Lachlan Murdoch Hosts Star-Studded Event Amid Family Drama

Lachlan Murdoch, the media heir, hosted a remarkable gathering in Sydney on Thursday night. Among the guests were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, along with some of Australia’s wealthiest figures. This high-profile event took place just a day after news broke regarding a significant shift in Lachlan’s father’s media strategy.

The event celebrated The Australian newspaper’s 60th anniversary at the Australian Museum in Darlinghurst. Albanese was expected to deliver a speech to an impressive audience that included Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and newly appointed Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

Notable guests also included former Prime Minister John Howard and billionaires like Ryan Stokes and Andrew Forrest. The room was packed with influential figures such as restaurateur Justin Hemmes and Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’Landys. Even Justice Michael Lee, known for his recent defamation rulings, was among the attendees.

This gathering marked a rare public appearance by Lachlan Murdoch, who is at the helm of News Corp and Fox Corp. He hosted the evening on behalf of his father, Rupert Murdoch, who, though not present, featured in a recent documentary celebrating the Australian newspaper’s milestone.

As the family saga unfolds, it was revealed that Rupert Murdoch has been trying to change the family trust’s terms to ensure Lachlan retains control of the media empire. This move aims to preserve a conservative editorial approach and maintain profitability, which Rupert believes can only be achieved under Lachlan’s leadership.

The recent details emerged from a New York Times report, highlighting a bitter family dispute as Rupert’s more moderate children seek to challenge this consolidation of power. The trust governs shares in major entities like Fox News and The Wall Street Journal, making this legal battle a critical issue for the Murdoch legacy.

As Rupert has experienced a number of marriages and has six children, this complex family dynamic adds another layer to the ongoing media narrative surrounding the Murdochs. His recent marriage to Elena Zhukova comes just after ending his marriage to Jerry Hall, sparking even more interest in the lives of this media dynasty.