Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt Reach Divorce Settlement After Years of Litigation
Eight years after Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, the former Hollywood power couple has finally reached a settlement. The actress's lawyers confirmed the news on Monday, December 30th, marking the end of a long and tumultuous legal battle.
The couple, who were married for two years after a decade-long relationship, cited irreconcilable differences in Jolie's initial filing. Since then, the divorce has been plagued by disagreements over custody of their six children and the ownership of their French estate, Miraval.
"More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family," Jolie's lawyer, James Simon, stated. "This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over."
A source close to Jolie emphasized that she has maintained a respectful stance throughout the proceedings: "She doesn't speak ill of [Pitt] publicly or privately. She's been trying hard to be light after a dark time."
The divorce proceedings were initiated following a tumultuous private plane flight in 2016, during which Jolie alleged that Pitt was abusive towards her and their children. While investigations were conducted, no charges were filed against Pitt.
In an attempt to shield their children from the intense media scrutiny, the couple released a joint statement four months after the initial filing, announcing their intention to handle the divorce privately with the assistance of a private judge.
This settlement brings an end to a highly publicized and emotionally charged chapter in the lives of one of Hollywood's most iconic couples.
Following years of legal battles, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have finally reached a settlement in their divorce, concluding a chapter that began in 2016. The agreement, reached on December 30th, emphasizes a united front for the well-being of their six children.
Prior to this settlement, the couple had endured years of strained negotiations, marked by custody disputes and public accusations. In 2017, they agreed to seal court documents to protect the privacy of their children: Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Vivienne and Knox (16).
The couple was legally declared single in 2019. Since then, Pitt has been in a relationship with Ines de Ramon. However, their legal battles continued, encompassing custody issues and disputes over the ownership of Château Miraval, their $164 million French estate and winery.
This settlement marks a significant step towards closure for the former couple, allowing them to move forward while prioritizing the well-being of their children.
The divorce of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may be finalized, but the war between the former Hollywood power couple continues to rage. At the heart of their ongoing conflict lies Château Miraval, the $164 million French estate and winery they once shared.
Pitt sued Jolie in 2022 after she sold her stake in the winery without his consent, claiming a breach of an unwritten agreement. Jolie countersued, accusing Pitt of "vindictive war" and attempting to seize control of the property following their 2016 separation.
The legal battle has taken on a dramatic turn, with Jolie's legal team seeking to introduce evidence of alleged abuse by Pitt. They argue that this evidence supports her claims regarding the Miraval dispute and demonstrates a pattern of controlling behavior. Pitt vehemently denies these allegations and has called Jolie's request for documents a "sensationalist fishing expedition."
The courts have seen a series of victories for both sides. Jolie secured the release of documents from Pitt, including emails and texts, that she believes will support her claims. However, Pitt also scored a significant win when a judge rejected Jolie's motions to dismiss his lawsuit, bringing the case closer to trial.
The Miraval dispute highlights the complexities of the couple's post-divorce relationship and their ongoing struggle for control over their shared assets. This high-stakes legal battle continues to unfold, with the potential for further twists and turns as the case moves towards trial.
While the divorce itself is finalized, the lingering shadow of their past continues to loom. The Miraval dispute serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that arise when high-profile relationships unravel.