Lauren Sanchez Hit With Cease & Desist Letters For Allegedly Copying Children’s Book

Lauren Sanchez's former yoga instructor, Alanna Zabel, recently accused the philanthropist of stealing her ideas for her children's book.

Zabel revealed that she had shared details of her own book with Sanchez and fiancé Jeff Bezos before she stopped working with her.

Jeff Bezos' fiancée, Sanchez, was sent two cease and desist letters by her former yoga teacher, who revealed to the DailyMail that the philanthropist copied the premise of her book.

Zabel explained that she had shared many details of her self-published book "Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars" with Sanchez, who then allegedly stole them for her upcoming book, "The Fly Who Flew To Space."

The yoga instructor said she only shared those details because she wanted to partner with the Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy.

However, when Sanchez announced her book in early 2023, she noticed the similarities and realized the theft.

She said, "I'm deeply offended, and I am taking legal action with the book. I am giving them until the end of the month to respond [to the cease and desist] before filing the official complaint."

Zabel previously worked for Sanchez as a private yoga instructor for three years, from 2007 to 2010. During that time, she was a regular in the media personality's home and quickly became a part of her inner circle. They reportedly talked about Zabel possibly working with Sanchez on writing children's books.

She said, "Throughout the years I not only gave Lauren copies of my self-published children's books, but also spoke about my children's books during our yoga sessions, as well as gifting clothing and other products from my brand, AZ I AM. We discussed an idea of me helping her write a children's book, with her brother Michael involved in the conversations, as he was her manager at that time."

Zabel shared that she eventually ended her yoga instructor agreement with Sanchez not long after her 40th birthday in 2009. She said she'd gotten tired of the constant "gossiping" going on in Sanchez's circle and wanted out, but they remained friends even after.

After finding out about Sanchez's serious relationship with Bezos, Zabel explained that she thought the media personality may have changed. So, she pitched her yoga dolls and upcoming books to Sanchez and Bezos, sending an email to the Amazon boss multiple times in 2022.

She said, "I pitched the idea of working with the Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy since my dolls and books give back to charitable organizations. Given Lauren's new relationship with Jeff and his endeavors with space travel and global conservation, I hoped to inspire Jeff to promote my books, including my then-upcoming children's book about a cat who flies to space."

Zabel further claimed that although Sanchez never responded to her messages, Bezos' office did confirm receipt of her November 2022 mail and sent links for business development opportunities with Amazon.

Two months later, Sanchez announced her first kids' book, "The Fly Who Flew To Space."

When Sanchez released the illustration for her upcoming book in March 2024, it further confirmed Zabel's suspicion of copyright infringement.

The image featured a rocket logo on the chest of the animated fly, which allegedly strongly resembles a logo worn by Zabel's character Dharma.

She said, "There is no doubt that knowledge of my work, brand and children's books - coupled with my outreach to both Lauren and Jeff in 2022 - have at least influenced Lauren's decision to alter her original children's book premise and to write a children's book about an animal who travels into space."

When asked by the publication if she would terminate the legal action if Sanchez apologized, Zabel remained unclear.

She stated, "I would take that apology, and I would champion it, and I would cheer it on. I invite Lauren to be honest and integral in this matter."

During a chat with Vogue magazine last year, Sanchez shared her awe at her grand engagement ring. Recalling the proposal on Bezos' $500 million yacht in May, the former TV anchor admitted, "When he opened the box, I think I blacked out a bit."

She revealed that the Amazon founder had secretly placed the ring under her pillow and discovered it as she prepared for bed.

Regarding wedding preparations, Sanchez expressed uncertainty about the wedding's scale and location, stating, "We're still thinking about the wedding, what it's going to be. Is it going to be big? Is it going to be overseas? We don't know yet. We've only been engaged five months!"