SOCIAL MEDIA

Lauren Sanchez–Jeff Bezos romance not as spicy as it seems

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos may not be everyone’s idea of an It Couple, but in their billionaire bubble, they’re basically king and queen. The journalist and the Amazon founder have been together since 2018, with rumors swirling that their romance started as an affair — one that helped fast-track Bezos’ divorce from Mackenzie Scott. These days, though, they’ve been public long enough for people to begrudgingly accept them, and they tied the knot in June 2025. But will their marriage actually last? According to one expert, it’s too soon to tell — and despite their best efforts, their relationship might not be as thrilling as they’d like the world to believe.

Not that they’d ever admit it, of course. In fact, Bezos insists Sánchez has transformed him into a more emotionally present person. “She has really helped me put more energy into my relationships. She’s always encouraging me: ‘Call your kids. Call your dad. Call your mom.’ And she’s also just a very good role model. She keeps in touch with people. I’ve never seen her put makeup on without calling somebody. Usually her sister,” he told Vogue. Sánchez, of course, gushes just as much, even if she admits that being involved with one of the world’s richest men comes with its pressures. “He’s the life of the party,” she said. “He’s just extremely enthusiastic, and extremely funny. He can be really goofy. I mean, you’ve heard him laugh, right?”

On paper, they seem rock solid. But if you look past the glossy PR, an expert suggests that might not be the case — especially given their recent behavior.

They’re no longer as showy on social media as they used to be

Social media isn’t exactly the most reliable barometer for a couple’s relationship, but sometimes, a post (or lack thereof) says a lot. Case in point: Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos’ rather dry Valentine’s Day in 2025. You’d think Sánchez, of all people, would go all out with a gushing tribute, but instead, she went in the complete opposite direction. No loved-up selfie nor grand declaration of love — just a repost of an old Bezos pic with a simple “Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.” The next year, it was even simpler — a post that just read “Happy Valentine’s Day,” with an image of a heart and the words “more of you.”

According to Nicole Moore, celebrity love coach and body language expert, this kind of low-effort posting might be more than just a creative choice. “People should be concerned when a famous couple doesn’t gush about each other on social media or for special occasions if they typically do and they’ve stopped recently. Famous couples often make sure to post about each other for special occasions especially since keeping a favorable public perception of their relationship can impact their bottom line so if they don’t do so, it’s typically an indicator that the couple is struggling in some way,” she exclusively told Nicki Swift.

Of course, Moore clarified that if a couple never shares romantic posts, this wouldn’t be a big deal. But that’s not exactly the case here — Sánchez usually has no problem fawning over Bezos online. Moore added: “If a couple has gushed about each other on social media before and their posts have gone down in frequency, that could definitely be a red flag.”

Are Lauren and Jeff on the verge of a split?

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos didn’t exactly start their relationship on the most solid foundation, so it’s not a stretch to wonder if they’re built for the long haul. But according to Nicole Moore, a halfhearted social media post isn’t the only sign that a famous couple is headed for a breakup — there are bigger clues that can signal trouble in billionaire paradise.

“They [fans] should also look at ways the couple has spoken about each other recently in the media. Many celebrity couples who are going through relationship struggles won’t outright say so but they may use language such as ‘our relationship has had its ups and downs,'” she explained to Nicki Swift. Suspiciously, Sánchez kicked off 2025 with an Instagram post that read, “Some years start with turbulence, but that’s just the wind reminding you to spread your wings.” A vague life reflection — or a subtle dig at Bezos?

Moore also noted that body language can speak volumes. “If a couple’s body language looks very tense recently or they’re standing with a lot of distance and stiffly embracing instead of genuinely wanting to be close, that could be a sign that their relationship is on the rocks,” she continued. “Another sign that a famous couple might be on the verge of a breakup is if they stop being seen photographed together or they stop showing up to support their partner at respective work events.” To be fair, Sánchez and Bezos looked pretty loved up at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party. And not long after, they finally got hitched at a ceremony Venice, Italy. But will they actually go the distance? Only time (and maybe more cryptic Instagram captions) will tell.

