MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has executed another significant sale of her Amazon holdings, disposing of 25 million shares valued at approximately £800 million ($1 billion). This latest transaction represents one of her largest divestments since the couple's landmark 2019 divorce settlement.
Strategic Wealth Reduction
The sale, disclosed through recent regulatory filings, forms part of Scott's ongoing strategy to gradually reduce her stake in the e-commerce giant. Despite this substantial disposal, she retains around 958 million Amazon shares, maintaining her status as one of the company's most substantial individual shareholders.
From Divorce Settlement to Philanthropic Powerhouse
Scott received a 4% stake in Amazon as part of her divorce from Bezos, immediately establishing her as one of the world's wealthiest women. Since the settlement, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to philanthropy through systematic wealth distribution.
Her philanthropic approach has been characterised by:
- Rapid, substantial donations to numerous charitable organisations
- Focus on diverse causes including racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic mobility
- No-strings-attached giving methodology
- Transparent tracking of her philanthropic journey
The Broader Amazon Context
This significant share sale coincides with recent market movements for Amazon, though Scott's transactions appear to be part of a predetermined strategy rather than reaction to short-term market conditions. Her continued substantial ownership position demonstrates ongoing confidence in the company's long-term prospects while allowing for strategic wealth redistribution.
Scott's philanthropic endeavours have positioned her as a transformative figure in modern giving, with her total donations now exceeding £12 billion to more than 1,600 organisations since her divorce. Her approach has challenged traditional philanthropic models and inspired a new generation of wealth redistribution.
