Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch Announces Engagement to Elena Zhukova
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, aged 92, has officially announced his engagement to retired Russian molecular biologist Elena Zhukova, aged 67. This will mark Murdoch’s fifth marriage, following his meeting with ex-police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith, which was abruptly called off in April 2023. The upcoming wedding is anticipated at Murdoch’s Moraga vineyard and estate in California later this year.
Rumors of Murdoch’s relationship with Zhukova began circulating shortly after his disengagement with Ann Lesley Smith. The couple reportedly met at a party hosted by one of Murdoch’s ex-wives, Chinese-born entrepreneur Wendi Deng. Murdoch’s previous marriages were with Australian flight attendant Patricia Booker, Scottish-born journalist Anna Mann, Deng, and US model and actress Jerry Hall.
Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, was previously married to Russian oil billionaire Alexander Zhukov. Their daughter, Dasha Zhukova, is a socialite and businesswoman who was formerly married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich until 2017.
Initially from Australia, Rupert Murdoch commenced his media career in the 1950s. Over the years, he acquired significant publications globally, including the News of the World, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Wall Street Journal. In 1996, he launched Fox News, now the most-watched TV news channel in the US. Through News Corp, founded in 2013, Murdoch owns numerous local, national, and international media outlets.
Despite his successful career, Murdoch has faced controversies, notably the UK phone hacking scandal involving the News of the World. In September, he announced stepping back from his leading role in his media empire, passing the reins to his son Lachlan and taking on the part of Chairman Emeritus of both Fox and News Corp.
The upcoming marriage to Zhukova is not expected to impact the future of Murdoch’s businesses, as his four eldest children hold them in trust. The New York Times broke the story and reported that the weddings are scheduled for June, with invitations already sent out.
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