Jeff Bezos’ luxurious $500 million yacht, Koru, became the center of unexpected drama when customs officers conducted a surprise inspection near St. Barts on New Year’s Eve. While the Amazon founder was notably absent, his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, turned heads as she relaxed on deck, seemingly unfazed by the intrusion.
Photos captured by Page Six showed Sánchez, clad in a chic Versace bikini and wide-brimmed hat, smiling for the cameras as uniformed customs officers scoured the vessel. The inspection lasted approximately three hours, with officers methodically combing through the yacht under the guidance of a stewardess.
Calm amid the storm
Sources confirmed the search was a routine procedure, though it briefly disrupted the yacht’s otherwise opulent ambiance. Sánchez, however, kept her cool, mingling with friends, including her ex-boyfriend, former NFL star Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who shares a 23-year-old son with Sánchez, even took a dip in the ocean as officers worked.
Though the inspection created a momentary buzz, the mood aboard remained lighthearted. A stewardess was spotted briefing Sánchez on the situation, but the relaxed atmosphere suggested there was little cause for concern.
A winter wonderland to high seas glamour
The yacht inspection followed a whirlwind holiday season for Bezos and Sánchez. The couple had recently been in Aspen, Colorado, where their extravagant celebrations sparked rumors of a $600 million New Year’s Eve wedding. However, Bezos promptly debunked the speculation, calling it “completely false” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“This whole thing is completely false — none of this is happening,” Bezos wrote. “The old adage ‘don’t believe everything you read’ is even more true today than ever. Lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on.”
Celebrity spotting in Aspen
Despite Bezos’ denial, the Aspen festivities were anything but low-key. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were spotted hand-in-hand leaving Matsuhisa, a renowned sushi hotspot tied to the wedding rumors. Meanwhile, Yellowstone star Kevin Costner mingled with guests, fresh off sharing drinks with Jennifer Lopez at a local bar.
Whether on snowy slopes or sun-soaked decks, Bezos and Sánchez have managed to keep the spotlight firmly on them, proving that life as a billionaire couple is never dull—even when customs come knocking.