Jeff Bezos’ sour history with Lauren Sánchez’s brother hints at a longstanding family feud

The feud between Jeff Bezos and The National Enquirer began in January 2019 when the publication shared pictures of Bezos and Lauren Sánchez that were allegedly taken prior to the billionaire’s announcement of his divorce from MacKenzie Scott. The outlet also published private messages between the pair, forcing Bezos to respond in a lengthy blog post on Medium in which he accused them of threatening “to publish intimate photos.”

While the pictures never made it to the public, drama ensued within the Sánchez family when Lauren’s brother, Michael Sánchez, was accused of being in cahoots with The National Enquirer. “I had nothing to do with leak of the [private part] pics. That’s the important thing,” Michael insisted in a conversation with Vanity Fair. “I never had access. It’s clear they were sent to others. There are, like, 20 [private part] pics. Lauren likely shared them with multiple girlfriends, not in a malicious way, that’s not her style, but when she’s in love, she got a kick out of sharing them.” Following the incident, Lauren reportedly had to cut ties with Michael.

In February 2020, Michael took Bezos and his security consultant, Gavin de Becker, to court for defamation. Michael argued that de Becker’s claims that he was behind the leak had driven a wedge between him and his family and also severed his professional relationships. The case was eventually dismissed, and Michael was ordered to pay Bezos $218,000 to cover his legal fees. Given their spiteful history, Bezos and his brother-in-law probably aren’t on good terms.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s alleged affair may have caused a strain in some of their close relationships

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s alleged affair was reportedly known to their spouses and families before the public was given a front-row seat to the drama. In fact, Lauren’s brother Michael Sánchez had initially declined to meet Bezos. Following the January 2019 reveal, an insider told People, “Their families dealt with this in the fall. The world is catching up to it.”

Just as the affair affected Bezos and Lauren’s loved ones, it may have also created tension between them and their associates. For instance, Bezos’ security lead, Gavin de Becker, was a trusted confidant during his scuffle with The National Enquirer. De Becker was tasked with finding out “who may have been complicit in the scheme, and why they did it,” per his op-ed on The Daily Beast. In his conclusion, he implicated Michael and also tied the hacking of Bezos’ phone to Saudi Arabia.

Despite de Becker’s solid investigative efforts, he was reportedly against Bezos and Lauren’s relationship. According to Michael, de Becker was more loyal to MacKenzie Scott, with whom Bezos was married for 25 years. In his conversation with Vanity Fair, Michael alleged that de Becker actively tried to end the affair and even advised the billionaire to restrict physical contact with the former television reporter. Since there’s no telling where de Becker and Lauren currently stand, it’s probable there is no love lost between them.

A flirty video of Lauren Sánchez and Leonardo DiCaprio set tongues wagging on social media

In November 2021, a video of Lauren Sánchez and actor Leonardo DiCaprio getting flirty at the LACMA Art+Film Gala caused a stir on social media. In the footage, Sánchez, who was in the company of Bezos, was seen gazing warmly at the “Titanic” actor during a short conversation. Sánchez faced criticism for coming on strong to an uninterested DiCaprio and was accused of uncomfortably leaning too close to him. One fan tweeted, “She [Sánchez] looked at him [DiCaprio] like a baby bird waitin’ for a worm to be dropped in her mouth.”

The viral clip led to light-hearted speculation that DiCaprio could start a relationship with Sánchez if he wanted to. “Leo is Mr. Steal Yo Girl,” Barstool Sports wrote on X (formerly Twitter), to which Bezos replied with humorous signage labeled “Steep Cliff. Fatal Drop.” The billionaire jokingly tweeted a picture of himself leaning on the sign reading, “Leo, come over here, I want to show you something.” Some fans thought that Bezos had no reason to worry, since DiCaprio appears to have a shady dating history that includes much younger women. “She is double his age limit for girlfriends,” one tweet read.

