Many may know Jeff Bezos due to his recent divorce scandal. But for most of those who know of him already, Bezos is an American technology entrepreneur who is the chairman and founder of Amazon.which is one of the largest multinational technology companies that is focused on e-commerce.
Recently on the 7th of February 2019, Bezos made a very public post on online platforms directed against the National Enquirer and its parent company American Media Inc. In the post, Bezos stated that after he investigated into how the tabloid obtained personal chats that revealed his relationship between former TV anchor, Lauren Sanchez and him, they made several threats pertaining to how they would leak Bezos nudes to the public if he continued with the investigation.
He also informed the public about how AMI demanded that he and his security consultant make a false public statement saying that they had no idea or basis that AMI’s coverage was politically motivated. This was demanded since the chairman and CEO of AMI, David Pecker has a close and long-lasting friendship with the current president of the USA, Mr. Donald Trump who has constantly attacked Bezos companies. Pecker also directed the AMI to write favourable stories about Trump during the election which raised doubts about how if Pecker was willing to contribute so much for Trump, why wouldn’t the Enquirers pursuit of Bezos be politically motivated.
“Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I’ve decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten,” Bezos wrote. In the next sentence, Bezos describes the non-prosecution agreement struck in September between AMI and the Justice Department.
Robert Mintz, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice, said Bezos’s allegations, if accurate, could have serious consequences for both prosecutors and AMI.
“This could constitute criminal conduct in the eyes of a prosecutor, if these allegations are true,” said Mintz. “For prosecutors, your worst nightmare is watching a cooperation deal unravel. Alleged conduct like this puts them in the position to rethink that deal and potentially turn around and have to prosecute AMI, and that undermines their ability to continue to use them to assist other ongoing investigations.”
Not long after Bezos published his statement, Pulitzer prize winning reporter, Ronan Farrow said that he too had recieved several blackmail threats from AMI over his reporting. Farrow like Bezos refused to meet their blackmailing demands and did not cut a deal with the National Enquirer or AMI.
In a statement, Pecker said, ‘American Media believes fervently that it acted lawfully in the reporting of the story of Mr. Bezos. Further, at the time of the recent allegations made by Mr. Bezos, it was in good faith negotiations to resolve all matters with him’. ‘Nonetheless, in light of the nature of the allegations published by Mr. Bezos, the Board has convened and determined that it should promptly and thoroughly investigate the claims. Upon completion of that investigation, the Board will take whatever appropriate action is necessary.’
On the 4th of Feb, The posts reported that Bezos and de Becker suspected Sanchez’s brother, Michael Sanchez of leaking information to AMI since he is close to Pecker and is also part of Trumps inner circles. Michael however denied any involvement in revealing his sisters relationship with Bezos.
Pecker is now cooperating with federal investigators who are looking into the company’s involvement with the Trump campaign.
