Lauren Sánchez, the Emmy-winning journalist and licensed helicopter pilot, recently took to Instagram to share a reflective post about navigating the ups and downs of the new year. In a close-up selfie taken aboard a helicopter, Sánchez wrote, “Some years start with turbulence, but that’s just the wind reminding you to spread your wings.” She added, “Good to be back in the air flying farther than we ever imagined.” The cryptic message, paired with her soaring metaphor, seemed to hint at her own resilience in the face of challenges. However, the timing of her post coincided with backlash she had been receiving for her bold fashion choice at President Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20, where she had worn a white suit with a peekaboo bra. The outfit sparked widespread debate, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on her daring look.
In addition to her Instagram post, Sánchez shared a quote in her Story that read, “The people with the best vibe are the ones who radiate peace. They intentionally heal their generational trauma and they are not interested in harming anyone. The energy in the room changes when they enter because they treat people with compassion.” While she didn’t explicitly state what the quote was in reference to, it seemed to align with her broader message of staying grounded and focused on positivity, even as she faced criticism for her appearance. The 55-year-old philanthropist and fiancée of billionaire Jeff Bezos appeared unfazed by the backlash, as evidenced by her Instagram activity and the support of her inner circle.
Sánchez’s inauguration look had certainly turned heads. Seated in a star-studded section alongside her fiancé, she became a focal point of attention, not just for her outfit but also for her confident demeanor. However, the spotlight soon turned into scrutiny when political commentator Megyn Kelly made controversial remarks about her attire during an episode of her SiriusXM show. Kelly compared Sánchez to a “hooker” and criticized her for not covering up more, saying, “The girls were out… I can see the middle of her boobs. I can see her underboob… this is absurd. She couldn’t even keep them covered up for a day.” Kelly’s harsh words were met with Mixed reactions, with some calling the remarks outdated and others defending Sánchez’s right to dress as she pleased.
Not everyone was critical of Sánchez’s outfit, however. Bethenny Frankel, a retired Bravo star, came to her defense, questioning why Sánchez’s choice of attire was even an issue. “Why can’t Lauren Sánchez show a little cleavage at the inauguration?” Frankel asked on her Instagram. “What does it matter? Who cares? She went to an event. She has boobs.” Frankel’s comments highlighted the double standards often applied to women in public spaces, where their clothing choices are frequently scrutinized. Meanwhile, Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn, known for her own risqué fashion choices, also chimed in, calling Sánchez’s look “cute” but conceding that it may have been worn in the “wrong place.”
For her part, Sánchez seemed to take the criticism in stride. Before temporarily disabling the comments on her Instagram post, she “liked” a fan comment that read, “Girl you ate that inaugural look don’t pay attention to no haters.” A friend close to Sánchez told Page Six that the media personality wasn’t bothered by the negative feedback, saying, “Lauren just doesn’t give a s–t. She does what she wants.” This carefree attitude aligns with her helicopter pilot persona—a woman who soars above the noise, unapologetically charting her own course in life.
The backlash Sánchez faced at the inauguration speaks to a broader cultural conversation about objectification and women’s autonomy over their bodies. While some dismissed her outfit as inappropriate for the occasion, others saw it as a bold statement of confidence and self-expression. Sánchez’s response, both through her Instagram post and her actions, seems to suggest that she is comfortable in her own skin and unwilling to let the opinions of others define her. As she continues to navigate the complexities of being a public figure, Sánchez is proving that she is both resilient and unapologetically herself—a trait that, for better or worse, has made her a subject of fascination in the public eye.
