Jeff Bezos Defends ‘Melania’ Documentary as a ‘Very Good Business Decision,’ Denies It Was a ‘Way of Buying Influence’ With Trump Administration
Jeff Bezos defended the acquisition of the documentary 'Melania' by Amazon MGM Studios, stating it was a smart business decision rather than an attempt to gain influence with the Trump administration. He emphasized that he had no involvement in the decision-making process and that the film performed well in theaters and on streaming platforms. Despite criticism from some lawmakers, Bezos reiterated that the claims of bribery are unfounded.
- ▪Jeff Bezos stated that the acquisition of 'Melania' was a good business decision.
- ▪He denied any involvement in the decision to acquire the documentary.
- ▪The film grossed approximately $16.6 million at the box office, which is below its production and marketing costs.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home Film News May 20, 2026 8:03am PT Jeff Bezos Defends ‘Melania’ Documentary as a ‘Very Good Business Decision,’ Denies It Was a ‘Way of Buying Influence’ With Trump Administration By Todd Spangler Plus Icon Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor xpangler Latest W. Kamau Bell to Launch Video Podcast ‘Who’s With Me?’ With Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries 2 hours ago James Murdoch Buys New York Magazine, Vox Media’s Podcast Network and Vox Website in Deal Reportedly Worth More Than $300 Million 2 hours ago Ari Emanuel, Mark Shapiro Are Acquiring Minority Stakes in NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders 20 hours ago See All Getty Images Jeff Bezos insists that Amazon MGM Studios’ decision to acquire and release “Melania,” a documentary about the First Lady, was smart business — and not an attempt to curry…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Variety.
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