Court documents reveal Murdoch family plotted to oust News Corp CEO Robert Thomson

The documents, unsealed by a Nevada court, provide an unprecedented window into the world’s most famous media dynasty as it navigates the transition of power from 95-year-old Rupert Murdoch. Central to the revelations is the fate of Robert Thomson, the News Corp chief executive who has led the company since 2013 and is a close Murdoch confidant.

According to the filings, Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch expressed private reservations about Thomson’s performance and discussed scenarios for his removal. Advisers drafted a plan for Thomson’s forced retirement, an indignity that, according to the Financial Review, was war-gamed behind his back. The documents also reference a memo written after a viewing of Succession — a show about a fictional media family — suggesting the Murdochs drew inspiration from the series as they plotted their own succession.

The trust war erupted in 2024 when Rupert Murdoch sought to amend the family trust to consolidate voting power in Lachlan’s hands, effectively sidelining his three other children, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence. The siblings challenged the move in Nevada, arguing their father acted in bad faith. The case has remained sealed until now, with the newly released documents offering a rare glimpse into the secret proceedings.

The court heard testimony from key executives and family members, revealing the depth of the rift. Lachlan, who serves as executive chairman of News Corp and CEO of Fox Corp, has been the designated successor, but the documents show that his father and brother had reservations about Thomson’s leadership — a figure whom Lachlan once championed. The papers suggest that the family’s internal battles extended beyond the trust to the management of the empire.

Representatives for the Murdoch family and for Robert Thomson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The unsealing comes as News Corp faces significant challenges in a changing media landscape, with declining print revenues and the rise of digital platforms.

The case continues in Nevada, with further hearings expected later this year.

Why This Matters

The documents reveal the inner workings of one of the world’s most secretive family dynasties, affecting News Corp’s 30,000 employees and its media outlets globally (Wall Street Journal, The Times, Fox News).
The plotting against Robert Thomson could destabilise News Corp’s leadership at a critical time, with the company navigating digital transformation and regulatory scrutiny in multiple countries.
The public airing of family feuds may influence investor confidence and could trigger further legal challenges from James, Elisabeth, and Prudence Murdoch.

Background

The Murdoch family trust, established in the 1990s, holds a significant stake in News Corp and Fox Corp. Rupert Murdoch, now 95, has long planned for succession but shocked his children in 2024 by proposing to amend the trust to give eldest son Lachlan sole control. James, Elisabeth, and Prudence opposed the move, leading to a legal battle in Nevada, where the trust is domiciled. The case has been under seal until recent court orders forced partial unsealing. The documents now released span testimony from 2024 and 2025, including details of Rupert’s “mortality” concerns and Lachlan’s shifting alliances.

Key Perspectives

[Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch]: They argue that consolidating control is necessary for the long-term stability of the media empire and that Thomson’s leadership is no longer aligned with strategic goals. Their actions are framed as prudent governance. [James, Elisabeth, and Prudence Murdoch]: They contend their father’s attempt to rewrite the trust is a breach of its original intent, which treated all four siblings equally. The documents show their legal team highlighted the secret plotting around Thomson as evidence of bad faith and secretive decision-making. [Investors and corporate governance experts]: Some view the disclosures as a sign of dysfunction that could harm shareholder value. Others note that family-controlled companies often face such conflicts, and News Corp’s board has so far backed Thomson.

What to Watch

The Nevada court’s final ruling on whether Rupert Murdoch acted in good faith when seeking to amend the trust.
Any public response from Robert Thomson or the News Corp board regarding his future.
Potential leaks of additional sealed documents as the case continues, which could expose further family rifts or management turbulence.

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