Brad Pitt pushes back against latest claims by Angelina Jolie in legal battle

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's long-running legal fight over their French winery, Château Miraval, has taken another dramatic turn.

According to a new report from Us Weekly, the actor is now formally pushing back against allegations that he misused winery funds on so-called "vanity projects" amid his bitter dispute with his ex-wife.

Court documents filed on Monday, December 22, show Pitt addressing claims that he and his business improperly spent Miraval’s money on personal upgrades, including roughly $8 million allegedly used to build a home on the estate and add a swimming pool.

The 62-year-old actor also responded to scrutiny over a message he sent to associates during discussions about constructing a music studio at the winery. 

In the message, Pitt wrote, “I believe we should no longer send [Jolie] reports as she is trying to shop her shares.” 

He maintains that the communication does not constitute evidence of embezzlement or criminal intent.

In the filing, Pitt argued that the message has been taken out of context and reflects only his personal perspective at the time. 

"The message is framed as a personal view or observation, not an instruction," he stated, adding that it shows "no intent to advance or facilitate any unlawful conduct."

Before concluding, Pitt further asserted that there was no legal requirement for him to provide the report in question to Jolie, 50, emphasizing that no wrongdoing had occurred on his part.