Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng ended their 14 year marriage Wednesday with
Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng ended their 14 year marriage Wednesday with a hug and a handshake.
It was a cordial conclusion to what had been a big bucks divorce battle between the billionaire media mogul and his third wife.
“I’m glad you were able to resolve these matters amicably,” Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Ellen Gesmer told them.
After the judge left the bench, Deng got up and shook the hand of Murdoch’s lawyer, Ira Garr. Then she and Murdoch said farewell.
Neither said a word to reporters. But they later released a statement.
“We are pleased to announce that we have reached an amicable settlement of all matters relating to our divorce,” it said. “We move forward with mutual respect and a shared interest in the health and happiness of our two daughters. We will not comment on this any further.”
Murdoch, 82, arrived at court at 9:30 a.m. sharp, dressed in a dark gray suit, white shirt, and red patterned tie — and wearing a sad expression on his face.
But Murdoch’s face creased into a smile when Deng bounded into the courtroom 20 minutes later on navy blue Oxford pumps with red trim and wooden heels.
Deng, who is 44, carried a black and white leopard bag with a silver mesh shoulder strap and her black hair was wavy.
But the stress was evident on her face. And she didn’t take off her dark green woolen coat.
When Gesmer took the bench, they raised their hands, swore to tell the truth and began answering in the affirmative questions about whether they understood this was a final agreement — and that this meant they would avoid a public trial.
“Indeed, yes!” Murdoch replied.
A source familiar with the terms said Deng would be allowed to keep the Fifth Avenue apartment because that’s home to the girls.