Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have finalized their divorce settlement, concluding an eight-year legal saga that saw one of Hollywood's most famous couples embroiled in intense disputes over custody, assets, and allegations of abuse. The settlement, signed on December 30, was confirmed by Jolie's legal team.
"More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family," said Jolie's attorney, James Simon, in a statement. "Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over."
The couple's separation has been among the most contentious in celebrity history, with high-profile legal battles stemming from Jolie's 2016 divorce filing. The breakup was precipitated by an incident aboard a private jet, during which Jolie accused Pitt of being abusive toward her and their children. Although Pitt was not charged after an FBI investigation, the allegations added to the complexities of their legal disputes.
Jolie initially sought sole physical custody of their six children, then aged between 8 and 15. While the custody trial has largely resolved as their children have reached adulthood, lingering tensions have persisted over other matters, including the division of assets.
The centerpiece of their financial disputes has been Château Miraval, a $164 million French estate and winery the couple purchased during their marriage. The property, where they also tied the knot in 2014, became the subject of a heated legal battle after Jolie sold her stake in 2021. Pitt sued, claiming the sale violated an alleged agreement requiring mutual consent before any such transaction. Jolie countersued, alleging Pitt was "waging a vindictive war" against her and had sought to retain control of the estate.
In recent months, both parties have claimed victories in the ongoing winery dispute. In November, a judge ruled that Pitt must disclose documents, including emails and text messages, which Jolie's legal team believes could substantiate claims of abuse and cover-ups. Pitt's team, however, scored a win when a judge rejected Jolie's motions to dismiss his lawsuit, paving the way for a trial.
Throughout the public saga, Jolie has maintained her focus on her children. "It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing," she told Vogue India in 2020, describing her separation from Pitt as necessary for their well-being.
Pitt, who has been dating jewelry executive Ines de Ramon since 2022, has largely refrained from public comment on the divorce. His representatives declined to confirm the settlement, and his legal team has consistently dismissed Jolie's allegations as a "sensationalist fishing expedition."
Despite their divorce being legally finalized in 2019, the unresolved disputes over property and custody prolonged the proceedings. The protracted legal battle underscores the difficulty of untangling the lives of two high-profile individuals whose personal and professional investments were deeply intertwined.
A source close to Jolie noted her determination to move forward. "She doesn't speak ill of [Pitt] publicly or privately. She's been trying hard to be light after a dark time," the source said.
As one chapter of their separation closes, the broader legal issues surrounding Château Miraval remain active. Both sides appear prepared to continue their fight over the estate, a symbol of their once-glamorous partnership now mired in acrimony.
