Bezos snubbed Musk’s SpaceX for huge satellite launch contract, Amazon shareholder says

An Amazon shareholder lawsuit has been filed by the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund (CB&T), alleging that the company intentionally bypassed SpaceX for valuable satellite launch contracts due to a personal rivalry between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Amazon in the Delaware Court of Chancery.

The focus of the lawsuit centers on Amazon’s significant purchase of rocket launches for its Project Kuiper satellite internet system. The complaint highlights the ongoing rivalry between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, providing screenshots of Musk’s social media taunts aimed at Bezos regarding his space endeavors at both Amazon and Blue Origin.

The lawsuit suggests that this rivalry may have influenced Amazon’s decision-making process in selecting launch providers. It alleges that SpaceX, despite its strong track record and competitive offerings, was sidelined because of Bezos and Musk’s longstanding personal feud.

This legal action underscores the potential impact of personal rivalries on business decisions, particularly in the competitive space industry. It remains to be seen how the court will evaluate the claims made in the lawsuit and whether it will shed light on the extent to which personal animosities can influence corporate strategies and partnerships.