Murdoch Family Power Struggles: James Murdoch Slams Father Rupert Murdoch As 'Misogynist' Amid Succession Battle

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The ongoing court battle within the Murdoch family has laid bare the deep divisions and power struggles between its family members . A recent trial has offered a glimpse into the internal conflict surrounding the future of News Corp, revealing the chaos that has unfolded in the wake of Rupert Murdoch 's decision to appoint his son Lachlan as his successor .

Rupert's succession plan

In what was dubbed“Project Family Harmony,” Rupert Murdoch announced to his children, James, Prudence, and Elisabeth, that he was designating elder son Lachlan as the sole heir to the family empire. This plan marked a shift from the previous arrangement, where the family trust was to be split evenly. However, Rupert 's decision to give full control to Lachlan was contested, with James losing his bid to take the reins in December 2024.

The strained relationship between James and Lachlan

James Murdoch has long been portrayed as a rival to his older brother Lachlan, with tensions within the family brewing over the years. According to McKay Coppins' interview, James expressed his discomfort with News Corp's stance on various issues, including climate change, Brexit, and Trump's politics. Coppins also revealed a former News Corp employee's claim that Lachlan referred to the media business as“ShitCo” - a remark Lachlan's spokesperson denied.

James calls his father a“misogynist”

In discussing the family dynamics, James accused his father Rupert of being a“misogynist,” noting the lack of involvement of his sisters, Prudence and Elisabeth, in the succession battle. As the media empire was divided between the male Murdochs , James became increasingly uncomfortable with News Corp's editorial choices and political affiliations.

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