Lauren Sánchez, the fiancée of Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos, is facing a legal battle over her recently released children’s book, “The Fly Who Flew to Space.”
Just after the book received a glowing review from Bezos on Amazon, her former yoga instructor filed a lawsuit claiming Sánchez stole the book’s concept, Business Insider reports.
What Happened: According to Business Insider, Bezos publicly endorsed Sánchez’s children’s book with an Amazon review, praising it as the best she’s ever written. However, this praise coincided with a lawsuit filed by Alanna Zabel, a California-based yoga instructor who previously worked with Sánchez.
Zabel claims Sánchez used her intellectual property for the book, which features a fly’s space-themed adventure. According to the lawsuit, the concept closely mirrors Zabel’s idea for a book about a cat who flies to Mars, which the two had discussed during their professional relationship from 2007 to 2010.
The complaint outlines a long history of communication between the two women, with Zabel even reaching out in 2022 to propose a potential collaboration on children’s literature. Zabel's allegations extend beyond intellectual property theft, accusing Sánchez of causing emotional distress. Zabel is now seeking a jury trial, Business Insider reports.
Why It Matters: The lawsuit’s timing adds a complex layer to Sánchez’s growing public image, especially as she navigates her high-profile relationship with Bezos. Sánchez's private life has gained increasing attention, particularly her and Bezos’ unique morning routine.
The couple starts each day with a strict no-phone rule, focusing instead on conversation. Sánchez, a former TV host, has spoken about how Bezos' influence changed her typical morning habits, allowing the couple more personal connection time.
This insight into Bezos’ routine complements his well-known stance on work-life balance. Despite his leadership at Amazon, he's long advocated for undistracted mornings, even delaying his first meetings to make time for what he calls "puttering" — an activity-free period he considers vital for productivity and creativity.
For Sánchez, whose mornings now start without phones, this balance between public visibility and personal space will continue to be a focus as the lawsuit unfolds and her book garners further attention.
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This article was created using artificial intelligence and was reviewed by Benzinga editors.
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