Rupert Murdoch Caught in Fierce Court Battle with Children to Decide Who Will Control Media Empire When He Dies

Mar. 15, 2025

Rupert Murdoch, holds wife Elena Zhukova Murdoch’s hand.Photo:AP Photo/Andy Barron

AP Photo/Andy Barron

Rupert Murdochis in the middle of a fierce court battle —with his children.

The media magnate, who owns News Corp and Fox News, is sorting who will have control over his media empire and the family’s $19.6 billion trust when he dies.

On Monday, Sept. 16, Rupert, 93, and four of his children — Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan and James  — attended a hearing before a Reno, Nev., probate commissioner to discuss who will take over the family business. The hearing, which theAssociated Presssays involves more than 40 lawyers, could potentially extend into next week.

According to theBBC, Rupert seeks to change the Murdoch Family Trust that dates back to 1999 and handled succession arrangements. The trust detailed that the family gets eight votes on the board of News Corp and Fox News — four of which belong to Rupert, and the other four to his eldest children. When Rupert dies, the four siblings would have an equal number of votes.

But Rupert wants to alter the trust so that Lachlan, 53, would get total control and voting power without his siblings' interference.

Lachlan Murdoch, James Murdoch, Anna Murdoch and Rupert Murdoch in 1987.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

As per the BBC, journalist Andrew Neil said in the 2020 documentaryThe Rise of Rupert Murdochthat Rupert had been grooming his sons since they were teens to take over the family business.

In turn, according toThe New York Times, the magnate also pitted his siblings against one another, damaging his relationship with James.

Rupert, who began building his massive media empire in the 1960s,stepped down as both Fox News and News Corps chairmanin September 2023, leaving Lachlan (who is politically right-leaning like his father) in charge as of last November.

The media magnate also put to rest any speculation that he and the company weren’t doing well.

At the time, Lachlan released a statement that congratulated his father on a long career. “We thank him for his vision and his pioneering spirit, his steadfast determination and the enduring legacy he leaves at the companies he founded and countless people he has impacted,” Lachlan said.

According toThe New York Times, Lachlan’s political outlook will maintain News Corp and Fox News' conservative values throughout news stations and newspapers, should he remain the executive chairman of the companies.

This decision has reportedly inspired James, 51; Elisabeth, 66; and Prudence, 56 — all of whomNYTcategorizes as more centrist — to fight back together.

Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch and James Murdoch in 2002.Peter Mathew/Fairfax Images/Getty

Peter Mathew/Fairfax Images/Getty

In addition to Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan and James, Rupert is also father to Grace, 22, and Chloe, 21, who have no voting rights under the Murdoch Family Trust.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Rupert has been married five times. He and his first wife Patricia Booker share Prudence. He and Anna Mann, his second wife from 1967 to 1999, share Elisabeth, Lachlan and James.

Wendi Deng, his third wife from 1999 to 2013, is mother to Grace and Chloe.

Rupert was married toJerry Hallfrom 2016 to 2022, and tied the knot a fifth time in June toElena Zhukova.

source: people.com