VENICE, Italy. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Venice on Saturday as billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez concluded their extravagant three-day wedding celebration, drawing backlash from residents and activists who accused the couple of exploiting the city. At the same time, locals struggle with overtourism, rising housing costs and environmental threats.
Bezos, the world’s fourth-richest man, married Sánchez on Friday in an exclusive ceremony held on the secluded island of San Giorgio. Around 200 celebrity guests were in attendance, including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Bill Gates and members of the Kardashian-Jenner family. The couple stayed at the luxurious Aman Venice hotel along the Grand Canal.
As final preparations for Saturday night’s party were underway, hundreds of Venetians and protesters from across Italy flooded the city’s narrow streets with banners reading “Kisses Yes, Bezos No” and “No Bezos, No War.” Some slogans targeted the bride’s designer wardrobe, reading, “The planet is burning but don’t worry, here’s the list of the 27 dresses of Lauren Sánchez.”
Activists said the high-profile wedding was a stark contrast to the reality many Venetians face in a city increasingly overwhelmed by tourism and threatened by climate change.
“We are here to continue ruining the plans of these rich people, who accumulate money by exploiting many other people … while the conditions of this city remain precarious,” said protester Martina Vergnano.
Organizers claimed their demonstration forced the relocation of the final party to a new venue at the historic Arsenale, a former medieval shipyard.
In response to criticism, Bezos donated €1 million ($1.17 million) each to three environmental organizations focused on protecting Venice, according to Corila, a local ecological research association.
But critics dismissed the gesture as insufficient and self-serving.
“We want a free Venice, which is finally dedicated to its citizens. Those donations are just a misery and only aimed at clearing Bezos’ conscience,” said Flavio Cogo, a Venetian activist.
City officials, however, defended the celebration, stating that Venice has long welcomed people from all walks of life, including popes, emperors, and global guests.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
