Thread: News Corp pays $200k for Packer-Gyngell fight photos

A Channel Nine news truck parked near businessman James Packer's Bondi home was reportedly the catalyst for his very-public scuffle with old friend and Nine Entertainment Co boss David Gyngell yesterday.

Packer, who has been linked to supermodel Miranda Kerr, is said to have suspected the news truck was staking out his house and contacted Gyngell to complain, Nine News reports.

It was when the Nine CEO went to meet with Packer that the fight broke out in front of at least one photographer who captured pictures of the brawl that have been bought for a reported $200,000 by News Corp today.

However, the suspected spark for the disagreement between the mogul mates was simply a misunderstanding, according to Nine News cameraman Nick Tokic, who said he had only parked the truck where it had been seen because it was near his house.

"I actually live there and I had a late finish and an early start so I park there all the time," Tokic told Nine News.

"I guess it's a misunderstanding."

The two old friends threw punches at each other before falling to the ground in a wrestle which left Packer with a black eye and needing the attention of a paramedic. Today the pair released a joint statement declaring their respect for each other.

"We have been friends for 35 years and still are," the statement reads.

"In that time we have had our fair share of ups and downs.

"We respect each other and neither of us will be commenting further."

Gyngell served as best man to Packer at his wedding to Erica Baxter in 2007. Packer and Baxter separated six months ago.

As previous owner of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL) and Consolidated Media Holdings, Packer held a stake in Nine but sold his final share in 2008.

Gyngell is the CEO of the Nine Entertainment Company whose holdings include ninemsn.


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