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The ongoing legal feud between Hollywood heavyweights Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt took an unexpected turn with a recent ruling by Judge Lia Martin, adding a fresh layer of complexity to the contentious dispute.
In a decision handed down on Thursday, May 16, Judge Martin ordered Jolie, famed for her roles in films like "Tomb Raider," to disclose every non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she was involved in or endorsed between 2014 and 2022. This development marks a significant escalation in a lawsuit initially brought forth by Pitt, who alleged that Jolie had sold her share of their jointly-owned winery, Château Miraval, to Russian tycoon Yuri Shefler, despite prior agreements with Pitt regarding the sale.
Central to the legal wrangling are the NDAs, which have emerged as a pivotal point of contention. Pitt's camp contends that Jolie reneged on their agreements after his team requested she sign an NDA as part of the winery sale deal, a move that allegedly blindsided Jolie and prompted a shift in their arrangement.
According to a source close to Pitt's legal team speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Judge Martin's ruling has dealt a significant blow to Jolie's defense, potentially weakening her position in the case.
Jolie's legal representatives have vehemently opposed Pitt's proposed NDA, characterizing it as an attempt to stifle her freedom of expression regarding allegations of Pitt's misconduct, including claims of abuse toward Jolie and their children. They argue that Pitt's insistence on an expansive NDA, encompassing personal conduct beyond the scope of the winery deal, is unreasonable and oppressive.
However, Pitt's team maintains that the NDA is essential to safeguarding the reputation of the Miraval brand, emphasizing its relevance to the sale agreement.
In response to the ruling, Jolie's lawyer, Paul Murphy, conveyed her willingness to comply with the court's directive, stating via Entertainment Weekly, "We are more than happy to turn them over and we are gratified that the Court acknowledged that the only potential relevance is to the unconscionability of Mr. Pitt's conduct, a now confirmed key issue in this case."
The ruling opens the door to broader discovery on issues related to Pitt's alleged misconduct, signaling a pivotal phase in the legal battle. Jolie's team views this as an opportunity to shed light on the truth and dispel what they perceive as false narratives perpetuated by the litigation.
Jeff Ian
