Angelina Jolie is opening up about the emotional turmoil that led to her divorce from Brad Pitt in 2016. The actress and humanitarian, who is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Pitt over the sale of her shares in their former French winery, Château Miraval, recently shared new insights into the painful events surrounding the split.
In a personal declaration submitted to a California court on October 9, 2025, Jolie spoke candidly about the emotional toll the divorce took on her and their six children—Maddox, 24, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 17. She revealed that neither she nor her children have visited the estate since the divorce was filed, explaining that its connection to the painful events of their separation made it too difficult to return.
A Painful Decision to Leave Château Miraval Behind
Jolie’s declaration highlighted how the events that led to her separation from Pitt were emotionally challenging not only for her but also for their children. She described how she made the decision to leave the family homes, including the estate at Château Miraval, in the hands of Pitt without seeking compensation, hoping that this gesture would bring calmness to the situation.
“The events leading to my need to separate from my ex-husband were emotionally difficult for me and our children,” Jolie wrote. “Upon filing for divorce, I left him control (and full residency) of our family homes in Los Angeles and at Miraval, without compensation, which I hoped would make him calmer in his dealings with me after a difficult and traumatic period.”
She continued, explaining the lasting impact the divorce and the emotional scars associated with the estate had on her family: “To this day, the children and I have never again set foot on the property, given its connection to the painful events leading to the divorce.”
While Jolie did not explicitly detail the events that led to her divorce, reports at the time pointed to a disturbing altercation during a transatlantic flight in 2016. In her initial court filings, Jolie accused Pitt of verbally and physically assaulting her and one of their children, an accusation that Pitt has strongly denied.
Miraval’s Emotional Significance and the Strain of the Legal Battle
Château Miraval, which the couple purchased in 2008, was a deeply significant place for both Jolie and Pitt. It was not only a symbol of their shared life but also the site of their wedding in 2014. Jolie shared that the winery was a focal point of their family life and that the property was filled with cherished memories. She recalled spending part of her pregnancy there, and it was the place where she brought their twin children home from the hospital.
“Miraval was one of the first major investments we made together, and it was a focal point of our family life,” she reflected. “We were married there, I spent part of my pregnancy there, and I brought our twin children home there from the hospital.”
Jolie explained how the emotional ties to the estate made the legal discussions surrounding it deeply difficult for her. After filing for divorce, she and Pitt began “on-again, off-again discussions” in early 2017 about Pitt buying her shares in the winery. However, Jolie admitted that these conversations were often emotionally charged due to her deep connection to the property and the challenging nature of their separation.
“To have such a sudden break from my home and memories has been hard,” she said, adding that it was especially difficult for the children, whose lives had been “so disrupted.”
Pitt’s Offer and the NDA Controversy
As the legal discussions over the future of the winery continued, Jolie alleged that Pitt eventually offered to purchase her shares on the condition that she sign an expanded non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Jolie claimed that the terms of the NDA would have silenced her from speaking about the events that led to the divorce.
“As the mother of our children, as well as an advocate for victims of violence around the world,” Jolie wrote in her court declaration, “I found his demand extremely painful.”
The actress made it clear that she could not accept such a request. “I could not agree to this coercive demand,” Jolie wrote, emphasizing her position as a mother and advocate for victims of violence. She ultimately informed Pitt and his legal team that she intended to sell her shares in Miraval to a third party, bypassing Pitt’s demands.
The Ongoing Legal Battle
Jolie’s decision to sell her interest in Château Miraval was finalized in 2021 when she struck a deal with the Stoli Group’s Tenute del Mondo. The sale, however, did not go without controversy. In 2022, Pitt filed a lawsuit against Jolie, alleging that she sold her shares without his permission, a move he claimed violated their agreement.
In response, Jolie filed a countersuit, claiming that Pitt had attempted to manipulate the situation for his own benefit. The legal battle is ongoing, and both parties continue to dispute the terms of their agreement regarding the winery, adding another layer of complexity to their already turbulent relationship.
A Reflection on Her Legacy
In her declaration, Jolie also reflected on her broader role in the world and the importance of her legacy. As an advocate for human rights and victims of violence, Jolie emphasized that her actions were driven by her values and beliefs, rather than personal animosity. She said that the decision to sell her shares in Miraval was not one made lightly, and it was a painful chapter in an already difficult period of her life.
Despite the legal disputes and personal challenges, Jolie’s legacy as a humanitarian and an actress remains intact. Her commitment to supporting victims of violence around the world continues to be a central part of her public persona, and she remains steadfast in her mission to raise awareness and create change.
Looking Forward
As Jolie continues to navigate her legal battles with Pitt, her commitment to her children and her advocacy work is evident. The ongoing legal proceedings over Château Miraval are just one chapter in what has been a complex and deeply emotional journey for the actress. As she and Pitt continue to fight over the fate of the winery, Jolie is focused on the well-being of her children and her ongoing efforts to advocate for victims of violence.
Her declaration about the events leading up to her divorce serves as a powerful reminder of the personal toll that public separations can take. For Jolie, the road ahead remains uncertain, but her resilience in the face of adversity continues to shine through.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s legal battle with Brad Pitt over Château Miraval is far from over, but the actress has made it clear that her focus remains on her children, her legacy, and her advocacy for those affected by violence. While the painful memories tied to the estate will remain, Jolie’s determination to move forward and protect her family stands as a testament to her strength and resilience.
