As we’ve known since the Neri Oxman Debacle of 2018, Brad Pitt sure likes to leak damaging and/or passive-aggressive sh-t about Angelina Jolie. His preferred outlets are definitely People Magazine, Us Weekly and Page Six. So, big shock, when we heard that Angelina and her lawyers want the “private judge” in Angelina and Brad’s divorce thrown off the case, I figured that Brad and his wacky team of crisis managers would soon tell us how everything is Angelina’s fault. Even though Angelina wants the judge off the case for good reason – the judge has had repeated business dealings with Brad’s lawyers. The judge should have recused himself in good faith at the mere whiff of impropriety, but here we are. Now “a source close to the case” tells Page Six that – obvs – it’s all Angelina’s fault!
Angelina Jolie has asked to remove the private judge overseeing her protracted divorce and child-custody battle with Brad Pitt. The actress argues that Judge John W. Ouderkirk should be disqualified from their divorce case, filed in 2016. Lawyers for Jolie filed a motion in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that the judge was not forthcoming enough about other cases he presided over that involved Pitt’s attorney, Anne C. Kiley. The papers state that during the Jolie-Pitt proceedings, Ouderkirk has allegedly “failed to disclose the cases that demonstrated the current, ongoing, repeat-customer relationship between the judge and [Pitt’s] counsel.”
However, a source close to the case said this was a delay tactic by Jolie, because she believed things weren’t going in her favor. The source said the main issue is custody of their kids and her request for more child support.
The source said, “Jolie is basically trying to fire the private judge overseeing their divorce case. She has every right to do this, but if she thought she was in a good place in this legal proceeding, she wouldn’t need to do it. This is a classic case of someone expecting a bad decision trying to delay the process by asking for a new referee.” Judge Ouderkirk could not be reached, and lawyers for Jolie and Pitt didn’t get back to us.
The source added that Jolie’s move is unusual: While Pitt’s team has sought to keep the same judge, ensuring personal details divulged in the case are kept private, Jolie is now involving a public court and is delaying anything getting resolved. “This is about how much time Brad gets with the kids, how does sharing time with the kids work … This divorce has been going on for four years, for goodness’ sake.”
“If she thought she was in a good place in this legal proceeding…” I mean, clearly Angelina and her lawyers believe that they’re NOT “in a good place” because the judge is biased in favor of his business partner Anne C. Kiley and Kiley’s client Brad Pitt, and the judge has been granting motions on behalf of Kiley. I can only imagine how uncomfortable and wrong that feels. So Brad running to Page Six to gloat about how he’s in a great position because the private judge is biased against Angelina Jolie… is the exact reason why the judge needs to be kicked off the case.
Also: I don’t even believe Brad and Angelina are still endlessly bickering over custody. I think there’s a reason why BRAD has stalled so long and it’s because of his financials.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
AJ obviously has a valid point if this is true.
Wasn’t last month’s story that they were getting along much better? UGH. I could never. Four years? Not me.
Brad truly is a ……
He refused to submit his financials for almost 2 years, asked for extension 3 times.
And 4 out 6 children refusing to see him is not winning the divorce.
Go Angelina & Samantha.
I find it so weird when a divorce lasts longer than a marriage.🤦♀️
Exactly! I still feel a deep sadness for the children.
Brad should have never married anyone. He treated Jen like garbage, disposes of her, and runs off with Angie. His 2nd marriage has been a disaster too.
Brad is a prominent Hollywood player, funny, charming & talented. However, he is a terrible husband. Angie looks unwell, and I hope the divorce is settled soon for everyone’s sake.
I am appalled by Brad Pitt.
The wealthy have and keep their wealth by grift and theft.
This divorce seems to be taking forever , if its not custody issues i guess there is a lot of money at stake. Angelina doesnt seem to be the type to care too much about money as long as she and her kids are comfortable.
I don’t know. She seems to live a pretty glamourous life with all her designer brands and private chauffeurs. With age it looks like she’s come accustomed to all the wealth.
Idk… She seems to live a pretty glamourous life with all her designer brands, private chauffeurs and costly home. With age it looks like she’s come accustomed to the wealth and living comfortably.
I know she has the kids and they all need their stuff, but she’s not exactly dressing or living like she doesn’t care that much about money..
