Vogue is under fire from readers and critics following the release of its June 2025 digital cover, featuring Lauren Sánchez Bezos—newly married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos—posing in her custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding gown. The cover, revealed on Instagram as the couple’s opulent wedding wrapped up in Venice, Italy, quickly ignited public outrage.
The backlash coincided with longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour’s announcement—made shortly before the cover dropped—that she would step down from her role after 37 years. While Wintour will remain global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer, some commenters speculated her departure was timed to distance herself from the controversial decision.
Far from being captivated by the gown or the couple’s “sprawling wedding weekend,” readers took issue with the choice of cover star. “I can now see why Anna decided to get out before this cover dropped,” one user wrote. Another added, “Did Anna seriously pick this as her last cover…”
Further fueling the backlash were questions about the optics of privilege and influence. Sánchez, 55, has a reported net worth of $30 million, while Bezos, 61, is worth $226.7 billion. The couple reportedly spent $50 million on their wedding. One fashion photographer quipped, “I didn’t realize you could just buy a cover now 💀💀💀,” echoing skepticism over how Vogue selects its cover subjects.
Others voiced frustration that Vogue missed a chance to spotlight women leading change. One commenter wrote, “In a moment that could have elevated voices shaping the future, the spotlight went to a symbol of privilege, not progress.”
Perhaps the most succinct response captured the public mood best: “Read the f---ing room.”
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