Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Venice on Saturday, voicing their discontent over the lavish wedding celebrations of billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos. The protests coincided with the final day of their three-day wedding festivities, which drew attention not only for its celebrity guests but also for the concerns it raised among local residents.
On Friday, Bezos, who is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, married Sanchez in a private ceremony attended by around 200 high-profile guests on the island of San Giorgio. The event has sparked a divide in the city, with many activists criticizing the celebration as a form of exploitation of Venice, a city already struggling with issues like overtourism, rising housing costs, and the threat of climate change.
As the couple prepared for their final party, protesters filled the narrow streets of Venice, carrying colorful banners with slogans like “Kisses Yes, Bezos No” and “No Bezos, no War.” The demonstration highlighted the stark contrast between the opulence of the wedding and the daily struggles of ordinary Venetians. Martina Vergnano, a demonstrator, expressed the sentiment of many by stating, “We are here to continue ruining the plans of these rich people, who accumulate money by exploiting many other people.”
The protest was welcomed by organizers when it was announced that the wedding party, initially set for a central location, would be moved to the more secure Arsenale, a former medieval shipyard. This adjustment was made amid heightened security concerns.
Despite Bezos’s donation of 1 million euros to three environmental organizations aimed at preserving Venice, many protesters dismissed this gesture as mere “greenwashing.” Activist Flavio Cogo remarked that such donations were inadequate and primarily served to ease Bezos’ conscience. “We want a free Venice, which is finally dedicated to its citizens,” he said.
The wedding itself was shrouded in secrecy until Sanchez Bezos shared a glimpse on social media, posting a photo of herself in a stunning white gown next to her groom. The guest list included prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bill Gates, drawing even more attention to the stark wealth disparity highlighted by the protests.
One protest sign poignantly noted the irony of the situation: “The planet is burning but don’t worry, here’s the list of the 27 dresses of Lauren Sánchez,” referring to the bride’s extravagant wardrobe choices for the weekend.
The Venetian city administration defended the wedding, stating that Venice has a long history of welcoming diverse visitors, including popes and emperors. However, the concerns raised by the residents reflect a growing frustration with how the city is being managed in the face of increasing tourism and environmental challenges.