The couple’s highly anticipated wedding was rumored to be delayed by prenup discussions

More often than not, prenuptial agreements can cause a rift between celebrity couples. Some prenups tend to contain a lot of shady clauses, and celebrities like Hilaria Baldwin have admitted to not knowing what a prenup was when they signed one. Celebrities who opt to get married without a prenup tend to suffer the consequences of forgoing one; Jeff Bezos reportedly didn’t have a prenup when he married MacKenzie Scott, and as such, he had to part with 4% of Amazon shares valued at $36 billion when their divorce was finalized.

The financial loss didn’t stop Bezos from wanting to get married again. Bezos and Lauren Sánchez got engaged in May 2023, and they didn’t get married until June 2025 at a wedding that featured high-profile guests such as Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, Tom Brady, Sydney Sweeney, Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates, among others.

But according to an unnamed source, the couple took too long to settle on a wedding date because of prenup negotiations. “Jeff is so crazy about her that he would get married tomorrow if he could, but I hear that they are still sorting out a prenup,” the source told the Daily Mail. “His lawyers won’t let him move ahead without it.”

Lauren Sánchez’s outfit on Donald Trump’s inauguration day was called inappropriate

Lauren Sánchez is no stranger to donning racy outfits. In January 2024, Sánchez was spotted wearing a black lacy Dolce & Gabbana number while walking alongside Jeff Bezos in Milan, Italy. The see-through dress accentuated the aviation expert’s bust and left her black underwear exposed. A year later, Sánchez showed up to President Donald Trump’s inauguration in a white Alexander McQueen pantsuit, which she paired with a lacy bra that revealed her bosom.

Sánchez’s choice of outfit for the highly publicized event became the talk of the town, especially when a photo of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg staring at her chest went viral. Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly took to “The Megyn Kelly Show” to accuse Sánchez of staging an attention-seeking stunt. “I can see the middle of her boobs. I can see her underboob … This is absurd,” Kelly said. “I don’t blame him [Zuckerberg] at all. That’s exactly what she [Sánchez] wanted.”

Not everyone was heavily critical of Sánchez. In an Instagram post, comedian Whitney Cummings hailed Sánchez for her judgment, saying, “We are not going to hate on this woman, okay? She is a businesswoman, and her decisions have gotten her this far.” Cummings still found fault with Sánchez’s preference for white lace: “I blame white lace. White lace always looks cheap.”

Jeff Bezos’ body movements spell trouble, according to body language experts

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are not coy when it comes to sharing details about their relationship publicly. In their first joint interview as a couple, the duo raved about what makes them perfect matches for each other. “We’re really great teammates, and we also have a lot of fun together,” Sánchez told CNN. “And we love each other … We always look at each other and we’re the team.”

While the pair seems to be all loved up, body language experts have pointed out that Bezos could be the less involved partner. During Donald Trump’s inauguration, Sánchez showed signs of being left out as Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg struck up a conversation. Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that Sánchez tried to get her then-fiancé’s attention mid-chat, and “he politely turned to look at her, but when he found out she just wanted to point out the ceiling, he smiled indulgently before sustaining his head rotation to turn straight back into his chat again.”

James observed that Sánchez was “clutching at his [Bezos] arm,” just as she was when the pair attended the March 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars party in Beverly Hills. At that event, Bezos also gave the impression of being less engaging. After watching a clip of the duo, body language expert Traci Brown, CSP, told The List that even though the pair looked untroubled, Bezos was more detached because “his feet are pointing to the crowd as well, so that’s where his energy is going, not towards her.”

Was there more to Lauren Sánchez’s space joke about her relationship with Jeff Bezos?

