Murdoch to send Trump health updates to dodge Epstein trial deposition - President fears he may die before trial

Rupert Murdoch to send Trump health updates: A surprising court decision has brought Rupert Murdoch's health into the spotlight. As Donald Trump moves forward with a $10 billion defamation lawsuit, the conservative media mogul has agreed to reveal private medical updates. For the time being, the move puts Murdoch's deposition on hold.

In a bizarre legal twist, 94-year-old media mogul Rupert Murdoch has agreed to provide Donald Trump with regular health updates as part of a court-approved delay in Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article about Jeffrey Epstein. The agreement postpones proceedings unless Murdoch's condition worsens or the court denies a pending dismissal motion.



The highly unusual arrangement was disclosed in a joint filing by both parties late Monday night. It temporarily postpones Murdoch's deposition in the case while motions to dismiss the lawsuit are being considered by federal Judge Darrin Gayles in Miami, as per a report by CNBC.

ALSO READ: iPhone 17 launch date leaked and here's when the phone will be available in shelves

Why did Rupert Murdoch agree to share his health updates?

Donald Trump's legal team had argued that time was of the essence, claiming Murdoch's declining health would prevent him from testifying later. "Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares," stated the paperwork.

To avoid an urgent deposition, Murdoch will now make a sworn declaration about his current health and provide regular updates. If there is a "material change" in his condition, or if he fails to comply with the agreement, he may be forced to take an expedited deposition, as per a report by CNBC.

What is Donald Trump suing Murdoch and the WSJ over?

Donald Trump filed the lawsuit last month, alleging that the Wall Street Journal defamed him in a July article claiming he sent Epstein a "bawdy" birthday card in 2003. Trump denied writing the card and responded with characteristic bombast, labeling the WSJ a "useless rag" and threatening legal action.

ALSO READ: iPhone 17 Pro Max leak: Papaya orange color sparks huge debate among Apple fans

"This historic legal action is being brought against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS 'article.'" Trump stated on Truth Social, naming Murdoch, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson, Dow Jones, and the article's authors as defendants.

How does Jeffrey Epstein fit into the legal battle?

The defamation suit focuses on Trump's longstanding relationship with the late financier and convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein committed suicide in jail in 2019, while awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges.

While Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from Epstein, photos and social media connections between the two have resurfaced over the years.

The Justice Department has also recently come under fire for refusing to release Epstein-related investigative files, resulting in increased public scrutiny.

ALSO READ: Biden allies threaten Kamala Harris: Talk about Joe’s decline and we’ll expose you with ugly stories

What comes next?

If Judge Gayles denies the defendants' motion to dismiss, Murdoch will have to appear for a deposition within 30 days. Until then, discovery, the exchange of evidence by both parties, is also on hold.

Although the health updates are private, they create an unusual overlap between legal and personal boundaries. Though Murdoch's Fox News has long been a Trump ally, this court-ordered arrangement has thrown the two media behemoths into an awkward legal quagmire with no clear resolution, as per a report by CNBC.

FAQs

Why is Rupert Murdoch informing Donald Trump about his health?
Rupert Murdoch agreed to provide health updates in exchange for delaying his deposition in Trump's defamation lawsuit over an Epstein-related article.

What sparked Donald Trump's lawsuit against Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal?
Donald Trump filed a lawsuit over a 2003 birthday note allegedly sent to Epstein, which he denies writing and calls defamatory.