Hugh Jackman Entertains Rupert Murdoch at Lavish 95th Birthday Celebration
Hollywood star Hugh Jackman delivered a special musical performance for media magnate Rupert Murdoch at the billionaire's 95th birthday party in New York City on Saturday. The exclusive black-tie event was held at The Grill restaurant, located within the iconic Seagram Building in Midtown Manhattan.
Jackman's Musical Tribute to the Media Mogul
According to sources present at the celebration, Jackman performed several numbers throughout the evening. His setlist included popular songs from his 2017 film The Greatest Showman, alongside classic renditions of "Fly Me to the Moon" and "New York, New York." The actor concluded his performance with Peter Allen's sentimental ballad "I Still Call Australia Home," reportedly thanking Murdoch for his support throughout Jackman's career.
Murdoch, the Australian-born founder of a global media empire that includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post, celebrates his 95th birthday on March 11th. He arrived at the party accompanied by his wife Elena Zhukova, whom he married in 2024, and his son Lachlan Murdoch, who serves as chief executive of Fox Corporation.
High-Profile Guest List and Political Connections
The star-studded guest list featured numerous prominent figures from politics, entertainment, and business. Attendees included Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, former US House speaker Paul Ryan, and former Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. Also present were US interior secretary Doug Burgum, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
During Jackman's performance, Ivanka Trump was observed enthusiastically "cheering him on," according to sources. Jackman has maintained friendships with Trump and Kushner for approximately fifteen years, having previously stated that they avoid political discussions at social gatherings.
Notable Absences and Family Dynamics
While the celebration attracted many distinguished guests, Murdoch's children James, Elisabeth, and Prudence MacLeod were notably absent. Their absence follows a recent family dispute concerning the Murdoch family trust, which controls both News Corp and Fox Corporation. The conflict arose when Rupert Murdoch attempted to restructure the trust to ensure Lachlan retained control of the companies after his father's passing.
The dispute was resolved through a settlement in September 2025, with James, Elisabeth, and Prudence agreeing to relinquish their stakes in the trust in exchange for approximately $1.1 billion each.
Political Messages and Legal Context
Former US president Donald Trump did not attend the event in person but sent a video message describing Murdoch as "legendary" and "one of a kind." This message arrives several months after Trump filed a defamation lawsuit seeking at least $10 billion against The Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, News Corp, Murdoch, and two reporters. The lawsuit concerns a July 2025 article about an alleged 2003 birthday greeting from Trump to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump denies writing.
During the celebration, Murdoch addressed his guests with optimistic remarks about America's future, 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."