As a power couple, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are great workmates. Sánchez works as the vice chairperson of the Bezos Earth Fund, a philanthropic organization that addresses climate change. “We bring each other energy, we respect each other. So, it’s fun to work together,” Bezos said in their joint chat with CNN. It was therefore no surprise when the duo teamed up with the Bezos-founded company Blue Origin to send Sánchez and an all-women crew to space in April 2025.

As a matter of fact, Bezos was interested in going on board, as Sánchez told The Wall Street Journal in a January 2023 interview: “As much as he wants to go on this flight, I’m going to have to hold him back. He’ll be cheering us all on from the sidelines.” The couple eventually treated viewers to a warm show of PDA when Sánchez and the crew returned to Earth after the 11-minute flight; Bezos welcomed her with an affectionate hug and a little peck.

During Sánchez’s post-flight interview, she and her interviewer recalled a pre-flight joke that seemed light but could count as a sign of insecurity or a red flag overall. “Only you [Lauren] by the way would say this to me,” the reporter recounted (via CW39 Houston). “You said, ‘Jeff, if you don’t want to marry me, you don’t have to send me to space.'” Nevertheless, Sánchez maintained that she was looking forward to getting hitched, telling the cameras, “I had to come back. I mean, we’re getting married. If I didn’t come back … that would be a bummer for me.”

The couple is allegedly ‘vicious’ when it comes to fighting negative publicity

While most billionaire couples often pay no mind to negative press, the same cannot be said about Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos. Former Fox News television host Megyn Kelly once revealed that she was confronted by the couple’s associate for criticizing Lauren’s dressing on her show. “They’re vicious because Jeff Bezos runs The Washington Post,” Kelly remarked. “We had a call doing some Hollywood PR firm — I can’t remember who we were trying to get, but we try to avoid those people, but sometimes you can’t — and this PR agent went off on our booker. [They were] so angry because they represent her [Lauren] or they do some business with her … Those two don’t like to be made fun of.”

Likewise, when rumors that the couple would tie the knot in a lavish $600 million wedding in Aspen, Colorado, surfaced in December 2024, Bezos took to X to dismiss those claims while agreeing with a quoted tweet by fellow billionaire Bill Ackman. “This whole thing is completely false — none of this is happening,” he wrote in part, adding, “The old adage ‘don’t believe everything you read’ is even more true today than it ever has been. Now lies can get all the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on.”

Bezos can reportedly go to great lengths to prove a point. Lauren’s brother Michael Sánchez claimed that when the couple found out that news of their affair was made public by The National Enquirer in 2019, the billionaire had considered purchasing the outlet’s parent company, America Media Inc. (AMI), in order to catch the culprit who had outed them.

NICKI SWIFT

SOCIAL MEDIA

Has the war made Iran stronger?

The war was meant to weaken Iran. Nearly four months after the war began, it may have done the opposite. Instead of regime change or nuclear rollback, analysts say Tehran has emerged more militarised, more risk-tolerant and still firmly in control of its strategic programme, according to The New York Times.

The key question is whether the United States and Israel have achieved their stated objectives in Iran — including regime change, dismantling its nuclear programme and curbing its regional influence.

The outcome is increasingly disputed, with Iran appearing to have survived the conflict in a more hardened form, without major strategic concessions but having adapted under sustained pressure.

Has there been regime change in Iran?

Yes — but not in the way Washington or Israel expected.

Iran’s leadership structure has shifted significantly after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the early phase of the war, according to the report. A younger, more hardline and security-driven leadership has emerged, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) playing a far stronger role in governance.

Iran is now led by “a younger, more brazen generation in power,” said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House.

Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, described the change as “a transition from divine power to hard power.”

Analysts cited in the report describe the system as “Islamic Republic 3.0” — a structure that is “less a theocracy and more a military junta dominated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.”

Has Iran been weakened militarily or strategically?

Not decisively.

While Iran has absorbed sustained military strikes and economic pressure, it has retained key elements of its nuclear infrastructure and technical knowledge.

