New York, September 2025 — The Murdoch family’s long-running power struggle has come to an end with a landmark settlement that hands Lachlan Murdoch full control of the family’s global media empire. The agreement resolves years of tension and legal disputes among Rupert Murdoch’s heirs, reshaping the future of one of the most influential media dynasties in the world.
Lachlan Emerges as Sole Leader
Under the deal, Lachlan Murdoch will take undisputed leadership of both News Corp and Fox Corporation. The settlement removes his three older siblings—James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, and Prudence MacLeod—from the family trust that controlled the companies. In exchange, each sibling will receive a payout of around $1.1 billion, giving them financial independence but ending their direct influence over the media empire.
Lachlan’s younger sisters, Grace and Chloe, who are not involved in day-to-day management, remain part of the trust, aligning their financial future with his leadership.
End of a Bitter Feud
The arrangement closes the chapter on a bitter inheritance dispute that spilled into the courts and attracted worldwide attention. At the center of the fight was control of the Murdoch trust, a structure designed to determine succession for Rupert Murdoch’s vast holdings. The conflict highlighted deep divisions among the siblings, particularly as James Murdoch had pushed for a different editorial direction, clashing with Lachlan’s conservative stance.
The settlement avoids further courtroom battles and ensures that Rupert Murdoch’s vision for the empire remains intact through Lachlan’s stewardship.
Stability for the Media Landscape
Industry analysts say the agreement brings stability to a media empire that has often influenced global politics and public opinion. With Lachlan at the helm, shareholders and employees alike now have clarity on the company’s long-term direction. Many expect editorial policies to remain consistent with the empire’s established conservative identity.
A Defining Moment for the Murdoch Legacy
The settlement marks both an end and a beginning: an end to the very public family feud that had drawn comparisons to fictional portrayals of dynastic power struggles, and a beginning for Lachlan as the undisputed guardian of his father’s media empire.
For Rupert Murdoch, the outcome secures his legacy. For Lachlan, it cements his role as one of the most powerful figures in global media—while his siblings step away, wealthier but without influence over the empire their father built.
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