Don’t know about him “winning the divorce”, but he looks like … what’s the male equivalent of “mutton done upas lamb”? Ridiculous? Your thirties are long gone, mate.
Objectively I know Brad Pitt is good looking, however the picture heading this post has to be one of the worst of him out there. Even when he had his billy goat scruff beard he didn’t look that bad. Here he does.
I watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith this weekend and *sigh*. I’m too old to be sad about a divorce of people I don’t know, but I am. Even if it’s right for all parties and it’s been like 4 years.
Winning the divorce?
Is the divorce not final yet?
Jeez, the lawyers must be dancing at the pile of $$ they are billing.
And now my favorite lawyer joke….
Q: What do you call 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?
A: A damn good start.
No offense, it’s a really old joke.
Have a good Tuesday everybody. 🙂
AJ has been thru serious health problems, IMO, I would cut him off.
Dead to me, jackass. Life is too damn short.
She has 6 kids who love and depend on her, BP is a tool who will never be much use as a Father figure to these kids.
Pitt has f’ed up his relationship with his children, IMO, that makes him a failure in life.
Pitt and Cruise are both useless and worthless as Fathers.
Once you have children, you are responsible for those children in every way for 18 years, minimum.
All the money and opportunities in the world at their fingertips and they just spit in the face of their good luck. The children are better off without, they have their Moms on their side.
How on earth are they still in court? They were married for, what, a year or two? They both would have made most of their money before the marriage, so there’s only so much they can fight over.
I wonder how much the lawsuits from his New Orleans house building factor into this. I totally agree that finances are at the heart of the delays, but maybe it’s not a settlement/alimony/child support he’s worried about. I haven’t heard an update about the lawsuits recently, but I wouldn’t be surprised if those play a role in delaying the divorce.
Oh, I forgot about that.
I was wondering why he kept stalling on the financials, but that would be a good reason – if his financials are entered into the court, would the other lawsuit(s) have access to them?
Oohh i wonder if thats why.
@lucy2, I am not a lawyer, but I imagine that if the financials were available to one proceeding, you could make the argument that they should be available to another one.
BP is doing what all the wealthy Dads soon to be divorced do- he’s hiding money- partly from AG and maybe the poor people who got conned into buying those houses in NO. They need a forensic accountant.
How are you winning a divorce if majority of your kids aren’t talking to you ??
Somebody should sit this man child down
Or maybe he genuinley doesn’t give a crap about his kids anymore so in his eyes he is winning?
Honestly, the fact that this is the best Pitt and his PR crew can do is sad. Almost four years and he’s still leaning into the same misogynistic tropes as a defence tactic? And in low grade tabloids? Sraping the barrel. Sad.
and theyre so toxic they honestly think this behavior makes them look good, like they’re ‘winning’?
Out of the Orange Man’s playbook. It’s funny to me how people are getting on Ellen but this dude gets to continue his toxic ways. Someone needs to really look into him and expose him.
He is powerful and does that passive-aggressive crap against Angie all the time. Amazing how the man who behaved badly in a marriage gets passes and controls the narrative like this while the woman looks out for the children. Story as old as time.
Good God. How were these two together so long? Like how did they manage to get along for 12 years?
He was getting what he needed out of the relationship? It’s amazing how hard a grip comfortable can get on you.
They call bandaid babies that for a reason. They had 3 bio kids and adopted 2 more in their relationship. Many times, a lot of problems can be swept under the rug for a time when raising kids, especially 6 kids. Add in careers (AJ was involved in around 20 films as an actress/producer/director, BP the same +/-). Stir in AJ’s humanitarian work and that leaves a lot rugs to sweep stuff under for a time. But eventually the rugs become lumpy and the bandaid falls off.
I think in their case it was a bandaid wedding. I get the impression things were good in the beginning and then soured in the last few years, and the wedding was an attempt to fix it. One they both probably really regret, given the never ending divorce.
Lucy2 Great point. You’re probably right.
I’ll never forget those wedding pictures with AJ looking…not very excited. Her hapipness radiated when she was pictured with the children. BP however looked thrilled he caught his victim in his trap.
I don’t understand why these adults, both already married before, felt the need to go through with this just for the children’s sake. It harmed them (the whole family) more than it did them good in the end.
