Brad Pitt accused Angelina Jolie of wanting to ‘harm’ him by selling common property to Russian tycoons

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at an event in 2012 – Photo: AFP

The actor made the latest allegation in a lawsuit against his ex-wife, against the sale of the Chateau Miraval vineyard. This is the latest controversy in a bitter legal battle between the former Hollywood power couple.

Pitt and Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. Last October, Jolie sold a stake in the southern French vineyard – where she and Pitt held their wedding – to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of the group. Drinks of Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler.

Pitt sued in February, saying the couple had agreed never to sell their share without the other’s consent, and accusing Jolie of seeking to profit from the deal.

According to AFP news agency, Pitt’s lawyers argued that “Jolie sought to harm Pitt” with the sale, and described Mr Shefler as “a stranger with malicious connections and intentions”. .

Shefler is accused of “maintaining personal and professional relationships with individuals” close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles District Court over the weekend. .

However, Mr. Shefler has long been an outspoken critic of Putin, and the billionaire’s Stoli Group is based in Latvia.

Pitt’s lawsuit also lists Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of Shefler’s “disreputable professional network of associates” that “threatens lasting damage to Miraval’s reputation.”

The Stoli Group did not respond to a request for comment.

A source close to the news told AFP that Jolie decided to sell her share because she and the children “can’t go back” to Chateau Miraval, and she made several offers to her ex-husband before signing Mr Shefler. .

The source said Pitt’s lawsuit against Jolie is “an extension of a false story” and that “the truth of the matter has yet to be made public”.

Once Hollywood’s most famous couple, Pitt and Jolie first met after playing a married assassin in the movie. Mr and Mrs Smith 2005.

Last July, Jolie won their custody battle.