Lauren Sanchez Sued by Ex-Yoga Instructor Over Children’s Book

Lauren Sanchez, the fiancée of Jeff Bezos, is facing legal action from her former yoga instructor, Alanna Zabel, who claims that the concept for Sanchez’s recently published children’s book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, was originally her idea. The book was released on September 10, and this lawsuit has drawn significant attention.

According to a complaint reviewed by Page Six, Zabel asserts that she worked with Sanchez from 2007 to 2011 and that the two engaged in conversations about the book’s concept for 16 years. Zabel contends that she initially proposed a related idea back in 2002—a story featuring a cat that flies to Mars, which she subsequently published in March 2023 under the title Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars.

Sanchez’s book revolves around a fly named Flynn, who aspires to become an astronaut and embarks on an adventure to a rocket ship. Sanchez’s narrative is notably influenced by her own struggles with dyslexia during childhood and her passion for flying. Through this book, she aims to inspire young readers to follow their dreams.

The complaint outlines that over the years, Zabel had communicated with Sanchez regarding the book’s development and even approached Jeff Bezos about donating a share of the book’s proceeds to the Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy. She claims that these discussions highlight her involvement in the creative process and her shared vision with Sanchez.

Zabel’s legal complaint cites “intentional infliction of emotional distress,” alleging that Sanchez’s actions were extreme and intended to cause harm, driven by jealousy. Interestingly, Zabel has filed this complaint without the assistance of an attorney, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Amidst the controversy, Zabel’s claims prompted outreach to representatives of both Sanchez and Zabel for statements regarding the allegations, but responses had not been provided at the time of reporting.

Sanchez had previously announced her book’s release in March, expressing immense gratitude for the project, emphasizing its personal significance. On Instagram, she described the story as a celebration of overcoming obstacles and the joy of learning, also crediting illustrator Raleigh Stewart for his enchanting artwork.

During promotional appearances for the book, Sanchez shared how the narrative resonates deeply with her own childhood experiences. In an interview on Good Morning America on the book’s release date, she mentioned, “This book is for my eight-year-old self who really felt dumb.” Sanchez reflected on her early school years, where she often felt overlooked and marginalized, leading to her feeling out of place.

Her educational journey took a turn for the better when she enrolled in community college, where a supportive teacher encouraged her to start writing for the school newspaper. Initially hesitant, Sanchez ultimately embraced the opportunity and discovered that she had dyslexia. This pivotal moment bolstered her confidence and inspired her writing.

In sharing her personal story, Sanchez aims to uplift children who feel similar insecurities. “This book is for all those little kids out there who feel out of place, who don’t think they’re smart enough. But I’m here to tell you it’s going to be OK,” she remarked, emphasizing her desire to empower young readers with messages of hope and resilience.