Wendi Deng, Murdoch's Chinese-American spouse, leapt to her feet to pummel her husband's assailant. MPs, Murdochs and media types gaped, electrified as proceedings fast-forwarded from Perry Mason to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
By the time Rupert Murdoch's bodyguard had reached his master, the 42-year-old Wendi had landed a sensational right-hook on her opponent. She then gained her husband's side, and gently cleaned his face of foam.
Within minutes, Deng was the toast of Twitter: hailed as a "smack-down sister" in her native China, and as a heroine and stunning show-stopper everywhere else.
Those who know Wendi well (including Tony Blair, Mark Zuckerman and Bono) won't have batted an eyelid at her jaw-dropping performance.
Rupert Murdoch's third wife has form. A volleyball player from southern China doesn't climb to the top — Murdoch's personal fortune remains a healthy $340 million (Dh1.25 billion) without fierce determination.
Other people on Wendi's ascent have already experienced her fury. The first victim was Joyce Cherry, a pleasant American who, together with husband Jake, befriended Wendi during their trip to China.
Impressed by the teenager's brilliance and thirst for self-improvement, Joyce and Jake sponsored Wendi's application for a student visa to America.
Nineteen-year-old Wendi soon bewitched Jake, who left Joyce to marry their young protegee.
Victim number two was Jake himself: his usefulness came to an end a few months later when Wendi, now armed with the right papers, won a place to study business at Yale University.
Days from graduation, Wendi had a job at the Murdoch-owned Star TV, where she quickly caught the Big Boss's eye.
The third corpse in the trail to marry Murdoch: Rupert's second wife, Anna.
Within 17 days of his divorce, Wendi wed Rupert.
The Wendi house conceals skeletons but also offers glimpses of her protective instincts.
Conscious of the 38-year gap between them, Wendi has placed Rupert on a tough regime of 6am weightlifting, washed down by a fruit and soy protein cocktail.
She has hired a personal trainer to put him through his paces.
Wendi also pursues her own agenda. She has just released a film, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, that aims to promote a more positive image of China.
She enjoys a glittering social life, attending film premieres and art gallery openings.
She remains her husband's chief adviser on his business in China.
Wendi Deng has transformed Rupert Murdoch's image around the globe — from dodderer in the dock to prized partner in his wife's life.

By Cristina Odone, The Telegraph

Articles from the author

Strong wives who stand by their husbands