Media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s recent engagement to Ann Lesley Smith has reportedly been called off, just weeks after the billionaire announced their engagement on St Patrick’s Day.
The 92-year-old proposed to the 66-year-old with an Asscher-cut diamond solitaire ring in New York City, and the couple claimed to have met at a vineyard last year with 200 people in attendance.
Speaking to The New York Post, Murdoch said, “I dreaded falling in love – but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.” Smith, who was widowed 14 years ago, said, “For us both, it’s a gift from God. We met last September. I’m a widow, 14 years. Like Rupert, my husband was a businessman. We share the same beliefs.”
However, sources cited by Vanity Fair claim that the pair has ended their romance due to Murdoch’s discomfort with Smith’s outspoken evangelical views.
Though a spokesperson for the mogul has declined to comment on the matter, this is not the first time that Smith has been surrounded by controversy.
After the death of her most recent husband, Chester Smith, in 2008, Smith was involved in a court battle with her stepdaughters over her late husband’s massive fortune.
Last July, Murdoch divorced his fourth wife, model Jerry Hall, after six years of marriage.
Prior to that, the News Corp head honcho was married to Wendi Murdoch, Anna Murdoch Mann, and Patricia Booker.
Best known for his various business ventures, including News Corp, Fox Corporation, and The Times of London, among others, the 92-year-old has a net worth of approximately $22 billion.
