Los Angeles, CA — Actress Angelina Jolie has officially concluded her lawsuit against the Department of Justice, initially filed to gain more clarity on the agency’s investigation into allegations of assault during a 2016 flight. The contentious flight in question, a cross-Atlantic journey from France to Los Angeles, involved Jolie and her then-husband, actor Brad Pitt, along with their children. This incident has been a significant part of the broader, tumultuous divorce saga between the Hollywood stars.
The legal fight, characterized by its high-profile nature and complex legal maneuvers, ended with Jolie’s decision to voluntarily dismiss the suit. Court documents reveal that the dismissal, dated September 25, was concluded “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled on the same grounds, with both parties agreeing to bear their legal costs.
The roots of the case trace back nearly six years to when the FBI first investigated the alleged altercation on board the private aircraft. Despite the investigation concluding only two months later with no charges against Pitt, it clearly marked the beginning of the end for the celebrity couple’s union, as Jolie filed for divorce shortly thereafter.
In her lawsuit, filed under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” Jolie leveraged the Freedom of Information Act to request details of the FBI’s findings. She portrayed the pursuit of this information as a step toward protecting the welfare of their children within the family law system. Jolie argued that withheld information by the DOJ and FBI negatively impacted her ability to secure necessary ongoing care and medical attention for her children.
Documents related to the investigation shed light on severe allegations against Pitt. He was accused of physical altercations with multiple children and was also said to have physically assaulted Jolie. Reports detailed that he poured beer and red wine on Jolie and the children, creating a traumatic scene that left many of the children in tears.
Despite the closure of Jolie’s recent lawsuit, other legal battles between her and Pitt persist, not least concerning the custody of their children. Following their separation, Pitt was awarded shared custody in 2021, although disputes over this arrangement have continued.
Additionally, the former couple has engaged in legal disputes over the ownership and management of Château Miraval, a French winery they purchased in 2008. After Jolie attempted to sell her stake in 2021, Pitt challenged the sale, claiming it violated their prior agreement.
The ongoing litigation over Château Miraval has unveiled accusations from both camps. Jolie’s company described Pitt’s actions as a “vindictive campaign” to control the winery, while Pitt’s representatives have countered claims about mismanagement of the estate’s assets, including allegations of extravagant spending on renovations.
As Jolie and Pitt navigate these intertwined legal and personal disputes, the broader narrative extends beyond just another Hollywood breakup story. It touches on issues of privacy, the complexities of celebrity divorces, and the intersections of personal and public interests in high-profile legal battles.