” Like how did they manage to get along for 12 years?” – These high-powered celebs probably spend half the year together max, and probably about 90 days a year together on average. If you’re an employed showbiz person, you’re either on set filming, doing promotions, filming adverts, doing interviews, or flying here and there for other odd bits and bobs of work/PR-related stuff. On top of this, these two were into humanitarian/non-profit projects so add that to their schedules. Their marriage was never normal. Compared with the average civilian marriage, these two probably had something closer to a long-distance romance a lot of the time and passionate reunions.
“if she thought she was in a good place in this legal proceeding, she wouldn’t need to do it. This is a classic case of someone expecting a bad decision trying to delay the process by asking for a new referee.”
Brads people just confirmed how they would behave if they were in angies shoes, try to change the referee if they were losing a game. When people claim to be able to read others minds what theyre really revealing is their own thought process. Like lindsay graham saying people shouldn’t get a $600 payout to boost the ecinomy during covid19 because then they’ll have no incentive to go into work anymore. Hes just revealing that if he got paid a bit more that he’d skip out on work
100% YES.
Honestly at this point, I’m betting one of his kids will eventually say something about his stupid ass being a deadbeat father who spent so much time harassing thier mother.
But for now, it’s of course questioned no where but on a few select gossip sites why none of his kids are ever seen with him. And I’m this trend will continue for years to come. Each of these kids will grow up, go go college, get married but he won’t be there and everyone will continue to ignore it until they finally confirm the obvious.
Very true.
And imagine if the tables was turned. If it was AG who didn’t show up and lived like BP does. She would’ve been DRAGGED by the media and scolded by people.
Why are the standards so low for men and fathers? So sad.
Family law attorney here. One does not “win” in a divorce. This idea that you can go to court and get a slam dunk and “win” all the assets, etc.–especially when kids are involved–is malarkey. Here in Texas (community property state) judges stick very close to splitting the marital estate 50/50 between the parties, especially when you’re dealing with two independently wealthy people who are ending a marriage.
Also, a lawyer, and absolutely no winning in divorce ever. Such a crazy idea. Now since it’s four years this is absolutely about money, and most likely not child support either. Child support rules are a bit more concrete than alimony or splitting of assets with two uber wealthy clients. Also, just so you know when you go the private judge route you don’t have all the same rules, and the judges business connection with one of the lawyers isn’t all that unusual. I know it seems weird, but it’s not that odd to be honest. The life of the uber rich is vastly different than the majority of us.
Since you two are both lawyers have you read the filing? I’m no lawyer but from what I read it said Brad’s lawyer who has a connection to the judge from another divorce case is also extending their other case. Could it be the lawyer/ judges pushing to extend it for more money?
No, I have not. I only read those them if paid. It’s generally not fun light reading. I doubt I would garner much from reading them. When you hire a private judge it’s to keep all interesting information as quiet as possible. A few filings are required by law, but pertinent information is usually not in them.
In my experience, asset evaluation and division is the key factor in long drawn out divorce cases with the uber wealthy. Alimony is another close second factor, but there are some well established standards on alimony amounts. There are other easier ways child support and custody issues can be handled without delaying the divorce, which someone suggested. Sure they could be in the minority and the delay is due to another issue, but I doubt it. Speculate away on what they would be arguing over, a property perhaps, investment, production company?
Thanks for your response. I don’t wish to make you read that stuff outside of work but it was just that what you’re saying may not apply. From what I think says, Angie did not wish to keep extending the judge. That’s why I asked. So I’m not sure if they’re truly fighting over something or not but I have to wonder if the judge and lawyer are extending their pay days from Brad. If they were fighting over property or whatever it may be, why would she have previously stated she did not want to keep extending the judge? Sounds like her side is upset about the constant extensions.
“Also, just so you know when you go the private judge route you don’t have all the same rules, and the judges business connection with one of the lawyers isn’t all that unusual.”
@ pytytwom So you know better than the californian law?
1.Privates judges have the same rules about ethical behavior
2.The business connection must be disclosed
Obviously in this case it wasn’t . She had all rights to file the disqualification. And he deserves to be ousted. Dude was glued on his chair with the help of one party and didn’t want to resign by himself.
