Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's complex divorce proceedings are still ongoing. In recent developments, a California judge ruled in Pitt's favor, requiring Jolie and her team to turn in 22 undisclosed documents, including some of her private text messages and emails. An expert shares why this development might result in a win for Pitt's team.
Jolie and Pitt's legal battle dates back to 2022, when Pitt sued Jolie over the sale of her stake in Chateau Miraval, a French winery that is valued at over $100 million dollars. The pair acquired the winery in 2008 and spent plenty of time in the home throughout their 12-year relationship. The pair got married in the property in 2014.
The news was shared by Fox News Digital, which spoke to a legal expert who provided some input. "I cannot imagine a scenario where Jolie’s team would fight this battle based on a long-shot argument if the documents were not helpful to Brad’s case," said lawyer Brett Ward.
"Generally speaking, the bigger the effort to protect documents, the more important they are. So, given Jolie’s significant effort to protect them, I would expect that these texts and emails weaken Jolie’s position in the case, perhaps fatally."
The disclosed documents might include conversations between Jolie and her aides. These could be kept private or could be shared with the public by Brad Pitt's team. Late last year, Jolie's representation claimed they would appeal the court's decision to unveil these documents.
“The court’s ruling violates that law, undermines Ms. Jolie’s fundamental right to a fair trial, and represents yet another manifestation of Mr. Pitt’s years-long effort to harass and control her. We will appeal,” said her team of representatives.
The date of the trial to resolve their dispute has yet to be announced.
Is Jolie leaving the US?
According to various sources, Jolie has been planning for her move out of the US. According to PEOPLE, Jolie has been showing her Los Angeles home to prospective buyers and is only waiting for her twin children, Vivienne and Knox, to celebrate their 18th birthdays this June to complete the move.
The outlet reports that Jolie is looking into different countries as her new possible home, and that she's ready to lead a life that's not based in Los Angeles, where it's difficult to escape the media spotlight.
In the past, Jolie has spoken about the situation in America, going viral for her sincerity. “I love my country, but at this time, I don’t recognize my country," she said at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
“I’ve always lived internationally, my family is international, my friends, my life.”