Jeff Bezos‘ fiancée Lauren Sanchez could face legal action after her former private yoga instructor accused her of copying her ideas for her first children’s book, just months after the pair had discussed joining forces.
The 54-year-old philanthropist, who was recently targeted by Keith McNally, has been sent two cease and desists from Alanna Zabel, who claims that the ‘exact premise’ of her own book, Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars, was stolen by the media personality for her story, The Fly Who Flew To Space.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Alanna alleged that she had shared details of her self-published book with the couple over a period of months in 2022 in a bid to team up with the Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy.
But she was left outraged after Lauren announced her children’s book in January 2023, which she believes is a direct rip of her own creation.
Lauren Sanchez could face legal action after her former private yoga instructor accused her of copying her ideas for her first children’s book, The Fly Who Flew To Space
Alanna Zabel, who taught Lauren yoga from 2007-2010, accused Jeff Bezos’ fiancée of copying the premise of her book, Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars
‘I’m deeply offended, and I am taking legal action with the book,’ she said. ‘I am giving them until the end of the month to respond [to the cease and desist] before filing the official complaint.’
Before accusations of copyright infringement, Alanna had worked as a private yoga instructor for Lauren between 2007 and 2010, and would frequently visit her homes for training sessions.
During that time, she grew close to Lauren’s inner circle and the pair had also reportedly discussed the prospect of Alanna helping Lauren with writing children’s books.
‘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,’ she said.
‘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.’
Alanna, whose celebrity clients have included Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and author Deepak Chopra, terminated her yoga services with Lauren shortly after her 40th birthday in December 2009 after growing tired of the relentless ‘gossiping,’ but the pair remained cordial.
In that time, she struck up a firm friendship with Michael.
‘I ended up quitting working for her shortly after her 40th birthday party because I just couldn’t handle her personality anymore,’ she said.
Alanna’s book Dharma Kitty Goes To Space was published on December 28, 2022 and made available on Amazon in March 2023. It follows a young girl named Pratya
Lauren announced her children’s book, The Fly Who Flew To Space, in January 2023, months after Alanna claims she discussed her own book with the socialite. It is set for release in September
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Alanna alleged that she had shared details of her self-published book with the couple multiple times in 2022 in a bid to team up with the Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy
While Lauren never responded to Alanna’s emails or Instagram messages, Alanna claims Jeff’s office did respond to confirm receipt of an email sent in November 2022 about her book
‘It was just really hard for me to live a spiritual life while being around her because she’s just a really toxic person.’
Alanna, who previously accused Adam Levine of sending her a dirty text during her tenure as his instructor, claimed that Lauren would relentlessly ‘gossip’ and discuss ‘inappropriate’ details about her friends’ private lives.
After learning that Lauren was serious with Jeff – and believing that she may have changed in the years that had passed – Alanna reached out to pitch her yoga dolls and her book to Lauren, as well as the Amazon boss who she first emailed on May 30, 2022.
She also contacted him on June 6 and November 14 that same year.
‘I pitched the idea of working with the Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy since my dolls and books give back to charitable organizations,’ Alanna said.
‘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 to be upcoming children’s book about a cat who flies to space.’
While Lauren never responded to Alanna’s emails or Instagram messages, Alanna claims Jeff’s office did respond to confirm receipt of her email sent in November 2022, and also offered links to pursue business development with Amazon.
Two months after Alanna says she sent her last email to Jeff, Lauren announced The Fly Who Flew To Space, in January 2023.
‘We discussed an idea of me helping her write a children’s book, with her brother Michael (pictured) involved in the conversations,’ Alanna says
Alanna issued her first cease and desist to Lauren and her lawyer on March 25, before sending another on April 4 to her publisher too
In March 2024, Lauren was further horrified when the illustration for the cover was released and featured a rocket logo on the chest of the fly – which she believes bares a striking resemblance to a similar logo on an outfit worn by her character Dharma.
‘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,’ Alanna said.
‘Lauren is very well aware of the AZ I AM brands, as well as having received multiple copies of our children’s books over the past 15 years for her children, as gifts from me, during the time I worked as Lauren’s private yoga instructor and beyond.’
When asked whether she would drop the legal action if Lauren were to apologize, she said: ‘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.’
Alanna issued her first cease and desist to Lauren and her lawyer on March 25. She issued a second to Lauren and her publisher The Collective Book Studio on April 4.
Alanna’s lawyer is now preparing the complaint to file.
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Lauren for comment.
Dharma Kitty Goes To Space – one of a host of books about animals travelling to space – was published in March 2023 and follows a young girl named Pratya.
Lauren was praised by celebrity pals including Paris Hilton, Kris Jenner and Ayda Field when she shared the cover of her children’s book in March
‘She loves science, and she is an honors student at the Auroville Science Academy,’ the synopsis reads. ‘She enjoys learning about new advances in technology, space travel, and sound frequency.
‘One afternoon, while Pratya was granted an opportunity to read launching codes inside the Academy space shuttle, her wise (but silly) pet cat, Dharma Kitty sat down for a nap.
‘He was so deep in meditation that he didn’t realize his high frequency yawn sent the space shuttle into take-off mode…and straight for Mars!
‘Read the wise wisdom from Dharma Kitty and Marzi Tarzi, helping Pratya manage her anxieties, learn to control her reactions, as well as following along with the fun, enlightening and award-winning adventure when they make it to Mars and back!’
Lauren’s book is currently slated for release on September 17.
‘Bold and inquisitive, Flynn is a little fly with big dreams,’ the synopsis reads.
‘Fascinated by the stars, Flynn daydreams of becoming an astronaut. School is hard, but especially when there’s an attention-grabbing rocket company just down the road.
‘One day, while exploring, Flynn flies aboard a rocket ship that suddenly takes off!
‘Follow Flynn on an exciting journey to space to learn more about our precious planet—from amazing natural wonders, like the rainforest, to the atmosphere that protects it all.
‘After all, big dreams and a curious mind can lead to the most astonishing discoveries!’
Lauren revealed the illustration for her book on March 5, prompting a wave of support from her A-list friends.
Kris Jenner was among those who reacted, commenting: ‘Congratulations!!!! I can’t WAIT to share this with all of my grandchildren!!!!!! You are such an inspiration to all of us and I love you!!! We are so proud of you!!!!!’
Ayda Field added: ‘Congratulations! This looks so sweet!’
Keith McNally (pictured) launched a seemingly unprovoked attack on Lauren, who he branded ‘revolting’ just days before Alanna’s comments
Alanna’s claims come days after acerbic-tongued restauranteur Keith McNally launched a seemingly unprovoked attack on Lauren, who he branded ‘revolting.’
Taking aim at Lauren and Jeff he added: ‘What an ugly and F***ing SMUG – LOOKING couple they make. Is this what having 1000 Billion dollars does to people?’
Lauren appeared to fire back with a series of pointed messages on Instagram, one of which read: ‘People will love you, people will hate you, and none of it will have anything to do with you.’
Lauren and Jeff’s whirlwind affair came to light in 2019 when it was revealed that they were dating while they were both married to other people.
The pair later got engaged in May 2023.
Lauren is a philanthropist and serves as the vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund – an organization started by her husband-to-be which is dedicated to ‘fighting climate change and protecting nature.’