3. He is the one who stall the divorce , asking for extensions , dragging his feet to disclose his finances .
Deleted because I posted to the wrong comment. Sorry!
@Mina sorry I offended you. This case is a perfect example of one way it’s different between Public and Private judges and behavior allowed. FYI you said ethics I just said behavior. If this was a public case Angelina’s team would have no case against the judge at all. The claim is Brad’s lawyer’s business with the judge is she has litigated other private cases with the judge. Public judges often face the same lawyer many times and it’s not a reason for recusal. Two problems first the “business” is not the lawyer to judge, it’s the clients to the judge. Technically there is no business. That would be my first argument to win this if I was Brad’s lawyer. My second would be it’s four years in and both sides decided on the judge, why now? Finally, as far as me knowing more than ” the california law,” I did pass the California bar so I’ll say I’m well versed on it. Although, it changes readily and it is the practice of law. No one is perfect, especially when you are just gossiping or celebit8hing.
@Booie honestly without all the pieces it is really hard to see why a lawyer is maneuvering the way you see, and we are missing a lot here. However, if extending this case was a big issue with Angelina’s team you wouldn’t ask for the judge to be dismissed. If granted it will cause the biggest delay. Again just a guess, which people seem to not like here but going to anyway I’d say they are disputing the evaluation of something probably a business.
How isn’t it unethical of the judge? He didn’t disclose his financial dealings with Brad’s team to Angelina. Those dealings came after he became their private judge. It’s clearly a conflict of interest.
You guys made me go read it with all these questions! I can tell this site is pretty pro-Angelina, and I’m not sure how you are going to take this answer but yes it seems like a stall tactic, however a smart one I would use too.
The judge is not unethical and here’s a laymen’s explanation for you. The judge was hired by both parties, Angelina and Brad, through their lawyers to administer their divorce. Most cases are done in public where the court assigns the judge. As a lawyer I have been in front of the same judge many times. Just cause you’ve litigated a case in front of judge does not mean he/she needs to recuse themselves for your next case. In this case it is a private judge who is paid by both parties or payer is determined when settled. The claim is for dismissal of the judge because Brad’s lawyer has had cases in front of the judge and Angelina’s team is claiming they were insufficiently notified on how many and in a timely manner. The wording of insufficiently notified and timely manner lead me to believe it’s a stall, fyi. The business is the lawyer setting up the private judge. I’m sure both lawyers set this up, but in Angelina’s case it was originally Laura Wasser, who I am sure also had a lot of private cases in front of this judge. However, now it is her newer attorney who hasn’t had many cases in front of him. Private judges are generally retired judges and it’s not like you can hire just anyone. There is a small amount of private judges available for these things. A lawyer who handles a lot of private divorce cases has probably litigated in front of a handful of private judges. Technically Brad’s attorney never did do business with the judge, his/her clients did. As I am sure they paid. Just as Angelina’s now lawyer didn’t do business with him either or no more so than a public court. However, it’s a clever issue to raise to stall or maybe try for a more favorable judge if Brad’s team will agree. Four years in your claim seems moot, as you should have known.
Now I have two big questions. One knowing the private judge world how is it Angelina’s attorney hasn’t done business with this judge. Is he/she inexperienced and what does that mean for her case? He/She seems clever as I doubt Laura Wasser could give this claim. Second, why the stall? I’m still saying asset evaluation and division. What are they arguing over? The value of Plan B Productions maybe?
@Pitytwom … Thanks so much for suffering through reading the particulars so you would post an informed answer for us! Your comment has certainly answered some of my questions.
Thank you for your response but I still have a doubt.
According to the court papers, the judge started to have dealings with Brad’s lawyer after he was chosen by them. It also clearly states that the judge nor Brad’s team ever informed Angelina’s team about those dealings. It also says that Brad’s team really wanted this specific judge to be the mediator.
I personally don’t think Angelina’s lawyer would submit a request like this without proof of conflict of interest. You don’t go against a judge without solid evidence.
@PITYTWOM Jolie’s lawyer is Bay area based so that’s probably the reason for little to no dealings with this judge. Also Plan B (and even Mirival) are not marital assets, and if I remember correctly the Superior Court maintains jurisdiction over financial matters in this case (the private judge is overseeing/mediating the bifurcated issue of child custody). I understand your reasoning and point about little info to go on although I personally don’t think it’s about financials (further bolstered by the fact that despite clear and numerous leaks Pitt has never even so much as intimated such outside of child support). Nice to hear your thoughts and anything further regardless.
