Murdoch gave Brooks $2.7m payoff: paper

LONDON (AP) ― British newspaper the Guardian is reporting that media baron Rupert Murdoch paid former News International chief Rebekah Brooks $2.7 million and the use of an office as part of her severance package.

The newspaper says without citing sources that the high-profile CEO of the now-closed tabloid News of The World was also granted continued access to her company limousine and driver for two years.

The report said Brooks was given a central London office, adding that her spokesman asked the paper not to reveal the location of the office.

Brooks resigned earlier this year as a phone hacking scandal shook Murdoch’s media empire and forced the News of The World to close. She was arrested by police investigating the claims but was not charged.

News International declined comment Sunday.