Rupert Murdoch Faces Ongoing Legal and Family Struggles in 2025 Amid Trump Election Claims
Rupert Murdoch has entered the new year grappling with significant challenges that could impact the future of his media empire. As the founder of Fox Corporation, Murdoch’s legal woes continue to mount following a failed attempt to dismiss a lawsuit related to Fox News’ reporting on the 2020 US presidential election. The lawsuit, filed by investors, holds the Murdochs personally accountable for broadcasting false claims about the election, specifically accusing voting machine companies, Smartmatic and Dominion, of rigging the results.
Fox News, under Murdoch’s leadership, has faced serious allegations for its role in perpetuating election fraud claims, despite knowing the information was false. The network's decision to support these claims led to severe repercussions, including a massive $787 million settlement in 2023 with Dominion Voting Systems, who accused the network of defamation. However, the legal challenges do not end there, as Smartmatic’s defamation lawsuit is still ongoing and is expected to reach trial later this year. If Smartmatic’s claims succeed, it could lead to further scrutiny and financial damage for the Murdochs, as investors demand they bear responsibility for the losses caused by the false reporting.
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A court ruling in December 2024 found that the investors had made a strong case for the Murdochs being held liable for defamation. While the decision does not guarantee a win for the plaintiffs, it signaled that the case had merit. What’s more concerning for Murdoch’s future is that the court hinted that Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert's son and presumed heir to the empire, could face even stronger legal consequences. Reports suggest that Lachlan attended daily meetings at Fox during the election fraud controversy, and his involvement may make him more vulnerable to personal liability.
Smartmatic’s legal team has focused on the role of family interference in editorial decisions, aiming to use this to strengthen their case. They argue that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch ordered Fox News to embrace disinformation in order to protect ratings and profits, fearing the loss of conservative viewers and stock value. The case is poised to expose the inner workings of the Murdoch family's influence on the network’s editorial direction, with potential revelations about their strategic decisions during a critical time for the network.
The ongoing legal battles come at a time when the Murdochs are also contending with internal family disputes over control of Fox and News Corp. Rupert’s attempts to alter a family trust to ensure Lachlan’s control after his death were reportedly unsuccessful, and the legal implications of these family matters are now intertwined with the public cases.
As the trial against Smartmatic looms, all eyes will be on Fox and the Murdochs. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for both the future of Fox News and the family’s legacy. With the election fraud controversy continuing to dominate the headlines, 2025 promises to be a turbulent year for Rupert Murdoch and his media empire.
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