7am Part 1: Inside James and Rupert Murdoch’s meltdown
Jan 6, 2026
In this intriguing discussion, McKay Coppins, a Staff writer at The Atlantic focused on U.S. politics and media, reveals James Murdoch's perspective on a high-stakes legal battle within the Murdoch family. He discusses Rupert Murdoch's controversial attempt to change a family trust, positioning Lachlan as heir, while James, the family's 'black sheep,' recounts painful rifts over management culture and phone-hacking scandals. Coppins explores James's motivations for speaking out, touching on themes of family loyalty and personal redemption.
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Courtroom Moment Of Raw Emotion
- James felt deep emotion when he saw his father and brother across the courtroom and asked, 'how did we let it come to this?'.
- McKay Coppins says James was surprised by how emotional and estranged the family had become.
Trust Change Sparked The Feud
- Rupert sought to change the family trust to make Lachlan the heir and consolidate control over the Fox empire.
- McKay frames James's decision to speak as a reaction to feeling betrayed by that secretive power grab.
Default Successor Turned Black Sheep
- James spent two decades in the family businesses and was once the default successor after Lachlan stepped back.
- McKay describes James as the black sheep who clashed with Rupert's risk-taking style and management approach.