Activists in Venice, Italy, are expressing their discontent over the upcoming destination wedding of tech billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez, as reports of the event’s lavishness have sparked both support and outrage in the city.
Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of the Washington Post, boasts an estimated net worth of $231 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
Sánchez, a licensed pilot and former news anchor, became engaged to Bezos in 2023, four years after their relationship became public.
Their impending nuptials have been shrouded in secrecy and speculation, particularly after Sánchez’s recent remarks on her brief and controversial all-female spaceflight in April, where she humorously noted the importance of returning safely for her wedding, as failing to do so would be a “bummer” for her.
Sánchez’s brother has likened the upcoming wedding to the iconic 1981 royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, suggesting it will capture similar public attention and grandeur.
Though details surrounding the wedding remain scarce, reports indicate that the celebration is scheduled for late June in Venice, with multiple media outlets describing it as a multimillion-dollar affair spanning several days.
The event is anticipated to attract hundreds of guests to the already tourism-saturated lagoon city, raising concerns among locals about the implications of such an extravagant gathering.
In response to mounting anxiety, the city of Venice officially denied reports that large quantities of gondolas and water taxis had been booked for the wedding, addressing fears of disruptions for both tourists and residents relying on these transport services.
Venetian officials emphasized that the guest list would be capped at 200, a number they believe can be accommodated without major issues in a city experienced in hosting high-profile events.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro reassured the public that city officials are collaborating with wedding organizers to ensure that the festivities respect the city’s environment and its residents.
Despite these assurances, the protest movement labeled “No Space for Bezos” has gained momentum, criticizing what they view as the commodification of their city and the local government’s preference for tourism over the necessity of supporting its residents.
Throughout the month, activists have been vocal in their opposition, displaying anti-Bezos posters throughout the city, including prominent locations like the bell tower of the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica and the Rialto Bridge.
Recently, activists from Greenpeace Italy and the U.K. group “Everyone Hates Elon [Musk]” joined the protest, unfurling a banner in St. Mark’s Square featuring Bezos’s image alongside the message, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax.”
The wedding organizers, Lanza & Baucina Limited, have issued a statement to clarify misperceptions about the event, characterizing rumors of “taking over” the city as untrue and inconsistent with their intentions.
They stated that no excessive number of water taxis or gondolas had been arranged and that the transportation arrangements were appropriate for the guest count.
The organizers emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruption and respecting the local culture and environment while supporting the city’s initiatives and employing local artisans for the event.
As anticipation builds about the specifics of the wedding, there is much speculation regarding both the venue and schedule.
Reports differ, but many suggest the celebrations are likely to occur between June 26-28, whereas others claim it may be held from June 24-26.
A spokesperson for Mayor Brugnaro previously indicated that the marriage ceremony could take place aboard Bezos’s superyacht, the Koru, which has previously made headlines.
However, alternative reports suggest that the couple might choose to marry on the private island of San Giorgio Maggiore, potentially in a historic monastery.
Activists have further claimed the wedding will occur at the 14th-century Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a repurposed venue, and they are determined to prevent such a scenario by mobilizing physical demonstrations throughout the city.
Protest organizer Federica Toninello assured supporters that they would block access to the canals and streets with people and boats if necessary.
Resistance to the wedding festivity is also rooted in practical concerns among locals that vary from logistical challenges to environmental consequences stemming from an influx of yachts and private aircraft associated with high-profile guests.
Protester Alice Bazzoli articulated that the atmosphere surrounding the wedding appears to treat the entire city as a personal celebration venue, disregarding the needs and presence of its long-standing residents.
As Venice grapples with pressing issues of rising sea levels and over-tourism, the local government has reacted by implementing a visitor tax targeting day-trippers to mitigate tourist-related pressures.
Many residents have fled the city due to such pressures and a housing crisis exacerbated by the conversion of residential buildings into short-term rental properties.
As Bezos and Sánchez prepare for their wedding amidst these ongoing challenges, regional governor Luca Zaia has estimated that the event could cost between $23-$34 million.
While Zaia argues that the wedding will provide a much-needed economic boost to the region, many protesters feel disconnected from potential financial benefits attributed to the spectacle.
Greenpeace UK highlighted the crisis surrounding public services and available housing, asserting that Venice’s priorities should center on residents rather than catering to the whims of the ultra-wealthy.
In response to the protests, Mayor Brugnaro expressed disappointment, stating he felt ashamed of the demonstrators and even suggested, “We will have to apologize to Bezos.”
He further expressed a desire for Bezos to attend the wedding regardless of the opposition, claiming that not all Venetians share the protesters’ sentiments.
The wedding organizers reiterated their efforts to mitigate negative impacts on local life from the outset, emphasizing a commitment to both understanding and contributing positively to the community.
To further support local endeavors, reports indicate Bezos has made substantial donations to Venetian charities leading up to the event, including a million-euro contribution to Corila, an academic consortium focused on preserving Venice’s delicate lagoon ecosystem.
Additionally, historic Venetian companies such as Rosa Salva, known for its pastries, and Laguna B, a renowned designer of handmade Murano glass, are involved in the wedding preparations, with Rosa Salva’s owner reflecting positively on the opportunity to cater to the event.
Despite the protests, he maintained that accommodating a small guest list does not warrant significant disruptions to the city, viewing the wedding as a chance for Venice to shine on a global stage.
As the plans proceed, the contrasting perspectives on the wedding underscore a deep-seated tension between aspiration and reality within a city facing existential challenges.
image source from：npr
