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A Closer Look at the $330 Million Superyacht Serene

The Serene is one of the largest privately owned superyachts in the world. She is in the top ten with regard to the length, but it's also among the most luxurious and extravagant vessels. The floating palace has accommodated some of the wealthiest people in the world. The estimated value of the Serene is $330 million, which also places it among the most expensive as well. She has an interesting story and has traded hands a couple of times. To fully grasp the magnificence of the luxury superyacht , we take a closer look at the elements that make it so special.

The building of the Serene

The Serene was commissioned by Yuri Shefler, who is a Russian vodka exportation magnate. The agreed-upon cost or the vessel was $330 million. He chose Italian Shipbuilders Fincantieri to complete the task, which was accomplished in August of 2011. The ship is classified as a Superyacht measuring 439 feet and 4 inches with a beam of 60 ft 8 inches and a draft of 18 ft and 1 inch. The gross tonnage is 8,231 tons and she is powered across with water by twin screw propulsion. The guest capacity is 24 with space to house a crew of up to 52. At the time of delivery, the Serene was the ninth largest superyacht in the world, but since that time, it has been replaced with larger vessels in this position and is now in the fifteenth position.

The history of the Serene

Yuri Shefler has entertained some of the wealthiest people in the world aboard the Serene. Bill Gates chartered the Serene for the cost of $5 million a week so he, Melinda and their three kids could enjoy some private family time together in August of 2014. They vacationed off of the coast of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, according to Boat International . This lavish yacht is the design of Espen Oeino, in charge of the exterior design, which offers a sleek profile. The interior is the creation of Reymond Langton Design.

Shefler was the first owner of the yacht, but he sold it to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabian royalty in 2015 for the sum of 50 million Euros. Just two years after the purchase, there was an incident of concern involving the Serene. Due to propulsion failure and human error, the Serene ran aground in an area of the Red Sea notorious for shallow rock reefs. The hull at the bow was damaged requiring significant repairs. The incident took place in August.

The Serene was made available for charter by Shefler during the times that he wasn't using it himself. This luxury yacht is absolutely packed with amenities. For starters, there is a helipad to allow guests to move to and from the yacht for land excursions as well as sightseeing from the air, or for going out for entertainment at some of the more exciting ports. For enjoying recreation in the water, there are also jet skis on board and there is also a submarine on board to get some fantastic views of the marine life and environment beneath the waves. This yacht is made for family fun for people of all ages. there is also a trans deck waterslide, a climbing wall, several swimming pools, a playroom, a snow room and a cinema for a night at the movies.

Adult amenities

The Serene is built with a total of six decks which allows for private times as well for group gatherings. There is a sun deck with a super large bathtub built in. The Serene also features an area that is designated as a private beach club, complete with a sauna and area for sunbathing. If you enjoy dancing there is also s sundeck dance floor, a wet bar, extra sun loungers, and two jacuzzis. There are also al fresco eating areas on the exterior. On the interior, the Serene features a Teppanyaki grill, a wood-fired pizza oven, a barbecue, and a wet bar. There is also an underwater observation lounge for relaxation and watching the marine life swim around the outside. For accommodations, the Serene has 12 staterooms, all designed for luxury living with a VIP Suite, a master suite, three twin cabins and seven double suites with room for up to 24. There is also a sky lounge and piano bar onboard with luxury furnishings for relaxation and cocktails. There is also a formal dining room with floor to ceiling windows placed in a manner that offers a panoramic view of the outside environment.

Final thoughts

The Serene is a privately owned yacht which has a major difference that sets it apart from most of the other superyachts in its category. This one has been offered for charter since the time of its purchase, off and one. Many of the other privately owned superyachts in its category are only available upon invitation, and the owners tend to be selective about who is invited to come aboard. This is good news for those who have the going rate of $5 million per week to pay the charter fee. The Serene is one of the most luxurious superyachts in operation with an onboard crew that ranges from 40 to 54 to meet your every need for great food and even formal dining, wet bar and cocktail lounge services, and plenty of activities to keep everyone in your party entertained and relaxed. What we found so incredible about this ship is that there is a little something for everyone, whether you're into rock climbing, watching movies, playing water sports, swimming or going on an undersea adventure in the submarine that can dive up to 300 feet.

