Brad Pitt has filed a motion with the Los Angeles court seeking access to communications between Angelina Jolie and Alexei Oliynik, according to Page Six on 9/7. Oliynik is a witness in the case surrounding Jolie's sale of her 50% stake in Chateau Miraval to Stoli Group. A Swiss national, Oliynik reportedly works under Russian tycoon Yuri Shefler, the owner of Stoli and Jolie's business partner in the transaction. Pitt has also requested Oliynik's participation in an upcoming deposition.
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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were once one of Hollywood's leading couples. Photo: WireImage/ Film Magic |
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were once one of Hollywood's leading couples. Photo: WireImage/ Film Magic
The actor filed the motion and all related documents at the end of June. In the filing, Pitt states he "attempted to meet and confer" with Oliynik regarding the legal matters but made no progress. Pitt seeks information from Oliynik about the transaction, including messages with Jolie or her team. Oliynik has refused to appear in court or provide data, claiming a Swiss citizen cannot be compelled to testify in a California court case.
Pitt's legal team argues Oliynik's reasoning is "inapplicable" because they are only requesting "a remote deposition, conducted in the country where Oliynik resides". Pitt's filing also identifies Oliynik as a "key figure" in the sale, acting "at the direction of his boss, businessman Yuri Shelfer". Pitt considers Oliynik a crucial witness in the lawsuit.
The judge has yet to rule on this matter. A source close to Pitt commented that the request "isn't just about Oliynik, but the entire Stoli Group". Representatives for Pitt, Jolie, and Stoli have not commented on the latest developments. According to Us Weekly, the trial for the dispute between Pitt and Jolie is expected to last 15 days, with a start date yet to be determined.
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Chateau Miraval, the site of the couple's 2014 wedding and their winery. Photo: Zuma Press |
Chateau Miraval, the site of the couple's 2014 wedding and their winery. Photo: Zuma Press
The couple divorced in 2016 but retained equal ownership of the estate. In 2/2022, Pitt sued his ex-wife for secretly selling her stake despite a prior agreement not to sell to a third party without the other's consent. Seven months later, Jolie countersued, alleging Pitt engaged in a "retaliatory war" after she filed for divorce.
The pair reached a divorce settlement at the end of last year, but property disputes remain unresolved. Also in 2024, both accused the other of using confidentiality agreements to conceal wrongdoing during and after their marriage. In July of the same year, Jolie's lawyer stated the actress requested Pitt cease litigation for the sake of their family.
Pitt and Jolie first met on the set of *Mr. & Mrs. Smith* (2005) while Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston. After the film, Jolie and Pitt began a public relationship, marrying in 2014 and raising six children, three adopted and three biological. Following their divorce, both sought custody, with Pitt ultimately unsuccessful. In recent years, he has been largely estranged from his children, who have publicly or indirectly disavowed him. Currently, only their youngest son, 17-year-old Knox Jolie-Pitt, has not taken a public stance on his parents' legal battles.
Trailer for the film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (2005). Video: YouTube Rotten Tomatoes Classic
Phuong Thao (via Page Six, People)
