US Capitol Storming: Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan Murdoch opens defamation suit against Australian website

An opinion piece on the storming of the US Capitol is being sued by media mogul Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan Murdoch, chief executive of Fox Corp. and co-chairman of News Corp. The initial day in court for a defamation lawsuit brought by his eldes...

Agencies
In a lawsuit against Private Media, Fox Corp and News Corp CEO, co-chairman and Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan Murdoch sued over Capitol invasion articles. In an article which titled Trump as a traitor and claimed Murdoch was his silent co-conspirator, he gave way to this case as he had been insulted by Crikey's political editor.

A defense filed on Friday by Crikey argued that the opinion piece was in the public interest. On the following day, a lawsuit for defamation was filed.

Aside from highlighting differences in size and wealth between the website and Murdoch family companies, the website describes the battle as one of free speech. As part of its defense, the company has launched a Go Fund Me page, and Hayward stated, "We believe that the rich and powerful need to be criticized in an open, well-functioning society."


Liz Truss: Meet the new UK PM
1/10

Liz Truss is Britain's new prime minister. Her Thatcherite zeal has won her the support of Conservatives.

Liz Truss is Britain's new prime minister. Her Thatcherite zeal has won her the support of Conservatives.

Truss beat rival Rishi Sunak, former Treasury chief, by promising to up defence spending and cutting taxes.

Truss beat rival Rishi Sunak, former Treasury chief, by promising to up defence spending and cutting taxes.

Liz Truss is the third female Prime Minister in Britain, after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May.

Liz Truss is the third female Prime Minister in Britain, after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May.

She was raised in a left-wing family; her father was a mathematician and her mother was a nurse and teacher.

She was raised in a left-wing family; her father was a mathematician and her mother was a nurse and teacher.

Was an active member of Britain’s 'Liberal Democrats'. As an Oxford student, called for a vote to end monarchy.

Was an active member of Britain’s 'Liberal Democrats'. As an Oxford student, called for a vote to end monarchy.

After graduating she switched to Tories. She held 6 ministerial posts under 3 PMs: Johnson, May and David Cameron.

After graduating she switched to Tories. She held 6 ministerial posts under 3 PMs: Johnson, May and David Cameron.

It was her campaign pledge to reverse Rishi Sunak's tax hike plans which seems to have worked in Truss' favour.

It was her campaign pledge to reverse Rishi Sunak's tax hike plans which seems to have worked in Truss' favour.

As foreign secretary, she talked vociferously on many issues. Some believe she may tone down her 'robust' rhetoric.

As foreign secretary, she talked vociferously on many issues. Some believe she may tone down her 'robust' rhetoric.

Truss faces a costly and difficult to-do list. Several have called for an early election. Which she doesn't want.

Truss faces a costly and difficult to-do list. Several have called for an early election. Which she doesn't want.


In a statement of claim, Murdoch's lawyer described Crikey's claim as "disingenuous." The lawyer accused the newspaper of showcasing itself and "publicizing the Crikey website" to increase subscriptions.

FAQ


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  1. What is the name of the Australian website against which defamation charges have been made?
    Crikey
  2. Who is Lachlan Murdoch?
    Lachlan Murdoch is the eldest son of Rupert Murdoch.
  3. What was written in the defamation article?
    The defamation article was titled against Trump and stated Murdoch as his co-conspirator.
  4. What was the article about?
    The article was about the US Capitol coup on January 6.
  5. Who is the political editor of Crikey?
    Bernard Keane
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