Written by  Lily Wordsmith

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1 of world’s largest private yachts ties up on Elliott Bay

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One of the biggest yachts in the world is moored in Elliott Bay.

The Serene, a $330 million, 440-foot private yacht belonging to a wealthy Russian vodka distributor, pulled into Seattle’s Pier 90 over the weekend, right by the Interbay neighborhood.

The yacht’s owner, Yuri Scheffler, controls SPI Group, which distributes Stolichnaya vodka internationally.

The 2-year-old yacht, made in Italy by Fincantieri , has a 52-person crew and has been in Vancouver, B.C., for the past few months. The Serene flies the flag of the Grand Cayman Islands and illuminates the water with bright-green lighting at night. This is its first time in Seattle, and as the ninth-largest privately owned yacht in the world, according to Boat International magazine , it is likely the biggest one ever to enter Seattle’s waters.

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How big? We’re talking massive.

The Serene has two helicopter-landing platforms and a hangar, along with a storage area for a submarine that can dive to 300 feet. It’s longer than a football field and has more than 48,000 square feet of covered space on its seven decks.

The Serene was a finalist in last year’s World Superyacht Awards, and a description on CharterWorld.com called it a “floating palace” with few equals in the world.

The yacht accommodates 24 guests in its 12 staterooms. It has large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, several hot tubs, a steam room and a JetStream exercise pool.

Elevators and a spiral staircase link the seven decks. The ship also features children’s playrooms, where they can scale a climbing wall, slide down from deck to deck, or even play video games. A “Nemo” room gives guests a peek under the sea through a thick glass panel. And to top it all off, the Serene has an outdoor cinema.

It’s unclear how long the yacht will be in Seattle, but the Northwest Marine Trade Association estimates that for every 30 days it’s here, it will spend roughly $2.7 million on repairs and other services — roughly $90,000 a day.

But that economic impact will probably be capped at $5.4 million, said Peter Schrappen, the association’s director of government affairs. After two months, the state levies a heavy tax on out-of-state yachts, which, he says, drives them away and deprives local businesses of money owners of these types of boats can spend.

He called the Serene a floating economic-stimulus package that’s being turned away because of the tax, 10 percent on the value of recreational boats — more than $30 million for the Serene — after 60 days in port, more or less forcing vessels to leave after that time is up.

A Marine Tourism Bill the association is trying to pass would extend that period to 180 days, to make Seattle’s ports more competitive with those in British Columbia, where a boat can moor year-round tax free. But that hasn’t passed, so Schrappen expects the Serene to be on its way out sometime in the next 60 days.

“Sixty days — you can take that to the bank,” he said. “Well, I guess you can’t take that to the bank. They won’t be spending their money here” for much longer.

Colin Campbell: 206-464-2033 or [email protected].

On Twitter: @cmcampbell6

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Mystery megayacht owner looks for a safe harbor in New York

New Yorkers have been tweeting, instagraming and posting countless photos of a gleaming blue megayacht docked off midtown Manhattan.

It's called "Serene." At a staggering 436-feet, with five levels, several swimming pools, two helicopter pads and soaring chrome exhaust pipes at the top, it nearly outshines the Intrepid Museum next door. (Its best amenities are inside: the "underwater viewing room," an indoor climbing wall, children's playroom and cabins for 24 guests and 52 crew, according to the yacht builder.)

Anyone doing a quick Google search learns that the owner of Serene is Yuri Scheffler, the vodka-and-spirits magnate behind the Stolichnaya brand. And with the turmoil in Ukraine and Russia , many have also speculated that Serene's sudden presence is a sign of the worried oligarchs—the Putin-connected, Russian super rich who now face a financial backlash from the West for Russia's actions.

( Read more : Putin on the Ritz? Russian said to have billions )

But they would be wrong. Scheffler is no Putin oligarch. And he has a surprising perspective on Ukraine.

In an email interview, Scheffler said he is in New York on business—hence the boat.

