Brad Pitt to Depose Russian Tycoon Yuri Shefler in Winery Dispute

Brad Pitt is pressing the court to compel Russian businessman Yuri Shefler to give a remote deposition. The request comes amid a long-running winery dispute connected to his former wife.

Background of the Château Miraval dispute

Pitt sued his ex-wife in 2022 over Chateau Miraval. He says Jolie sold her stake without his permission after the couple bought the estate while married.

The actor also says he attempted to buy her share. Instead, the stake reportedly transferred to a company linked to Shefler.

Deposition fight

Pitt’s legal team says emails show direct contact between Jolie and Shefler about the property. They argue Shefler has relevant first-hand knowledge.

Shefler has declined to appear. He has cited his Swiss residency as a reason to refuse a remote deposition.

Yuri Shefler’s business profile

Shefler founded an international alcohol consortium that handled hundreds of brands. The operation reached markets in about 170 countries.

He later split his interests into Stoli Group and Amber Beverage Group. His best-known label is Stolichnaya vodka, acquired from a state entity in 1997 for $285,000.

As of July 2025, his net worth was estimated at roughly $1.1 billion. He appears on the global billionaires list near the 3,185 ranking.

Shefler once owned the yacht Serene, reportedly sold in 2015 for about $550 million. He also bought the Tulchan Estate on Speyside shortly after that sale.

Documents, privilege and appeals

A judge ordered Jolie to produce 22 previously undisclosed documents earlier this year. Those materials included private messages that the actor’s team says are relevant.

Jolie’s lawyers moved to appeal. They argue attorney-client privilege protects some of the communications.

Pitt’s side counters that the contested records are communications with financial advisers and PR consultants, not privileged legal advice. An appeals court issued a stay while it reviews the dispute.

Legal experts weigh in

Outside lawyers have said the withheld documents may materially affect the case. Observers note that vigorous efforts to shield records often signal their importance.

The fight over witness testimony and documents continues. The deposition push underscores how central third-party dealings are to the ongoing litigation.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments as filings and rulings emerge in this high-profile property dispute.