Jeff Bezos is standing strong behind Amazon’s controversial Melania Trump documentary, “Melania,” calling it “a good business decision” even as critics point to its bad box office performance.
The Controversial Deal
Speaking during a recent CNBC interview, Bezos, whose current net worth is estimated at a whopping $275.8 billion, pushed back on claims that he personally orchestrated Amazon’s reported $40 million acquisition of the film. “The ‘Melania’ thing is a falsehood that will not die,” he said on May 20, insisting, “I had nothing to do with that.”
The documentary, centered on Melania Trump in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, quickly became one of Amazon’s most bashed releases. Amazon MGM Studios spent a reported $35 million on the marketing and promotional campaign, while Melania herself earned a sizable payout tied to the project. The deal came with accusations that Bezos pushed the deal through while he was publicly cozying up to President Trump, something the online retail giant’s founder now denied.
Despite the heavy investment, the film bombed theatrically, earning just $16.7 million worldwide. Yet, Bezos says that the film’s performance should not be judged solely by box office returns.
“By the way, it appears it was a good business decision,” he said. “It did very well in theaters. It’s done very well on streaming. People are very curious about Melania.”
The film project has also drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, who questioned whether the deal reflected a “pay-to-play” dynamic with the Trump administration. Amazon has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the film holds “cultural and historical relevance.”
Adding to the controversy is the film’s director, Brett Ratner, who has faced past allegations of sexual misconduct.
Bezos also stirred conversation during the same CNBC intrview with remarks on wealth and taxation. He claimed he pays “billions in taxes” and argued that doubling his tax burden “is not going to help that teacher in Queens.” Critics were quick to call him out, pointing to strategies like “buy, borrow, die” that allow billionaires to preserve wealth while minimizing taxable income.