Although Scheffler's company, SPI Group, started in Russia, it's now based in Luxembourg. Scheffler is now a British citizen who spends much of his time abroad and hasn't been to Russia in 12 years.

( Read more: Every oligarch for himself: Crazy days in Ukraine )

Scheffler has publicly battled President Vladimir Putin for years as the Russian government tried to seize the company and "renationalize" its assets. The government even issued a warrant for Scheffler's arrest in 2003 after he refused to hand over the company.

So when asked about his views on Ukraine, Scheffler was highly critical of Russia's government.

"If Russia were a democratic country as the USA, with a proper legal system, and Crimea had asked it for help to defend itself from a hostile neighbor, then this would be OK," he wrote in the email. "In the current situation, this is terrible when a country captures a neighbor's territory. I feel sorry for Crimean people ... there are no laws in Russia. There is only one law in Russia, and it's called 'Putin.' Only one justice, called 'Putin'.''

( Read more: My other Lamborghini is a yacht )

For Scheffler and his boat, the U.S.—and its rule of law—have truly been a safe harbor. Especially now.

— CNBC's Robert Frank. Follow him on Twitter @robtfrank .

The super-yacht with the Leonardo da Vinci painting drops anchor in Puerto Alcudia

Bill gates leased the yacht for $5 million per week.

Yacht Serene seen in Puerto Alcudia. | JOAN LLADO

A super-yacht, with a priceless Leonardo Da Vinci painting believed to be hanging in one of its state rooms dropped anchor in Puerto Alcudia over the weekend. Serene is one of the world's largest private superyachts.

Built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri with interior design by Reymond Langton Design, Serene was delivered to its owner in August 2011. At delivery, she wa s one of the 10 largest yachts in the world with an overall length of 133.9 m (439 ft 4 in) and a beam of 18.5 m.

The yacht was built for Russian vodka tycoon Yuri Shefler for 330 million dollars. In the summer of 2014, Bill Gates leased the yacht for US$5 million per week.

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In 2015, while vacationing in the south of France, Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia bought the vessel for approximately 500 million euros.

In August 2017, Serene ran aground on a shallow rock reef in the Red Sea , 37 km (20 nautical miles) off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh. She sustained significant damage to her hull at the bow. The cause was reported to be a combination of navigational error and propulsion failure.

It is widely rumoured that Salvator Mundi a painting by Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci dated to c. 1500 is believed to be on board.

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Saudi crown prince MBS’s $400 million megayacht has a dedicated snow room for the royal to beat Riyadh’s blistering heat. The mammoth 439 feet long vessel has a saltwater swimming pool, a climbing wall, a submarine, two helipads, and a $450 million Da Vinci painting.

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As the United States govt fumes and threatens Hong Kong for allowing to dock Russian oligarch’s $500 million Nord megayacht – Its leader who is himself sanctioned by the US “laughs off” claiming there’s absolutely ‘no legal basis’ to seize the vessel.

O’Pati is a finalist for the World Superyacht Awards 2012

A member of the Abu Dhabi royal family has bought the $200 million megayacht Lana – So luxurious is the vessel that Bill Gates once threw a party on it while Beyonce & Jay Z rented it for a vacation. At 317 feet the floating palace is longer than a football pitch.

This gorgeous 144-foot superyacht impresses with nearly all-glass interiors by Piero Lissoni, an infinity pool overlooking the sea, and a sprawling master suite.

Take a look at Joe Lewis’s stunning $250 million superyacht, Aviva, which the Tottenham owner used to bail himself out of trouble. The billionaire loved padel tennis so much that he actually built this 279 feet long vessel around a padel tennis court.

Former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich faces a troublesome future after losing a legal battle to overturn EU sanctions. His superyachts, the $600 million Solaris and the $700 million Eclipse, are even further from his grasp now.

Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal sent his $500 million private Boeing 747 jet to fly Neymar from Paris to Riyadh. Complete with a golden throne-like armchair, a full-sized dining table, two bedrooms, and a grand piano, the football star had a gala time on the 6-hour flight.