I really dislike Brad Pitt since I read how he bankrupted several contractors in France who worked on their Miraval property. He was always trying to bargain, didn’t pay them on time, and when some of them wrote emails explaining their difficulties, he just didn’t give a crap.
So yeah, it wouldn’t surprise me that he just wants to protect his finances.
The judge is all kinds of wrong in this. Why doesn’t he just recuse himself? Also, why did it take this long to see he was dealing w/ BP’s team taking $$ on the side?
It took so long because Pitt ‘s team and the judge were hiding the facts. They were acting behind Angelina’s counsel’s back . It is explained in the filing .
No you are missing a few key points, read my comment above if it stays. It’s just the crazy case of private judge world, which most of us don’t live in. Plus, I think Angelina’s lawyer is quite clever, just not sure why she/he needs to be now. Thanks guys for making me go all lawyery on my day off. Although, this was better than my usual work. I will also say I’m taking offense a bit, all on here are saying Angelina and Brad are doing this. No it’s their lawyers on most of these moves. Trust me don’t forget that if it ever happens to you in a case.
Angelina’s team responded this to AP:
“As is set forth in the filing all my client is asking for a fair trial based on FACTS,with no especial favors extended to either side the only way litigants can trust the process is for everyone involved to ensure that there is transparency and impartiality”.
How would this be explained.
To pitytworm,
Are you sure you pass your bar exams? The issue was not about Pitt’s counsel or the Judge having other cases involving both of them, the issue was non disclosure of those cases or withholding information or keeping it secret from Angelina and her counsel. Clearly, its an ethical issue. As you said, most counsels are bound to be facing same judge for some of their cases, but the Judge and counsels should fully disclose them and its up to the other party to waive their right to protest about it. The fact that Pitt’s counsel and the Judge did not disclose all those mentioned cases in a timely manner as required by law, its already sufficient basis for a doubt in the Judge’s impartiality.
Angie’s lawyer is from Bay city, so less chances of her facing that same Judge not because she is not good. Again, if you are really a lawyer, i suppose you wont even pose that question, it is quite common sense that perhaps, she is not from LA.
Thanks for your insights, Pitytwom!
Let’s see what they mean by “in a timely manner.” What’s the standard, frequency, or speedy of these disclosures under CA law?
You’re the one missing keys points in order to spin facts. The filing was made because the judge did not fulfill an obligation he had in taking this case. That is to disclose other cases he is involved in. He did it in the beginning but admitted he hasn’t in the last 2 years which is why they asked him to be removed in private. When they found other cases in July 2020 where he would extend divorce proceedings and did not inform them about as required by their agreement, they have no choice but to file for his removal publicly especially since she agreed to the extension of this judge under the pretense promoted by Brad’s lawyers that he was the only one who could resolve matters. 4 years and 3 extensions later…
Pit cheated.
The way I feel about Brad Pitt is the way most of those that comment on this site feels about Kanye. I have way more empathy for Kanye than for Brad Pitt. He is an abuser, plain and simple. This page 6 article is again about him “punishing” her for daring to ask for a fair judge.
@KEBBIE
“Good God. How were these two together so long? Like how did they manage to get along for 12 years?”
Look at the financial records leaked so far. Angelina was transferring funds into Brad’s business. That business was sued by many people who got scammed and left with shitty houses. Its clear that it’s all about money. Pitt is probably still getting payment from Jolie or he doesnt want to share further details. Its definitely not about the kids. We only see Angie with kids
I’m a lawyer, though not US trained or knowledgeable about US law. I read this story first on the DM and skimmed it, with the impression the judge had actually personal business dealing with Pitt’s attorney.
Now I’ve read this CB post, I realise Jolie’s complaint is actually just the judge has presided over too many cases with Pitt’s attorney. How is this a customer-client relationship?
Yes, both sides pay when it’s a private judge; it’s like a mediator/conciliator you pay for. That does not mean you need to assume a conflict of interest if one side has used the same mediator too many times.
