Rupert Murdoch announced his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith last month.Credit:Jenna Bascom Photography
The 92-year-old Australian-born mogul told theNew York Post,one of his own newspapers,that he had proposed to Smith with an Asscher cut diamond solitaire ring that he personally selected.
However,Vanity Fair,citing “sources close to Murdoch”,reported the businessman had put the wedding plans on ice.
“One source close to Murdoch said he had become increasingly uncomfortable with Smith’s outspoken evangelical views,” the outlet reported.
Reuters later confirmed the news.
The New York Times said a person close to the media magnate,who spoke on the condition of anonymity,had acknowledged the wedding had been called off,adding that it would not be a “great leap” to say that Murdoch’s relationship with Smith had come to an end.
The LondonTelegraph,quoting reported sources said the couple came to a “mutual decision” after a heart-to-heart discussion on Monday night. It said Smith told him she was struggling to cope with being in the public eye.