Brad Pitt Targeting Russian Oligarch … In War With Angelina Jolie

Actor Brad Pitt has escalated his protracted legal dispute with ex-wife Angelina Jolie, petitioning a Los Angeles court to compel Russian businessman Yuri Shefler to testify in a remote deposition regarding Jolie’s sale of her stake in their jointly owned French winery, Chateau Miraval. The move, revealed in court documents obtained on March 17, 2026, underscores Pitt’s continued efforts to challenge the legitimacy of Jolie’s 2021 transaction with Shefler’s Stoli Group, a sale he contends was conducted without his consent and in breach of an alleged mutual agreement.

The Contested Vineyard: Chateau Miraval

Chateau Miraval, a sprawling estate spanning approximately 1,200 acres in the village of Correns, France, holds significant personal and financial weight in the ongoing legal saga. Pitt and Jolie purchased the property in 2008 for an estimated $28 million, acquiring it through separate companies, Quimicum S.A. (Pitt’s) and Nouvel LLC (Jolie’s). The estate, which includes a 35-room manor, vineyards, and olive groves, became a cherished family retreat and, notably, the venue for their private wedding ceremony in 2014. Beyond its sentimental value, Miraval developed into a highly successful venture, primarily renowned for its award-winning rosé wine. Under the guidance of celebrated winemaker Marc Perrin, the Miraval rosé brand garnered critical acclaim and impressive commercial success, with annual sales reportedly reaching millions of bottles worldwide and generating substantial revenue. The vineyard’s valuation has soared considerably since its initial acquisition, transforming it into a significant asset with an estimated worth exceeding $160 million by some analyses. This commercial success, intertwined with its personal significance, makes the unilateral sale of Jolie’s share a deeply contentious point in the former couple’s divorce proceedings.

A Decade of Shared Ownership: From Romance to Rancor

The history of Chateau Miraval mirrors the trajectory of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s relationship, evolving from a symbol of their union to a battleground in their contentious divorce. Their initial acquisition in 2008 marked a period of public adoration for the couple, affectionately dubbed "Brangelina." They invested heavily in the property, not just financially but emotionally, viewing it as a long-term legacy for their six children. The decision to establish a winery business was a joint endeavor, reflecting a shared vision for a sustainable, family-oriented enterprise. For years, the estate served as a private sanctuary, shielding their family from the relentless glare of Hollywood.

However, this idyllic image shattered with their abrupt separation in September 2016. The divorce proceedings, initiated by Jolie, quickly devolved into a bitter and public struggle, touching upon custody arrangements, property division, and allegations of misconduct. While their marital status was legally dissolved in 2019, separating their assets, particularly the complex ownership structure of Miraval, proved far more challenging. Pitt’s legal team has consistently argued that there was an explicit or implicit understanding between the former spouses that neither would sell their stake in the winery without the other’s consent. This agreement, they contend, was crucial to maintaining the family business and preserving the value of the Miraval brand, which Pitt had largely overseen and developed.

The Divorce and the Disputed Sale

Following their separation, Angelina Jolie expressed a desire to divest herself of her interest in Chateau Miraval. Her legal representatives have indicated that she sought to distance herself from any business associated with Pitt, particularly in the wake of alleged personal conflicts. Pitt reportedly attempted to buy out Jolie’s share, offering various proposals to acquire Nouvel LLC. However, these negotiations ultimately failed to reach a satisfactory resolution for both parties.

In October 2021, Jolie proceeded with the sale of her 50% stake in Chateau Miraval, held through Nouvel LLC, to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of Stoli Group. Stoli Group is an international spirits conglomerate owned by Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler. The sale, which reportedly went through for approximately $64 million, blindsided Pitt, who subsequently filed a lawsuit against Jolie in February 2022. His lawsuit alleged breach of contract, breach of implied-in-fact contract, breach of quasi-contract, tortious interference with contractual relations, tortious interference with prospective business advantage, and constructive trust. Pitt’s complaint asserted that Jolie’s sale to Tenute del Mondo was not only a violation of their alleged mutual agreement but also an attempt to harm him by introducing a stranger into the business and undermining his control over the Miraval brand. He further claimed that Jolie acted maliciously, fully aware that the sale would disrupt his efforts to nurture the winery and potentially damage its reputation.

The Emergence of Yuri Shefler and Stoli Group

The involvement of Yuri Shefler and his Stoli Group adds another layer of complexity and geopolitical nuance to the dispute. Shefler, a prominent figure in the global spirits industry, founded SPI Group (now Stoli Group) in 1997. His business empire, headquartered in Luxembourg, boasts a diverse portfolio of spirits brands, most notably Stolichnaya vodka (rebranded as Stoli in most markets). Shefler, who holds Russian, Israeli, and British citizenship, has been a vocal critic of the Russian government, particularly following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. His public denunciation of the war and his efforts to distance the Stoli brand from its Russian origins (despite its historical association) have been widely reported.

