Bezos Defends Amazon’s Melania Deal as Business Decision

Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos has publicly defended the company's decision to acquire and release the documentary "Melania," calling it a "wise business decision" while denying any personal involvement or political motive. Bezos made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box," directly addressing persistent speculation that the project was an attempt to curry favor with the Trump administration.

"The Melania thing is a falsehood that will not die," Bezos stated. "We have denied it. Melania's office has denied it. It's not true. I had nothing to do with that." He pushed back against the notion that the documentary was a means of buying influence, calling that idea incorrect. However, he acknowledged the perception, saying, "I can see why people say this."

The documentary, which follows the First Lady in the period surrounding the presidential transition, was acquired by Amazon MGM Studios for a reported $40 million, with an additional $35 million spent on marketing. It grossed approximately $16.6 million during its theatrical run before moving to Amazon Prime Video, where the company reports it has performed well in streaming. "By the...