Dustin Gandof
Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old media mogul, is making headlines again after calling off his engagement with Ann Lesley Smith. The two had been planning to marry this summer, less than a year after Murdoch had finalized his divorce from his fourth wife.
The sudden end of the engagement has caused quite a stir in the media world, particularly due to Murdoch’s history of multiple marriages. The news initially broke on April 6th, when it was reported that the couple had called off the wedding. Details surrounding the reason for the split have not been confirmed, but rumors have been circulating that the two were not on the same page when it came to their future plans.
Murdoch and Smith had been dating for a little over a year before getting engaged. In a statement released by Murdoch’s representatives, he expressed disappointment at the break-up but maintained that he and Smith remain on good terms. “I have immense respect for Ann and everything she has brought into my life,” he said. “We both came to the mutual understanding that it was better for us to go our separate ways at this time.”
This marks the fifth engagement that Murdoch has called off in his lifetime. The media mogul has been married four times previously, with three of those marriages ending in divorce. His most recent marriage, to model Jerry Hall, ended in 2019. Murdoch has six children from his previous marriages.
News of the split has been met with a mixed reaction from the public. While some have expressed sympathy for both Murdoch and Smith, others have criticized the media mogul for his track record when it comes to relationships. Many have also questioned the wisdom of the 92-year-old getting engaged yet again.
Despite the controversy, Rupert Murdoch remains a powerful and influential figure in the media industry. He is the founder and executive chairman of News Corp, which owns several major news outlets including the Wall Street Journal and Fox News. Murdoch’s net worth is estimated to be over $22 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world.
As for what the future holds for Murdoch and Smith, only time will tell. For now, the media mogul is focused on his work and his family, and has asked for privacy during this difficult time. Whatever happens next, it’s clear that Rupert Murdoch’s personal life will always be of interest and intrigue to the public.
