Pitt Seeks to Block Delays in $164 Million Winery Dispute With Angelina Jolie

The legal fight between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie over the Château Miraval winery is escalating, with new court filings showing increased urgency from Pitt’s side as of April 2026.

Pitt is asking the court to move the case forward more quickly and to reject any attempts to delay the trial. His lawyers argue that time is becoming a critical factor. In recent filings, they point to concerns about witness availability, noting that some key individuals may no longer be able to testify due to health issues or death. They specifically referenced the recent death of Jolie’s former business manager, Terry Bird, as an example of why delays could harm the case.

Another issue raised by Pitt’s team is access to the property itself. They argue that the ongoing legal dispute has limited Pitt’s ability to fully use and manage the French estate, and that resolving the case sooner would remove that uncertainty.

The dispute dates back to 2021, when Jolie sold her stake in the winery to the Stoli Group. Pitt claims the sale violated an agreement requiring mutual consent before either party could sell their share. Jolie has disputed that characterization and has argued that Pitt’s demands during negotiations, including a non-disclosure agreement related to their personal history, were unreasonable.

Recent months have brought several procedural developments that favor Pitt. Judges have ordered Jolie to turn over unredacted emails and text messages with her advisors. Pitt’s legal team believes these communications will support their claim that Jolie knowingly bypassed his right of first refusal.

The case is also approaching a potential procedural deadline often referred to as a “five-year rule,” which can require cases to go to trial within a certain timeframe. Pitt’s lawyers have indicated they want to avoid any risk of dismissal or additional complications tied to that deadline.

Despite ongoing speculation that both sides may be open to a settlement after years of legal battles, current court filings remain combative. Each side continues to accuse the other of acting in bad faith, suggesting that a resolution outside of court is not imminent.

A preliminary trial date has been set for early 2027. Pitt’s latest motions aim either to move that date up or to ensure it is not pushed back further. The eventual trial is expected to address whether the sale to the Stoli Group should be undone and whether Pitt is entitled to damages, which he has estimated at around $35 million.