Full Breakdown
Hugh Jackman Celebrates Rupert Murdoch's 95th Birthday with Star-Studded Performance
3/14/2026, 9:28:47 PM
A Night of Celebration at The Grill
Hugh Jackman performed at Rupert Murdoch's 95th birthday party on March 11, 2025, held at The Grill in Midtown Manhattan. The event featured a black-tie gathering attended by notable figures, including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tony Blair, and Paul Ryan. Jackman entertained guests with songs from *The Greatest Showman*, as well as classics like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York.” He concluded his performance with “I Still Call Australia Home,” expressing gratitude to Murdoch for his support throughout Jackman's career.
Notable Guests and Absentees
Murdoch's wife, Elena Zhukova, and his son, Lachlan Murdoch, chief executive of Fox Corporation, were present at the celebration. However, three of Murdoch's children—James, Elisabeth, and Prudence MacLeod—were notably absent. Their absence follows a family dispute regarding the restructuring of the Murdoch family trust, which was settled in September 2025, allowing Lachlan to retain control of the family’s media empire, including *The Times*, *The Sun*, *The Wall Street Journal*, *Fox News*, and *The New York Post*.
Political Connections
While former President Donald Trump did not attend the party, he sent a video message praising Murdoch as “legendary” and “one of a kind.” This message comes in the wake of Trump's ongoing defamation lawsuit against *The Wall Street Journal*, its parent company, News Corp, and Murdoch himself, concerning a disputed article about a birthday greeting allegedly sent by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
Criticism and Opposition
The celebration has drawn attention not only for its high-profile attendees but also for the ongoing controversies surrounding Murdoch's media influence and the legal challenges faced by Trump. Critics argue that the close ties between media moguls and political figures can lead to conflicts of interest and undermine journalistic integrity.
Official Statements & Responses
Murdoch addressed his guests during the party, stating, “I won’t bore you with memories of what you know – this is the time to look to the future. America has become the unmatched engine of invention.” This sentiment reflects his focus on innovation and progress in the media landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I won’t bore you with memories of what you know – this is the time to look to the future. America has become the unmatched engine of invention.” — Rupert Murdoch
- “one of a kind” — Donald Trump, in a video message
Conclusion
Hugh Jackman's performance at Rupert Murdoch's 95th birthday party highlights the intersection of entertainment and media influence, showcasing the relationships among prominent figures in both industries. As Murdoch continues to navigate family dynamics and legal challenges, the implications of his legacy remain a topic of discussion in both media and political spheres.
