Billionaire Bezos debunks claim wedding cost $600 million

Fox Business reports that Jeff Bezos denied recent claims about his upcoming wedding to Lauren Sanchez costing $600 million. Bezos directly contradicted the Daily Mail exclusive report that had detailed plans for this allegedly star-studded Aspen celebration. The Daily Mail had originally published these claims based on three unnamed sources, stating the wedding was planned for Dec. 28 at Kevin Costner's Dunbar Ranch in Aspen, with a reception at Matsuhisa restaurant.

Fox Business reports that after the Daily Mail story spread across various news sites, billionaire Bill Ackman questioned its credibility on X (formerly Twitter), stating that such a high cost would make sense only if each guest received a house. Bezos, whose net worth is estimated at $238.5 billion, responded to Ackman's post by completely denying the story. He said that no reported details were true. Bezos concluded by emphasizing that people should be skeptical of what they read.

Fox Business added that Bezos adapted a Mark Twain quote about lies spreading faster than truth in today's world, warning people to be cautious about believing such stories. He also challenged news outlets that covered the false wedding story to issue corrections when the reported date passes without any ceremony taking place.

Fox Business reports that Bezos, 60, and Sanchez, 55, got engaged in May 2023 after dating for nearly five years. Both had previous marriages; Bezos was married to Mac Kenzie Scott for 20 years. According to Forbes, Bezos is the second-wealthiest person in the world, after Elon Musk, and owns The Washington Post and Blue Origin aerospace company.

Following Bezos's denial of the wedding rumors, Ackman said that this situation highlights why The Washington Post, as a major newspaper owned by Bezos, needs to ensure accurate reporting from its journalists.

Fox Business reports that Sanchez holds multiple roles, including being a New York Times bestselling author and Emmy award-winning journalist. She also serves as vice president of the Bezos Earth Fund. Fox Business contacted Blue Origin to confirm whether Bezos and Sanchez would be getting married the weekend after Christmas, but did not receive an immediate response.