US–Iran talks: Can a deal secure Gulf interests this time?

The report notes Iran still holds the capability to move toward nuclear “threshold status” — meaning it could develop a weapon if it chooses, without necessarily building one.

Regionally, Iran continues to exercise influence through allied groups including Hezbollah, Hamas and Al Houthi militants.

What has changed inside Iran after the war?

Analysts say the most important shift is internal consolidation of power.

The IRGC is now seen as the dominant force in decision-making across security, foreign policy and parts of governance.

Iran’s external behaviour has also shifted. The New York Times reports that, for the first time in this phase of the conflict, Iran directly launched attacks against Israel rather than relying solely on proxy groups — a sign of increased risk tolerance.

As one analyst quoted in the report said, this reflects a shift from caution under earlier leadership to a more assertive posture under the current structure.

Has Iran become more aggressive externally?

Yes, according to the analysis.

Iran is also linking different theatres — including Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz — to its negotiating position with the United States.

Danny Citrinowicz, a retired Israeli military intelligence officer specialising in Iran, said Tehran’s leverage remains central to its deterrence strategy.

He warned that Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz gives it a “card to prevent Israel and the United States from attacking again.”

He added: “A war meant to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons may have instead pushed it past a point of no return.”

What is Iran seeking in negotiations?

Iran is pushing for a limited nuclear understanding rather than full dismantlement.

According to the report, a possible framework includes temporary suspension of enrichment, export or dilution of part of its enriched uranium stockpile, and retention of nuclear infrastructure and knowledge.

Iran is also seeking sanctions relief and access to frozen assets, reportedly around $12 billion upfront with a second tranche linked to compliance.

Does Iran still have leverage?

Yes — significantly.

Analysts say Iran retains two key bargaining tools: Its nuclear know-how and enrichment capability, and its ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The New York Times notes Iran’s economy is “in tatters” and could face renewed internal pressure once the war ends. However, analysts say Tehran believes Washington is under greater urgency to secure a deal and has therefore resisted major concessions.

Sanam Vakil said Iran’s long-term goals include deterring future attacks, dividing Gulf Arab positions, weakening Arab-Israeli alignment, and reducing US military presence in the region.

“The risk,” she said, “is that Iran will overplay its hand and miscalculate, as it has in the past.”

What is the biggest risk going forward?

Miscalculation.

Even if an early agreement is reached, analysts say deeper disputes are unlikely to be resolved, with nuclear negotiations likely to remain partial and incomplete.

“So we’re likely to be in a limbo state for a long time, which is to Iran’s advantage,” said Suzanne Maloney, an Iran specialist at the Brookings Institution.

She described the emerging situation as “no war, no peace,” adding that it keeps pressure on Washington while sustaining Iran’s leverage over energy markets and the Strait of Hormuz.

“The risk,” she warned, “is that Iran will overplay its hand and miscalculate, as it has in the past.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

Yemen’s ‘Spider-Man’ dies after fall into volcanic crater

A Yemeni adventurer known to thousands of social media followers as the “Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcanic crater while attempting a rope-free climb, authorities said.

Al Qa’qa’ bin Antar, 30, was scaling the steep walls of the Haradhat Damt volcanic crater in Al Dhale province last Friday when he lost his grip and fell, according to local officials and media reports. The crater is estimated to be around 120 metres deep.

Bin Antar had built a large online following through videos documenting his daring ascents of cliffs, mountains and volcanic formations across Yemen, often climbing without ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment. His exploits earned him widespread recognition and the nickname “Spider-Man of Yemen”.

Civil Defence teams recovered his body on Saturday following a complex rescue operation that lasted nearly 24 hours. Rescue crews reportedly faced difficult conditions, including steep terrain, limited access to the site and hazardous conditions inside the crater.

Local media said specialist rescue teams, supported by lighting and water-recovery equipment, were deployed to reach the remote location.

