Bezos-Sanchez Wedding Faces “No Space for Bezos” Protests in Italy
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the world’s third-richest man, is set to marry TV personality and philanthropist Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy, this week. But what was anticipated as the “wedding of the century” has triggered a wave of anger and resistance among Venetians, who say the high-profile event is disrupting life in their historic city.
Wedding Details and VIP Guest List
The wedding, scheduled to take place between June 24 and 28, will be hosted at the 14th-century Arsenale complex in Venice’s Castello district. The ultra-private event is expected to draw between 200 and 250 VIP guests from the worlds of business, politics, and Hollywood. The couple is staying at two of the city’s most exclusive hotels—Aman Venice and the Gritti Palace.
According to reports, the ceremony will cost an estimated €48 million ($55.69 million), with extravagant elements including 90 private jets, 30 water taxis, limousines, and heightened security. Sanchez’s wedding dress is said to be worth $1.5 million, while her pink diamond engagement ring reportedly cost between $3–5 million.
Locals Push Back Against Billionaire Intrusion
The lavish affair has sparked outrage among many Venetians. The “No Space for Bezos” campaign, spearheaded by activist Tommaso Cacciari, has mobilised protests in the form of canal blockades, banners, and public demonstrations. Residents argue that the celebration turns Venice into a “private park for the rich” and reflects a broader crisis of overtourism that continues to erode the city’s cultural identity and livability.
Change in Venue Amid Mounting Pressure
Initially, the wedding was planned to take place at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a historic religious building in the Cannaregio district. However, growing protests forced the couple to shift the location to the more secluded and fortified Arsenale. The choice of the Arsenale was reportedly made for security purposes, as the site is surrounded by water and protected by walls, making it more difficult for demonstrators to disrupt proceedings. Reuters reported that squads of commandos and armoured vehicles have been deployed around the venue.
Political Leaders Defend the Event
Despite the public backlash, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro defended the couple and criticised the protestors. “Do not make the mistake of listening to idiots who are waging a campaign against Bezos,” Brugnaro stated, calling the protests “shameful.” He assured citizens that the 200 elite guests will “absolutely not” interfere with daily life in the city and have been asked to “respect the city of Venice.”
Veneto Governor Luca Zaia echoed the mayor’s sentiments, stating that the high-profile wedding is expected to inject €48 million into the local economy. Calling Bezos a “friend,” Zaia’s comments have been met with criticism from activists who argue that the city’s integrity should not be sacrificed for financial gain.
High-Profile Guests Expected
The guest list for the Saturday celebration includes a host of influential names such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Elon Musk. Most guests are expected to arrive by Thursday to prepare for the weekend festivities. Several of these attendees were also present at the couple’s 2023 engagement party in Positano, Italy.
Activists Plan More Protests
Despite the change in venue, activist Tommaso Cacciari has called it a “major victory” for local residents. Protests are expected to continue throughout the weekend across Venice’s canals, bridges, and streets. Activists say the event epitomises the broader issue of elite intrusion and overtourism in Venice—a city already struggling to manage its delicate balance between heritage and hospitality.
Symbol of a Larger Crisis
The Bezos-Sanchez wedding has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the impact of tourism and privilege on historic cities. For many Venetians, the billionaire extravaganza is not just a one-off inconvenience, but a stark symbol of how global elites are increasingly displacing local communities in the name of luxury.
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