Luxury Mega Yacht SERENE

SERENE (133.9m, 439ft) is a superb example of mega yacht design by highly awarded Espen Oeino with interiors by Reymond Langton Design. She was delivered by builder, Fincantieri in 2011.

The original owner of SERENE, Russian billionaire and owner of Stolichnaya Vodka, Yuri Shefler sold her to Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's deputy crown prince in 2014 in a deal said to be worth €350 million.

Onboard the mega yacht SERENE are 15 suites to accommodate 24 guests and up to 52 crew. Among her many features, SERENE boasts two helicopter landing platforms, hot and cold Jacuzzis, health club and spa, cinema, children's playground with , indoor climbing wall, a slide between the decks, storage for a large submarine and a huge internal sea water pool, which can be adapted to be used for tender docking. Then there's a dance floor complete with bandstand, a wood fire pizza oven and a Teppanyaki grill, plus an enchanting 'Nemo' room that allows guests to view all the sub-sea marine life. But the piece de resistance and her most vivid assets are the turquoise-coloured neon runners that outline the ship, illuminating her at night. For on-water fun, SERENE'S guests can choose from four different tenders, sports fishing safeboat with full diving support, two lasers, sea kayaks, a full range of inflatable toys, water skis, wakeboards, and deep-sea fishing gear.

For further details of this beautiful mega yacht, and other stunning superyachts  please contact the specialists at the Luxury Charter Group.

Espen Oeino

Reymond Langton Design

Fincantieri

133.9m, 439'

Disclaimer: The information about luxury yachts displayed on this page is merely informational and these yachts are not necessarily available for yacht charter or for sale, nor are they represented or marketed in anyway by Luxury Charter Group. This web page and the superyacht information contained herein is not contractual. All yacht specifications and information is displayed in good faith but Luxury Charter Group does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the current accuracy, completeness, validity, or usefulness of any superyacht information and/or images displayed. All boat information is subject to change without prior notice and may not be current.

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The New York Times

City room | an odd cruise ship no, just a superyacht, an odd cruise ship no, just a superyacht.

During the Veterans Day ceremony at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, some visitors could not help staring at the impressive vessel moored at the next pier upriver, though it was only half as long as the aircraft carrier that holds the museum.

Then again, it was not a warship or an ocean liner, but somebody’s personal boat.

The question on the minds of the onlookers was simple: Who owns the superyacht, a vessel so large (440 feet) that the only place in Manhattan to moor it was at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?

As is too often the case, those who were talking did not know and those who knew were not talking.

A stout man at the gate of the cruise terminal said gruffly that it belonged to a “foreign dignitary” and would be staying for 10 days. The reporter asking questions, he indicated, would not be staying another minute.

David Lombino, a spokesman for the city’s Economic Development Corporation said the yacht was the first private vessel to moor at the city-owned passenger terminal, where Cunard ocean liners frequently put in.

The owner, whoever it was, was paying $2,000 a day in docking fees, which is split evenly between the city and the company it hires to operate the terminal, Mr. Lombino said.

Now to satisfy the inquiring minds: According to reports in boating publications, the yacht, Serene, is one of the 10 largest in the world and cost $300 million to build. It was launched last year at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy after three years of work.

Its seven decks contain more than 48,000 square feet of interior space. It has two helipads, a salt-water swimming pool and room to store a submarine.

So where does the money for a megaboat like that come from? Vodka, apparently.

A city official confirmed several reports on the Internet that say the owner of the Serene is Yuri Shefler, the head of the company that sells Stolichnaya vodka around the world.

What's Next

The Russian-born billionaire who founded Stolichnaya vodka is changing the brand's name

• Stolichnaya vodka is severing its final tie to Russia and changing its name to "Stoli."
• Stoli Group said it rebranded as a "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
• Yuri Shefler, the Russian-born billionaire founder, said he'd been exiled from Russia since 2000.

Stolichnaya vodka is rebranding to go by its nickname "Stoli."

The vodka brand, which has previously been marketed as Russian, changed its name as a "direct response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine," Stoli Group said in its press release on Friday. 

