Ex-yoga instructor claims Jeff Bezos's girlfriend stole her book idea
What's the story
Lauren Sanchez, a former news anchor and media personality, has been sued by her ex-yoga instructor Alanna Zabel for allegedly stealing the concept of her new children's book, The Fly Who Flew to Space.
Zabel claims she had shared her book idea with Sanchez during their oral and written discussions over the past 16 years.
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday and accuses Sanchez of "intentional infliction of emotional distress," reportedly.
Book concept
Zabel's book concept involved a space-traveling cat
Zabel, who taught Sanchez privately from 2007 to 2011, alleges that in 2022 she shared a specific concept for her children's book, Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars.
The story revolved around a cat who flies to Mars.
Zabel claims she also approached Sanchez's fiancé, Jeff Bezos (Executive chairman of Amazon), about donating proceeds from the book sales to Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy.
Lawsuit allegations
Zabel accused Sanchez of 'outrageous acts of jealousy'
According to the lawsuit, Zabel was "trusting [Sanchez] with the intellectual property and concept" despite Sanchez's alleged history of "continual and outrageous acts of jealousy."
The complaint further states, "The actions of defendant constitute intentional infliction of emotional distress as they were extreme and outrageous, carried out with the intent to harm plaintiff, driven by personal jealousy, and a personal desire to posture publicly as 'philanthropic and caring.'"
Legal demands
Zabel seeks 'appropriate' compensation and jury trial
Zabel, who filed the lawsuit without an attorney, is seeking "appropriate" compensation for the alleged emotional distress and harm caused by this ordeal.
She claims it has affected her personal and professional objectives, reputation, and well-being.
The yoga instructor has not specified an exact monetary amount for the compensation.
She is also demanding a trial by jury in this case.
Book release
Sanchez's book released on September 10
Sanchez's book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, was officially released on September 10. She has consistently maintained during her press tour that the book holds a deep personal connection for her.
In an interview with Extra, Sanchez revealed her struggle with dyslexia and how it inspired the book.
However, Zabel alleges in her suit that Sanchez made "obvious changes to her PR topic, focusing on dyslexia, even though there is no mention of dyslexia in her book."