Pitt’s legal team has highlighted the "Russian-affiliated" nature of Stoli Group in their filings, though it is crucial to note that Shefler himself has taken steps to sever ties with Russia. The timing of Jolie’s sale to a company owned by a Russian-born businessman, particularly amidst escalating global tensions and sanctions against Russian entities, has been a point of contention for Pitt’s side. They argue that this transaction introduced a "hostile third party" into the Miraval partnership, further complicating the business operations and potentially jeopardizing the brand’s integrity. Pitt’s filings suggest that the sale was a deliberate act to undermine his control and partnership in the profitable Miraval venture.

Legal Maneuvers: Pitt’s Push for Deposition

In the latest development, Brad Pitt’s legal team has formally requested a Los Angeles judge to compel Yuri Shefler to appear for a remote deposition. A deposition is a critical phase in civil litigation, allowing parties to gather sworn testimony from witnesses outside of court. Pitt’s attorneys contend that Shefler’s testimony is vital to their case, arguing that he possesses direct and crucial knowledge regarding the circumstances surrounding Jolie’s sale of Nouvel LLC to Tenute del Mondo.

According to court documents, Pitt’s legal representatives assert that while Shefler has refused to sit for a deposition, they have "learned that the transaction was orchestrated by, and closed at the behest of" Shefler. This statement suggests that Pitt’s team believes Shefler was not merely a passive buyer but an active participant in shaping the deal, potentially influencing Jolie’s decision-making process or the terms of the sale. They aim to probe into the communications between Jolie and Shefler, the valuation of the stake, the negotiations that took place, and any details that might shed light on whether Jolie’s actions violated her alleged agreement with Pitt. The objective is to uncover evidence that supports Pitt’s claim that the sale was illicit and designed to harm his interests in Chateau Miraval.

Jurisdictional Battle: Shefler’s Opposition

Yuri Shefler’s legal representatives have reportedly opposed the request for a deposition, primarily citing his residency in Switzerland. Jurisdictional challenges are common in international litigation, where witnesses reside outside the court’s immediate reach. Shefler’s lawyers would likely argue that a U.S. court lacks the authority to compel a Swiss resident to provide testimony, especially for a case primarily concerning a French asset and involving parties with varying nationalities. They might also raise concerns about the burden of complying with a foreign court’s order and the potential for conflicting legal principles.

However, Brad Pitt’s legal team is not relenting. They have countered Shefler’s opposition by presenting evidence, including emails, which they claim demonstrate direct contact between Angelina Jolie and Yuri Shefler concerning the winery purchase. This direct communication, Pitt’s lawyers argue, unequivocally proves Shefler’s integral involvement and direct knowledge of the transaction, making his testimony indispensable to the ongoing litigation. They are likely to argue that the convenience of a remote deposition mitigates the burden of international travel and that the relevance of Shefler’s testimony outweighs any jurisdictional hurdles, particularly given the substantial value and contentious nature of the asset in question. The court will now have to weigh these arguments, considering principles of international comity, the relevance of the testimony, and the feasibility of compelling an overseas witness.

Implications for the Ongoing Legal Saga

The outcome of Brad Pitt’s request to depose Yuri Shefler could significantly impact the trajectory of the Chateau Miraval lawsuit. If the court grants the request, Shefler’s sworn testimony could provide crucial insights into Jolie’s motivations for selling, the specifics of the negotiations with Stoli Group, and whether she indeed acted in contravention of any agreements with Pitt. His testimony could either corroborate Pitt’s claims of a breach of contract and malicious intent or, conversely, undermine them by presenting a different narrative of the sale.

Conversely, if the court denies the request, Pitt’s legal team would lose a potentially vital source of information, making it more challenging to prove their assertions regarding the alleged orchestration of the sale. This would force them to rely more heavily on circumstantial evidence and documentation already in their possession. The "war" between Pitt and Jolie, which has been characterized by intense legal maneuvering and public revelations, is far from over. This particular battle over Shefler’s testimony highlights the intricate nature of high-value asset division in celebrity divorces, especially when international business interests are involved. The case continues to be a closely watched example of how personal disputes can spill into complex corporate and legal arenas, with potentially far-reaching financial and reputational implications for all parties involved. The resolution of the Miraval dispute is not just about a vineyard; it’s about control, legacy, and the ultimate financial settlement of one of Hollywood’s most public and enduring separations.