Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, known for his vast media empire, has tied the knot for the fifth time at his Californian vineyard. The 93-year-old tycoon married Elena Zhukova, a retired Russian biologist, in a private ceremony.
The marriage comes after Murdoch’s engagement to Ann Lesley Smith was called off in April 2023, sparking rumors of his relationship with Zhukova. Murdoch, who hails from Australia and has six children, is the chairman emeritus of News Corporation, the parent company of major media outlets such as Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, the Sun, and the Times.
The couple reportedly met at a party hosted by one of Murdoch’s ex-wives, Wendi Deng. Murdoch has been married four times previously to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a flight attendant, a journalist, and a model/actress.
Before his latest marriage, Zhukova was married to Russian oil billionaire Alexander Zhukov, and their daughter Dasha was previously married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Murdoch’s career in media began in Australia in the 1950s, leading to acquisitions of major publications in the UK and the US. He founded Fox News in 1996, which has become a prominent news channel in the US. Through News Corp, Murdoch owns numerous media outlets globally.
Despite his successful career, Murdoch has faced controversies, notably the UK phone-hacking scandal involving the News of the World. Last year, he announced his step back from operational roles in his companies, passing the baton to his son Lachlan.
With this latest marriage, Rupert Murdoch adds another chapter to his eventful personal life, continuing to make headlines both in the media industry and beyond.