Inside the Murdoch Family Drama: Legal Battles and Tensions

Inside the Murdoch Family Drama: A Deep Dive

Times Insider provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of our journalism, offering readers behind-the-scenes insights into how our stories come together. This past June, Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul, tied the knot for the fifth time. Notably absent from the celebratory occasion were three of his four eldest children: James, Elisabeth, and Prudence. This absence was a telling sign for those closely monitoring the Murdoch family dynamics, indicating that tensions were brewing.

Jim Rutenberg, a seasoned reporter for The New York Times who has been at the forefront of covering the Murdoch family, noted, “That was a sign to ‘Murdoch watchers’ that something was up.” Rutenberg, who specializes in the intersection of politics and culture, has provided in-depth coverage of the family’s intricate relationships over the years. In 2019, he collaborated with Jonathan Mahler to produce an extensive article for The Times Magazine, exploring the vast media empire controlled by the Murdochs and its significant global influence.

“That piece, for better or worse, sort of cemented us as the go-to experts on this family,” Mahler reflected. He covers a range of topics for the magazine, including politics and entertainment. Recently, the duo unveiled an article revealing the deepening familial rift within the Murdoch clan. According to a sealed court document, Rupert Murdoch, now 93, is engaged in a covert legal battle alongside his eldest son and apparent heir, Lachlan. This conflict pits them against three of Lachlan’s siblings, and the outcome is poised to determine who will assume control of the vast media empire upon Rupert’s passing.

In a recent interview, Rutenberg and Mahler discussed the complexities they faced while reporting on this story, as well as the reasons behind the public’s intense fascination with the Murdoch family’s ongoing drama. Below are edited excerpts from their conversation:

How did you uncover the details of this legal battle?

JIM RUTENBERG: The origins of this story are somewhat delicate, as they stem from a sealed court record, which we are unable to disclose. However, it’s important to emphasize that we have been diligently monitoring this family for quite some time. We have always recognized the potential for a dramatic confrontation over the trust and future direction of the company in the event of Rupert’s death, particularly with three children aligned on one side and Lachlan and his father on the other.