The climber, also known as Antar Al Absi, had become one of Yemen’s most recognisable adventure content creators, attracting viewers with footage of high-risk climbs and explorations of some of the country’s most rugged landscapes. In some videos, he could be seen scaling near-vertical rock faces and descending into volcanic formations without safety gear.

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, where followers praised his courage and passion for adventure while expressing sorrow at the circumstances of his death.

Videos circulating online appear to show the final moments before the fall, although authorities have not publicly commented on the footage.

SOCIAL MEDIA

F1 Star Meets Kanye West’s Kids

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian’s growing relationship is back in the spotlight, and this time the focus is not only on the couple’s public displays of affection but also on the Formula One star’s developing bond with Kardashian’s four children.

Lewis Hamilton’s Bond With Kim Kardashian’s Children In The Spotlight After Monaco Grand Prix

The seven-time world champion recently sparked excitement among fans during the Monaco Grand Prix when he blew a kiss toward Kardashian after securing a second-place finish for Ferrari. Kardashian, who was watching from the paddock, was seen smiling and filming the moment on her phone as Hamilton celebrated on the podium.

While the romantic gesture quickly gained traction online, insiders say the relationship has become more serious away from the cameras, particularly because Hamilton has already spent time getting to know Kardashian’s children.

Has Lewis Hamilton Met Kim Kardashian’s Children?

According to reports, Hamilton recently joined Kardashian and her four children – North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm – on a trip to Tokyo, a move that signalled a new stage in the couple’s relationship. Sources close to Kardashian said the reality star is typically cautious about introducing new partners to her children and only does so when she feels a high level of trust and confidence in the relationship.

That trust appears to be growing. People familiar with the situation say Kardashian has been pleased with the way Hamilton interacts with her children, viewing the British racing icon as a positive influence in their lives. The fact that the children have already spent time with him has fueled speculation that the relationship is becoming increasingly serious.

Kim Kardashian’s net worth is approximately $1.9 billion (£1.4 billion), while Lewis Hamilton’s net worth is estimated between $300 million (£225 million) and $450 million (£338 million).

Lewis Hamilton’s Bond With Kim Kardashian’s Children In The Spotlight After Monaco Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton blowing a kiss to his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, from the podium in Monaco 🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/Vvtf62Ip8e

— Abby baby 🦋🇧🇷🇦🇷🇪🇸 (@_babygirlabby) June 8, 2026

Has Lewis Hamilton Met Kim Kardashian’s Children?

A post shared by instagram

Hamilton, who has largely kept his personal life private throughout his Formula One career, recently broke his silence about Kardashian while speaking after the Monaco Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver described it as ‘amazing’ to have her support during the race weekend and praised the people around him for helping him stay focused throughout the season.

Monaco Appearance And A New Phase Of Public Attention

The Monaco race marked Kardashian’s first appearance at a Formula One event since romance rumours began circulating earlier this year. The couple first sparked dating speculation in February after being spotted together in Paris before later making their relationship public through social media posts and joint appearances.

Kardashian’s presence at Monaco attracted attention from fans and media alike. She was photographed throughout the weekend in the Ferrari garage and paddock area, supporting Hamilton as he battled for a podium finish. The race ended with Hamilton taking second place, giving Ferrari another strong result during the 2026 season.

However, many observers believe the most notable development is not the couple’s public appearances but Hamilton’s growing connection with Kardashian’s family. For Kardashian, who shares her children with former husband Kanye West, introducing a partner to her children has historically been a significant milestone.

With Hamilton already spending time with the youngsters and earning Kardashian’s trust, fans are increasingly wondering whether the relationship could become one of the more serious romances either star has experienced in recent years.

For now, neither Hamilton nor Kardashian has publicly discussed his relationship with the children. Still, the combination of family trips, public support at races and increasingly frequent appearances together suggests their relationship is continuing to move forward both on and off the track.

IBT