The founder of the company, the Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, said the name, and its association with Russia, was no longer representative of the brand.

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"While I have been exiled from Russia since 2000 due to my opposition to Putin, I have remained proud of the Stolichnaya brand," Shefler said in the press release. "Today, we have made the decision to rebrand entirely as the name no longer represents our organization. More than anything, I wish for 'Stoli' to represent peace in Europe and solidarity with Ukraine."

Shefler said he was forced to move to Luxembourg because Russian President Vladimir Putin attempted to "wrest control" of the brand. Ownership of the brand has been disputed between Shefler's Stoli Group, which is based in Latvia, and Sojuzplodoimport, a firm owned by the Russian state, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

"I have personally experienced persecution by Putin's regime and I share the pain of Ukraine and its people," Shefler said.

The company's production facilities are in Latvia. Last week, Stoli Group said it would only use Slovakian sources to avoid any ties with Russia.

Stoli Group's announcement comes as businesses and state officials across the country call for a boycott of vodka. Though many vodka products are advertised as Russian, only about 1% of vodka in the US comes from Russia.

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Yuri Shefler: Who Is He And What Is His Battle With Brad Pitt?

‘A stranger with poisonous associations and intentions’ is what Yuri Shefler has been referred to by American actor, Brad Pitt.

Like being forced out of your birth country in the 2000s isn’t enough, now, Yuri is at the center of an ex-lover’s battle that has made him the enemy of one of Hollywood’s most loved actors.

What caused this entire drama? Well, former ‘Bradgelina’ have been in and out of court, and several new publications following their divorce. First, it was custody for their kids, now, it’s the sale of a part of their French winery.

Brad has accused Angelina Jolie of selling her own half of their Chateau Miraval to Yuri Shefler. The man Pitt eyes suspiciously and believes has only come into his life to cause more damage.

Interestingly, Shefler isn’t new to accusations. If he could survive Vladimir Putin more than 2 decades ago, he should be able to get out of this unscathed.

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Yuri Shefler is a Businessman Fluent in the Vodka Producing Industry

Referring to Yuri as a billionaire isn’t exaggerating because he is worth $ 1.5 billion as of July 14, 2023. He established the brand now known as SPI Group back in 1997. They began operations in Russia in the 2000s.

Shefler is the owner of SPI’s Stolichnaya Vodka Company based in Latvia since 2000. The company is known for its production of alcoholic beverages of about 380 brands being sold in 170 different locations. It however operates mainly from a complex in Riga, the capital of Latvia.

When Yuri began operations of this brand, it was known by the name Stolichnaya but with a rebrand and change of name, it is basically called by its nickname ‘Stoli’.

If you are conversant with vodka and have come across brands such as Elit and Moskovskaya, then you just met the owner.

Those are 2 of Stoli’s top brands but there are many more including Stoli Vodka, Bayou Rum Liquers, Cenote Tequila, and Se Busca Mezcal.

Yuri Shefler’s brand also has a wine branch known as Tenute del Mondo Group. This division of his empire was created in 2006 and has since bought Italian, Spanish, and Argentinian franchises. The most recent of Yuri’s purchases is a part of a French winery.

Stoli, in its earliest form as Stolichnaya had over 60 shops that housed its numerous alcoholic brands.

In addition to being a great vodka businessman, Yuri Shefler is also quite interested in properties. He buys lands ad has quite a vast area littered around Europe, for agricultural purposes.

He was Chased Out of Russia in 2001

Yuri Shefler was born in Oryol, Russia on September 10, 1967. The Plekhanov Russian University graduate of Economics got on the bad books of Russian President, Vladimir Putin back in the late 90s.

He was a one-time chairman of JSC Vnukovo Airlines in Russia. However, he became a person of interest in Russia due to his rising fame in this business.

Yuri was accused by the Russian government under Putin’s administration, of misappropriation. The accusation labeled against him stated that he had misappropriated the alcohol brand Stolichnaya Vodka which he bought from VVO Soyuzplodoimport (a state-owned brand).

Shefler purchase this brand at the cost of $285,000 back in 1997 when he took over ownership. However, in 2002, the Russian court ruled that the sale and purchase of said state-owned brand was illegal.

