Brad Pitt Use of Russian Oligarch Email Sparks $250 Million Legal Battle with Angelina Jolie Over French Estate

Brad Pitt Use of Russian Oligarch Email has requested that the Russian oligarch he filed a lawsuit against, with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie as a co-defendant, cease engaging in purported legal maneuvers and promptly provide crucial documents to expedite the progress of their case. As per available court records, Pitt has formally petitioned the court to compel Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler to furnish supplementary evidence.

Pitt filed a lawsuit against Angelina Jolie and Yuri Shefler following the actress’ sale of her share in Chateau Miraval, a French winery valued at $164 million, to SPI Group, owned by the oligarch. The ex-spouses initially bought the property together during their marriage, intending to pass it on to their children, with each holding a 50% stake in the business.

Brad Pitt Use of Russian Oligarch Email Sparks $250 Million

Pitt mentioned that he invested a significant amount of time and money in developing it into a profitable wine enterprise.

The actress wrote

, “In the past four years I have seen lots of inconsiderate behavior, money spent in ways that I would not have approved, and decisions made that I was not consulted on. I’ve been hurt by decisions that have been made that show no interest in sharing the business or changing it fundamentally into something that would be healthier for our children.”

“Most of all, I was shaken by the recent imagery that was released to sell the alcohol. I find it irresponsible and not something I would want the children to see. It reminded me of painful times,” Angelina Jolie said.

“All of this tells me very clearly that the vision you and the others in the business have is not one I can share. I do not feel I can be involved, publicly or privately, in a business based on alcohol, when alcoholic behavior harmed our family so deeply.”

Earlier, Angelina Jolie made allegations that Pitt was abusive during a private plane flight in 2016. Pitt has consistently denied these accusations, and no legal charges were filed. Shortly after the alleged incident, the actress initiated divorce proceedings.

Shefler’s Response to Allegations

In his legal action, Pitt asserted that he agreed to collaborate with Angelina Jolie in selling her stake after she approached him.

Court records revealed that the pair negotiated an arrangement stipulating a payment of $54.4 million to Jolie over a span of six years. According to the terms, Angelina Jolie would reimburse Pitt for a loan he extended by allocating $7 million from the initial $46 million payment within the agreement.

However, the agreement collapsed following a development in the couple’s custody dispute.

Pitt asserted that Jolie subsequently sold her ownership share to Shefler. He alleged that she chose the Russian oligarch because of his connections to Putin, a move he contended she thought would negatively impact Miraval’s reputation.

Yuri Shefler refutes allegations of being a Russian oligarch and asserts that he opposes Putin.

Pitt’s attorney insists on invalidating the sale to Yuri Shefler, alleging that the oligarch and his associates tried to forcefully take over Miraval.

In retaliation, Nouvel, the company acquired by Yuri Shefler from Jolie that holds her stake in Miraval, sues Pitt for $250 million. The lawsuit accuses the actor of misusing Miraval’s assets for personal vanity projects.

Shefler requested the court prevent Pitt from requesting additional documents from him. Shefler contended that he lacks connections to California, where the lawsuit was initiated, and consequently, the case should be dismissed. Pitt insisted that Shefler provide specific documents related to jurisdiction, believing that these documents would support the claim that California is the appropriate court for the proceedings.

Shefler stated that he had already handed over numerous documents, emphasizing that his interaction with Jolie was limited to brief encounters before and after the sale. The oligarch mentioned sending Jolie five texts—two expressing support for the deal prior to its closure and three messages afterward.

Mutual Agreement Not to Engage with Pitt

Interestingly, Shefler clarified that he did not personally send these messages; instead, he utilized third parties for communication with Jolie. However, Pitt’s legal team has responded strongly to Shefler’s statements. In a recent filing, the actor’s team accused the oligarch and his associates of hiding crucial evidence.

Pitt contends that the produced documents reveal the agreement for Jolie’s purported sale of her company, Nouvel, to Shefler’s company. According to Pitt, this agreement is subject to California law and designates California as the exclusive forum for handling disputes arising from it.

Moreover, Pitt argues that Shefler’s company explicitly made the deal contingent on Jolie obtaining relief from the California Superior Court. Specifically, this relief involved lifting certain divorce-related orders that constrained Jolie, as the transaction could not progress without it.

Furthermore, he asserted that Jolie and Shelfer’s company had mutually agreed not to engage in any communication with Pitt, who resides in California, regarding any aspect of their negotiations, thereby violating his contractual rights.

Pitt claimed that Shefler attempted to evade inquiries by downplaying his role in the transaction and trying to shield himself behind his agents. However, documents from other sources unveiled Shefler’s substantial involvement in the transaction, indicating that he played a crucial role in its negotiation, both directly and behind the scenes, as stated in the motion.

To support his claim, Pitt presented an email sent by Shefler to Jolie through an intermediary, dated March 25, 2022.

“Dear Angelina, With this letter I would like to thank you for the deal we have done. I am happy with the deal despite the current disagreements with Mr. Pitt in regards to his attempts to sabotage and avoid signing shareholders’ agreements. I am, however, hopeful that we will eventually become trustworthy partners and will be enjoying mutual business.”

He added, “Should you at any point of time require any assistance from me, please do reach out at [redacted phone number].”

The wealthy individual emphasized that he extends a standing invitation for the recipient and their children to visit his estate in Scotland whenever they please.

Pitt asserted that the email mentioned demonstrates his significant engagement in the matter. The actor is urging the court to intervene and compel Shelfer to provide further records, with the aim of retaining the case within California. A decision from the judge is pending.