The legal saga between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt continues nearly a decade after their split, as Jolie describes the “extremely painful” and “traumatic” period following her contentious divorce from the actor. According to court documents filed October 6 and obtained by USA TODAY on October 9, Jolie is seeking over $33,000 in legal fees related to Pitt’s motion to dismiss her request for private communications.
The documents highlight ongoing disputes over communications from a 2016 family trip, during which Jolie alleges that Pitt physically attacked her and their children on a plane. These filings underscore the protracted nature of their divorce battle and the emotional toll it has taken on Jolie.
Legal Battle Over Private Communications
Jolie’s filings address Pitt’s attempts to compel her to produce emails and documents discussing “legal advice or legal strategy” from her attorneys. In her challenge, Jolie emphasizes that such communications were intended to remain confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.
Her attorney, Paul Murphy, told USA TODAY that Pitt’s motion “is without any legal basis and the latest manifestation of his efforts to control Angelina, hereby seeking to invade her attorney-client privilege with her legal team.” Murphy added, “We expect the Court will see right through this and deny his motion.”
The couple reached a divorce settlement in December 2024, following their 2016 separation. They were married in 2014, after nearly a decade together, and their divorce has continued to generate media attention due to disputes over property, custody, and financial arrangements.
Jolie Calls Pitt’s NDA Demand ‘Extremely Painful’
One particularly contentious point in their legal dealings involved Pitt’s demand that Jolie sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in 2021, so he could purchase her interest in the Chateau Miraval winery, a property they once jointly owned. Jolie described the demand as “clearly and unnecessarily” coercive, intended to silence her.
“There was no practical need for the NDA, as I had not pressed charges or spoken out about the events that led to our divorce,” Jolie wrote in the filing. “In fact, for the previous five years, I had never publicly said a word about his actions. As the mother of our children, as well as an advocate for victims of violence around the world, I found his demand extremely painful.”
The deal ultimately collapsed after Pitt backed out of the agreement, and Jolie later sold her stake in the winery. Pitt’s legal team challenged the sale as unlawful, while Jolie countered, asserting that there was no agreement to sell the property only upon mutual consent.
Emotional and Financial Toll
In her court documents, Jolie also discussed the personal and financial toll of the legal battles. She expressed concerns about her health due to ongoing stress and highlighted her responsibilities as a mother:
“I need to remove all stress. I honestly feel I am getting sick from worry. So, I would like us to discuss better support and not continuing relationships that you see cause me stress,” Jolie wrote.
She also explained how she prioritized her children over her career, declining work for roughly two years after the separation to focus on their well-being and recovery. Despite financial constraints, Jolie sought to provide stability for her family, even requesting a loan from Pitt to purchase a home in Los Angeles, which he agreed to with interest.
Denying Allegations of Leaks
The filings also addressed accusations that Jolie allegedly leaked information about Pitt to the press. Jolie’s attorney, Laurent Schummer, emphasized that she was not involved in any leaks, despite concerns raised by the Perrin family, French vintners partnered with the couple in Miraval.
“I made it abundantly clear that our client is not involved in the leaks. I also added that if there is concern of damage due to disparaging, there would be much more loss if the deal is pulled,” Schummer wrote in emails to Jolie’s business manager.
Jolie has consistently accused Pitt of attempting to control her and drain her financially, as well as efforts to obscure his alleged history of abuse.
Protecting the Children
A recurring theme in Jolie’s filings is the well-being of their children. She described leaving Pitt in control of their Los Angeles and Miraval properties after filing for divorce as a strategy to reduce conflict during a turbulent period.
“To this day, the children and I have never again set foot on the property, given its connection to the painful events leading to the divorce,” Jolie wrote.
She also attempted to buy property near Pitt’s residence to ensure he remained a part of their children’s lives, but her financial resources were tied up in the winery. Jolie’s focus remained on providing a safe and stable environment for their children, including Shiloh (18), Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), and 16-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox.
A Marriage That Captured Hollywood
Jolie and Pitt first met on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2005, sparking a high-profile romance shortly after Pitt’s divorce from Jennifer Aniston. Their marriage and subsequent family life attracted global attention, combining philanthropic endeavors with cinematic fame. Their split, finalized after years of public scrutiny, has continued to generate legal disputes over assets, custody, and alleged past misconduct.
What’s Next in the Legal Dispute?
With Jolie seeking $33,000 in legal fees and continuing to challenge Pitt’s motions, the case illustrates that the fallout from their divorce is far from over. Jolie’s filings underscore her commitment to protecting her privacy, preserving attorney-client confidentiality, and prioritizing the health and stability of her children above all else.
The battle over Miraval, NDAs, and private communications shows the complex intersection of high-profile celebrity, family dynamics, and legal strategy. As court proceedings continue, the public will likely remain closely attuned to each new development in this ongoing saga.
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