Brad Pitt is suing his ex-wife Angelina Jolie for selling her stake in Château Miraval to oligarch and Stoli Group owner Yuri Shefler, allegedly without Pitt’s knowledge.
When the initial sale went through, Damian McKinney, global CEO of Stoli Group, noted he has long been a fan of Miraval’s “exceptional” wines and brand and was excited to have a position alongside Brad Pitt. “We are truly honoured to do our part to uphold the integrity and commitment, as well as invest the time and passion evidenced in both the Château and the Miraval brand,” he said.
According to legal documents from Pitt’s lawyers cited by Bloomberg, “The vineyard became Pitt’s passion – and a profitable one, as Miraval, under Pitt’s stewardship, has grown into a multimillion-dollar international success story and one of the world’s most highly regarded producers of rose wine.”
Referring to Jolie, the lawsuit says, “She sold her interest with the knowledge and intention that Shefler and his affiliates would seek to control the business to which Pitt had devoted himself and to undermine Pitt’s investment in Miraval.”
Pitt’s lawyers said the move had intended to cause “gratuitous harm” to Pitt, who had “poured money and sweat equity into the wine business.”
According to legal documents, Pitt contributed 60% of the funds when the couple purchased Château Miraval, with Jolie paying the remaining 40%.
Brad Pitt’s lawyers have requested a trial by jury.
Last year, we reported that Angelina Jolie allegedly tried to cut ex-husband Brad Pitt out of a deal involving the sale of Château Miraval in Provence. The actress has been accused of trying to sell her 50% stake in the $164 million estate in southern France without giving Pitt the opportunity of buying her out.
