Rupert Murdoch's Health Sparks Legal and Family Feud Over Media Empire Control

Trump’s legal team has moved to secure an in-person deposition of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, arguing his health makes testimony unlikely. The 94-year-old has faced a series of medical issues, including a recent fainting incident and a severe case of COVID-19 in 2022, prompting the legal filing [1]. This has intensified speculation about the future of the media empire he built, as his health and potential death loom over the business landscape [1].

Murdoch’s control over Fox Corporation and News Corp has been largely maintained through the Murdoch Family Trust, a structure that allows him and his four eldest children to share voting power. Currently, Lachlan Murdoch holds four votes, while his siblings—James, Elisabeth, and Prudence—each hold one. Upon Rupert’s death, his votes will be redistributed, giving each sibling two votes and ensuring shared control. This setup was meant to preserve unity, but it has instead sparked legal and familial disputes [1].

In late 2023, Rupert tried to alter the trust to grant Lachlan sole control posthumously, a move his siblings contested in court. A Nevada probate court rejected the change in December 2024, and Rupert’s team has appealed the decision. Biographer Paddy Manning noted that Lachlan now faces the challenge of either paying his siblings a premium to step aside or risking a power struggle that could fracture the empire [1].

The trust’s terms also include a 2030 expiration, which could force the family to restructure their control over the companies. With no clear consensus on the future of the Murdoch media holdings, the uncertainty has fueled internal tensions and raised concerns among shareholders [1].

Michael Wolff, a Murdoch biographer, predicts that Lachlan’s siblings will ultimately align against him, forcing a shift in leadership and potentially leading to the sale of key assets like the Wall Street Journal and Times of London. James Murdoch, who has publicly criticized the editorial direction of Fox News, could take a more active role in reshaping its content [1].

Lachlan has tried to consolidate power by appointing allies, including former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, to the Fox board. His leadership has also driven strong financial performance, with Fox Corporation’s stock hitting an all-time high of $58 in February 2025, and News Corp reporting nearly 79% higher earnings in 2024 [1].

Despite these successes, past attempts to buy out his siblings have failed. Manning suggests that a buyout remains the most logical path forward, but Lachlan’s siblings may demand a high price, given their criticism of his strategy and their own financial independence. Elisabeth, for instance, has been building her own media ventures, including her production company Sister Pictures [1].

While some analysts like Claire Atkinson believe Lachlan’s strong business record and Fox News’ dominance could keep his siblings from challenging him, others remain skeptical. Atkinson notes that Elisabeth and James have their own media ambitions, reducing their incentive to fight for control. Wolff, however, questions Lachlan’s commitment to the role, suggesting he would prefer a more relaxed lifestyle [1].

Ultimately, the future of the Murdoch media empire hinges on the complex relationships among the four siblings. Whether they collaborate or clash will determine the path forward for one of the most influential media conglomerates in the world [1].

Source: [1] When Rupert Murdoch Dies, It Could Plunge the Fox and News Corp Empire Into Civil War (https://fortune.com/2025/08/03/when-rupert-murdoch-dies-it-could-plunge-the-fox-and-news-corp-empire-into-civil-war/)