Murdoch Family Drama Details Emerge After Nevada Trial Ruling Over Fate of Empire

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In a Nevada courtroom, the longstanding feud over the Murdoch Empire, with Fox News’ role as a significant conservative influence in U.S. politics uncertain, reached its climax. The divide between the two ideologically opposed branches of the most influential media family erupted, revealing years of simmering resentment.

In March 2024, elderly media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, aged 92, sat facing his son James in a conference room in Manhattan, according to an article published by The Atlantic Magazine on Friday. This occasion was significant as it marked the deposition of the family’s prodigal son. During the questioning, he found himself being asked unusual questions such as: Have you ever achieved anything independently? Doesn’t it seem to you that, in your narrative, everything that goes awry is always someone else’s fault? Interestingly, Rupert soon realized that these queries were not coming from the lawyer but were actually being texted to the counsel by his father sitting right across the table.

Rupert, concerned about the future of the conservative empire he had dedicated his life to, suspected that James might conspire with his sisters to take over the family’s businesses upon his death. Their plan, according to Rupert, would be to shift outlets such as Fox News away from their signature blend of conservative news and blatant misinformation aimed at the American public. His other son, who he had long been in competition with, was believed to be instrumental in thwarting this alleged plot.

Over the past few decades, I’ve witnessed how James, striving to become the natural heir of his father’s empire, was consistently foiled and betrayed by his father at various junctures. His journey began when he was ridiculed at Sky broadcasting in the U.K., a place that initially seemed like an Aussie cowboy operation. However, he transformed it into a respected, high-growth company. This metamorphosis mirrors his strategic takeover of Star, an Asian satellite-TV company that had been losing News Corp approximately $200 million every two years. But James turned this loss-making venture around.

Nevertheless, James’ unwavering commitment to operating an honorable business has not withstood the strategies of his father, the article claims, because he found himself ensnared in multiple deceptive situations. His brother Lachlan, who shares more of their father’s conservative views and perceives the company as a place run by arrogant executives akin to Roger Ailes and a “cunning crew of self-proclaimed pirates and risk-takers,” was instrumental in these schemes.

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James’ firm belief in running an honest business has been unable to counter his father’s schemes, as stated in the article, due to his being involved in numerous misleading deals. His brother Lachlan, who holds similar conservative views and sees the company as a domain of Ailes-style bosses and a “shrewd group of self-declared pirates and gamblers,” is said to have orchestrated these deceitful maneuvers.

The main article covers several decades and includes appearances from Rupert’s second spouse, Wendy Dong, who was thought by his children to be a Chinese spy (something she has denied). It also delves into the transformation of Kathryn’s bond with James’ father, initially warm but later descending into a “philosophical clash,” as a rift grew between their beliefs.

Over time, the Murdoch family experienced ongoing conflicts: a proposed “Murdoch Family Charter” aimed at outlining their shared values didn’t last long; they have been reportedly at odds with one another for years. A December meeting on the trust matter found Rupert surrounded by his legal team, reading from a prepared script like a robot. Two separate caravans appeared at the Washoe County Courthouse in Reno for the trial determining the future of the trust, with Rupert and Lachlan arriving 30 minutes later than James and his sisters to avoid any encounters outside the courtroom or media exposure.

The article goes into depth about the fateful decision Rupert took in setting up a trust, ensuring each child and himself an equal vote. This action, taken as News Corp. was facing severe financial difficulties, ultimately led to the Nevada trial, where Rupert and Lachlan’s plan to seize control of News Corp. during Rupert’s later years failed miserably. On the witness stand, James found himself choking back tears when recalling a betrayal regarding a Disney deal that marked the end of his bond with his brother.

In the end, Edmund Gorman, the probate commissioner in Nevada responsible for the case, supported James and his siblings. Subsequently, when they requested a family gathering over the holiday season from their wealthy father, he directed them to consult with his legal team for more details.

Following the court’s ruling in Nevada, the Murdoch family’s assets are set to resume their previous status of being held in limbo. It appears that these assets will eventually be divided equally among the four children.

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2025-02-15 07:54