For example, in a public court you would have lots and lots of lawyers specialising in a particular field appearing possibly hundreds of times in front of the same judge(s) over the span of a career.
“Now I’ve read this CB post, I realise Jolie’s complaint is actually just the judge has presided over too many cases with Pitt’s attorney.” That’s not her complaint at all, the issue is non disclosure of said cases (a procedure the judge agreed to follow upon taking on the case for impartiality/ethical reasons), and misrepresentation of said cases when they were disclosed. Jolie had/has no issue with Pitt’s counsel’s firm seeking out the services of the judge or having a professional relationship with him either in the past or present; it’s the non disclosure (for the last two years so it’s not a mistake). Honestly It’s best to read the actual filing if you can access it.
Well, presiding over too many cases with Pitt’s attorney as lawyer to (different?) clients IS at the core of the complaint and what’s not timely disclosure is the (subjective) claim. We don’t know the standards for CA divorce law. What’s the standard for nondisclosure Jolie is claiming, what’s the standard in CA law, and how much has the private judge delayed disclosure or strayed from such standards? Is two years in breach? Are the private judge’s cases a matter of public knowledge and could Jolie’s team simply look these up or ask for them?
“We don’t know the standards in CA law”, with all due respect who is we? And the standard isn’t hidden if you care to find out. Again, you are better off reading the actual filing (where it’s quite clearly stated what the standard and a timely manner is), and I’ll say again that the number of cases is not her complaint or issue. Also to clarify the two years does not refer to the length of a singular non disclosure, but rather that for the past two years the judge has taken on numerous cases and failed to disclose his participation in all but one (of which he misrepresented).
What every lawyer here has not admitted to seeing in the actual Petition is Kiley and Pitt was giving the judge more money for favor In the retainer. They were having secret meetings with the judge and she never knew. Compliments of incompetent Wasser.
Bley is arguing they are extending this for money gained by the two. It’s four years and she wants him gone because he is milking dumbo Pitt and not making decisions because of it. Easy peezy. It didn’t take me 4 years of law school to interpret that. It’s not the write ups on gossip blogs read the whole GD petition.
She also states Pitt was all in on it because he wants to delay it for whatever reason
First, I haven’t read the petition but I don’t think that’d help anyway; that’s a subjective claim and submission of THEIR IMPRESSION of the facts by Jolie’s team. Are these private meetings allowable under the terms of engagement re the private judge? Are they allowable for clarification of certain matters? Are they to be constantly disclosed? Who has onus to disclose, Pitt or the judge?
Whether or not it’s Angelinas team making accusations what we do know is the judge and the lawyer should have disclosed they had business agreement per say. Other clients in which they extended judgement to obtain money is enough for me to think they are disgusting.
The way his team has portrayed him wanting this over and private because the kids are important is BS. If he was sliding extra monies to the judge you don’t think he was asking for biasness. Don’t tell me he was just being nice! Lol
Pitt is slimy and as sneaky as they are. Get it over with and move on.
As per the meetings.. the claims were she had no idea these said meetings were occurring. Why would that happen in such a viable case? You don’t think that it is ok for respondents lawyer to frequently have private meetings with a judge?
@cycle
What impression? You think Angelina’s lawyer will file a document because she has “impressions” . Hello , it’s the courthouse here .
She must base her request based on facts not impressions. And you should read the document because you’ll have your answers.
And yes , he MUST disclose and be transparent , otherwise he must be disqualified. That’s the law. And he admits it , and so admitted Pitt’s lawyers.
Bravo, well said @ Truth hurts
Histories for both? People talked about Angelin’s in the 90’s history. Not too long ago Brad Pitt was sued in court in France by a lighting designer who did work for their chateau in France for not paying her work. He also claimed that it was his idea or it was him who planned the designs which the French disagreed & won the case, the court ordered him to pay what he was due to pay+ court fees & no one talks about this! There was also an article about him looking a property in a Germany without Angelina’s knowledge she obviously was furious & also started looking for a property for her around LA area. Also another article where Angelina said that her partner is careless with money! There is a lot of fishy stuff about Pitt that is not divulge enough as much as Angelina’s past. There is something about him that is quite suspicious to me. Apparently He pays loads of money to keep his image intact! Dishonesty image!