This led to him being banned from selling the vodka produced under this company, in Russia. it was as a result of this that Yuri absconded from Russia and sought refuge in Latvia where he ended up establishing his Stoli’s parent company.

In 2002, he then again relocated to the United Kingdom and became a citizen there. Yuri Shefler is also an Israeli citizen.

According to the businessman, he was forced out of Russia because he stood against Vladimir Putin . His decision to change the name of his alcohol brand was due to the fact that he didn’t want to be associated with Russia anymore.

Furthermore, the 56 -year-old billionaire has shown support for Ukraine since the Russian-Ukraine war started in early 2022.

He Once Owned a Yacht Bill Gates Has Also Used

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Did you hear of the time when American Billionaire, Bill Gates rented a yacht for his Sardinia vacation in 2014? He cruised on the Selene which was worth $330 million and was amongst the 10 longest yachts ever. It was 439 feet long.

The Selene was built for Yuri Shefler by Fincantieri , an Italian shipyard, way back in 2011. He later sold it to Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a Saudi Crown Prince, for about $500 million.

The Selene cost $5 million for lease and there have been quite a number of billionaires who have cruised in it.

He also owns private jets worth over $120 million combined. His Gulf Stream G650 costs $70 million while his Bombardier Global Express XRS costs $55 million.

British-Israeli billionaire Yuri also owns 3 houses worth over $50 million. One houses his family in 7 bedroom mansion, and the second is his getaway house located on the Cote d’Azur. The third cost $33 million and is known as Scotland’s most expensive sporting estate.

Yuri Shefler Has Been Married Multiple Times and Has a Thing for Super Models

Shefler has been married at least thrice . The report has it that he first became a father in his early 20s.

He has a child identified as Lada whose mother’s life (and death) remains a mystery.

Lada is reportedly a lifestyle blogger who was born way back in 1988 when Yuri was barely 21 years old

The article also names Elena Litueva as the mother of 1 of Yuri’s 7 children.

Elena is reported as Shefler’s ex-wife who bore him Alexei in 2001. Alexei studied in London and also served in the Russian army.

His well-known wife is former Victoria’s Secret model, Tatiana Kovylina. She is the mother of 4 of the Russian Oligarch’s kids.

The model has worked with several other brands such as Givenchy, Calvin Klein, and Ann Taylor, to name a few. She also owns her own wear brand known as the ‘Silou’ located in London.

Tatiana seems to also have an affiliation with her husband’s businesses too. However, Dailymail reported that they split back in 2021 after birthing their youngest son in May.

Right now, he is said to have begun dating Miss World 2008, Ksenia Sukhinova. The former Miss Russian even has a son for him named Artem who was born in Miami in August 2022.

Yuri Shefler Found Himself at the Center of Brad Pitt and Angelina Court Battles

Yuri Shefler has been caught up in the middle of a family drama between Maleficient actress, Angelina Jolie and her fellow American actor ex-husband , Brad Pitt.

The drama which started in 2009 has seen the couple battle for basically everything from kids to properties.

The most recent drama is the sale of a part of the Chateau Miraval winery which belonged to the couple.

The court, upon their divorce, proclaimed a 50/50 division of their belongings. As a result, Angelina informed her ex-husband that she wanted to sell her part of the winery. Reports claim that Brad agreed to it and stated that he would look for funding for it.

However, recent reports revealed to the actor that his ex-wife had gone ahead to sell her part. According to Pitt, Jolie sold her part of the property to Yuri maliciously in order to spite him.

On the other hand, Angelina has counter-sued her ex claiming that Brad used to gaslight and bully her. She also claimed that he was diverting and misappropriating funds gotten from the winery.

This seeming family drama has somehow involved the Russian Oligarch who is caught up in the middle of the court issue.

The actor , Pitt has urged the court to nullify the sale of Angelina Jolie’s part of the winery to Yuri Shelfer.

Though maybe not directly his fight, the vodka lord has been dragged into this battle with the Bullet Train actor.

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Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Hara Hanie