Lauren Sánchez’s former yoga instructor Alanna Zabel reportedly sent the ex-entertainment journalist a cease-and-desist letter for allegedly stealing her children’s book idea.
“I’m deeply offended, and I am taking legal action with the book,” the instructor told the Daily Mail Tuesday.
Zabel claimed she told Sánchez, 54, the concept of her self-published book, “Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars,” in 2022 in a bid to donate proceeds to Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy, charitable organizations founded by Sánchez’s fiancé, Jeff Bezos.
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“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,” the yoga teacher further claimed.
“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, who claimed she stopped working for Sánchez as an instructor in 2009 because the media personality is “toxic” and loves “gossiping,” reconnected with her ex-client after she began dating Bezos, 60.
“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,” the yoga teacher, who also had a falling out with Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, said.
Zabel confessed that Sánchez never returned her emails or Instagram messages regarding the book proposal, but claimed that the Amazon CEO’s office offered links to pursue business development with the company.
On March 5, Sánchez excitedly announced on Instagram, “I still can’t believe it!!! I’m so so excited to share the cover of my first children’s book, ‘The Fly Who Flew to Space.’
“I’m beyond grateful b/c this story holds a piece of my heart. It’s a celebration of overcoming challenges, the joy of learning, and dreaming beyond the stars. And I’m so thankful to @RaleighStewart for his amazing illustrations, they are pure magic.”
Per the Daily Mail, Zabel sent Sánchez’s lawyer a cease-and-desist letter on March 25, and a second notice to the mother of three and her book’s publisher, The Collective Book Studio, on April 4.
She is preparing to file a formal complaint for copyright infringement by the end of this month pending a response from the former news anchor.
Reps for Sánchez, Bezos and The Collective Book Studio did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment. “The Fly Who Flew to Space” is set to be released in bookstores on Sept. 17.
