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Lauren Sanchez Hosts Star-Studded Book Celebration Amid Plagiarism Accusations
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Lauren Sanchez celebrated the launch of her new children’s book, “The Fly That Flew To Space,” with a glamorous gathering of A-list friends in September, offering a glimpse into her prominent inner circle. However, the book launch is shadowed by emerging plagiarism allegations claiming copyright infringement from a former yoga instructor.
Celebrity Guests Attend Sanchez’s Book Party
The exclusive book party saw a constellation of celebrity attendees, including reality television personalities Kim and Khloe Kardashian, their mother Kris Jenner, and former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kathy Hilton, mother of Paris Hilton.
Fashion icon Miranda Kerr and jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, previously married to Tobey Maguire, also graced the event.
Beyond these well-known faces, the guest list included a variety of accomplished individuals spanning different industries.
Among the attendees were “Modern Family” actress October Gonzalez, stylist Victoria Trilling, Baby2Baby Co-CEO Kelly Sawyer, stylist Jamie Mizrahi, photo coach Elena S Blair, and entrepreneur Tina Chen Craig.
Actress Xochitl Gomez, Elsa Marie Collins – founder of social impact consultancy The Ideateur – and “Bachelor” alum Lucy Aragon were also present.
Makeup artist Amanda Diaz and Laura Wasserman, former spouse of Casey Wasserman, president of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, completed the diverse guest list.
“The Fly That Flew To Space” Achieves Bestseller Status
Sanchez’s new literary work has rapidly ascended to bestseller status on the New York Times list.
Khloe Kardashian lauded the book on Instagram, stating, “Congratulations @laurenwsanchez on your book, The Fly Who Flew To Space,” further adding, “Inspired by her childhood battle with dyslexia and a lifelong love of flying.”
Kardashian described the book as “an inspiring and imaginative story that sparks curiosity and imagination while at the same time it encourages us all to shoot for the stars ✨.”
She further praised Sanchez for her vulnerability and for creating a book that allows children to “feel seen.”
Kardashian encouraged her followers to order “The Fly Who Flew” emphasizing it as “a sweet and positive read that teaches so many lessons of determination, resilience and believing in yourself!”
Sanchez also shared moments from the celebratory event on social media, reflecting on the support she received.
“I’ve learned so much during the launch of my book and that includes knowing the importance of good friends,” Sanchez wrote online.
She further elaborated on the significance of “Women who scoot over and make room for other women to ‘have a seat at the table.’ Women who uplift each other.”
Sanchez extended gratitude to Kris Jenner, “Thank you @krisjenner for hosting this beautiful lunch with all the girls to support @theflywhoflew. What a special afternoon, I’m over the moon!”
Plagiarism Lawsuit Casts Shadow Over Book Launch
Amidst the book’s success, Sanchez is facing legal action. Her former yoga instructor is suing her over alleged plagiarism of a children’s book concept.
According to the lawsuit obtained by TMZ, Alanna Zabel claims Sanchez’s “The Fly Who Flew To Space,” released in August, substantially copies her 2022 children’s book “Dharma Kitty Goes To Mars.”
Zabel, who reportedly sent cease-and-desist letters prior to Sanchez’s book publication, alleges she pitched a children’s book idea about a cat traveling to Mars to Sanchez in 2022.
The yoga instructor, who taught Sanchez between 2007 and 2010, contends in the lawsuit that the alleged plagiarism stems from Sanchez’s “continual and outrageous acts of jealousy” over many years.
Zabel claims Sanchez copied elements of her book as retaliation for Zabel ending her yoga instruction services over a decade prior.
The instructor, who filed the lawsuit without legal representation, does not specify the nature of the alleged “jealousy.”
However, Zabel alleges Sanchez “always demonstrated a desire to appear like [Zabel], an authentic, independent, free-spirited, hard working and public service oriented yoga instructor.”
Book Proceeds Intended for Charity
Zabel suggests the book project held potential benefits for charities connected to Jeff Bezos, as proceeds were reportedly intended for the Bezos Earth Fund and Bezos Academy.
Bezos launched the $10 billion Bezos Earth Fund in 2020, distributing grants to initiatives combating climate change and preserving natural environments, prioritizing projects with near-term impact.
The Bezos Academy, initiated by the former Amazon CEO, emphasizes the importance of preschool education, establishing Montessori-inspired preschools in underserved communities.
In April, Zabel expressed her anger to DailyMail.com regarding Sanchez’s book announcement in January 2023.
“I’m deeply offended, and I am taking legal action with the book,” Zabel stated at the time.
Zabel recounted spending time at Sanchez’s residence as her instructor and sharing her passion for children’s books, even discussing the possibility of Sanchez co-writing a children’s book with her brother Michael.
She stated she ceased providing services to Sanchez due to persistent “gossiping” and “couldn’t handle her personality anymore,” but notes they maintained cordial relations in subsequent years.
Zabel’s lawsuit asserts Sanchez’s book shares over 60 percent similarity in text and story, although the methodology for this calculation remains unclear.
However, as TMZ points out, numerous children’s books focusing on space exploration and insect characters have been released recently.
Zabel is recognized for instructing yoga to several celebrity clients, including Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and author Deepak Chopra.