her defense has been exposed as a house of cards, and she will now have to provide details of all the NDAs she demanded of third parties.”
The outcome of this case could significantly impact Chateau Miraval’s future. The court’s decision may impact ownership structures, potential financial compensation, and the future direction of the winery’s operations. The legal battle will likely probe into Chateau Miraval’s financial records and business practices, thus revealing former management decisions and strategies.
In addition to damaging Chateau Miraval’s reputation, the long-running dispute may harm Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s careers and public images. The once-admired couple now find themselves embroiled in a bitter legal battle, with accusations and denials dominating the headlines. Only time will tell how this complex situation unfolds and what impact it will have on the future of Chateau Miraval.
Source: Intouch
