Why did People Magazine do an exclusive about Brad Pitt’s Miraval winery?

Bullet Train is coming out on August 5th. The release date has been pushed back a few times, and while the film is likely being positioned as counter-programming to the glut of superhero films, usually August release dates are pretty inauspicious. Anyway, that’s why we’re hearing so much about Brad these days. That’s why he looked like Liberace’s corpse on the cover of GQ. He’s promoting Bullet Train. But he’s also rebranding himself too. He went from movie star and producer to wannabe architect to wannabe artist to…. A Dude Who Owns a Winery.

Nevermind the fact that Brad Pitt only owns half a winery and half a chateau after Angelina sold off her half of the home and business to Tenute del Mondo, and Pitt’s new business partners are suing him, and search warrants have been executed on Chateau Miraval. None of that is mentioned in this bizarrely sycophantic People Magazine article, “A Look Inside the Winery Where Brad Pitt’s Champagne Is Made: ‘Welcome to Our Speakeasy!’” Brad and his team gave People Magazine an exclusive tour of the winery ahead of some new release of something or other from the Miraval label. There are no quotes from Brad, but some of his business partners spoke to People. Again, though, there’s a whole story just waiting to be told about how Tenute del Monde is suing Brad over how poorly he’s running this business and how much money he’s wasting.

People Magazine does make some references to the fact that Brad is trying to drag Angelina to court over her sale of her half of the Miraval property and business, but People is being somewhat careful not to take a side. They want to keep the door open to Jolie and still get quotes from her side of this mess. Still, this People Magazine exclusive was a really bad call.

Photos courtesy of Backgrid, cover courtesy of GQ.

Los Angeles, CA – Actor Brad Pitt, A.K.A. Mr. Nice Guy, turns on the charm, waving at the crowd while filming his latest film with Leonardo DiCaprio. Brad Pitt showed off blisters on his palm as he waved at spectators. Brad and Leo are filming ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ on location. Pictured: Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio BACKGRID USA 24 JULY 2018 BYLINE MUST READ: Ghosty / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / UK: +44 208 344 2007 / *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

** RIGHTS: ONLY UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND ** Mexico City, MEXICO – Actor Brad Pitt attends a red carpet to promote the film ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ at Toreo Parque Central. **SHOT ON 08/12/19** Pictured: Brad Pitt BACKGRID USA 13 AUGUST 2019 BYLINE MUST READ: The Grosby Group / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / UK: +44 208 344 2007 / *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*

First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump leave the Blair House after paying a visit to the family of former President George H.W. Bush December 04, 2018 in Washington, DC. The Trumps were paying a condolence visit to the Bush family who are in Washington for former President George H.W. Bushs state funeral and related honors. Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Pool via CNP | usage worldwide

First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump leave the Blair House after paying a visit to the family of former President George H.W. Bush December 04, 2018 in Washington, DC. The Trumps were paying a condolence visit to the Bush family who are in Washington for former President George H.W. Bushs state funeral and related honors. Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Pool via CNP | usage worldwide