Controversies in Venice before the “wedding of the century”: some locals protest, others enthusiast Jeff Bezos's event

The founder of Amazon, billionaire Jeff Bezos, will marry his fiancée, Laura Sanchez, during a luxury event scheduled to take place between June 23 and 28, in Venice. However, the atmosphere in the city of gondolas is far from festive: public opinion is deeply divided.

Jeff Bezos and Laura Sanchez will unite their destinies in Venice. Photo: Gettyimages

While some locals and officials believe that the wedding will bring important economic benefits for local companies, others accuse that the picturesque city will become a fun park. Groups of activists displayed protest banners on the Rialto bridge and threatens with peaceful blocking actions, notes Reuters.

“Bezos arrogantly believes that he can take control of the city and turn it into his private party,” said Tommaso Caccizari, one of the leaders of the movement “There is no place for Bezos!” The protesters claim that the city needs investments in public homes and services, not opulent luxury and excessive tourism.

“We will take care to intercept the wedding cake, we will attack and throw ourselves in the channel if it is necessary”, said one of the opposition activists, according to the Italian press. A huge banner with the name of Jeff Bezos cut was displayed on the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, the message of the Venetians that it is not welcome.

On the other hand, the mayor Luigi Brugnaro and the governor of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia, say that the event will be a restricted one – about 200 guests – and will not disturb the daily life of the inhabitants. The local authorities rely on promoting the image of the city and on the receipts generated by transport, accommodation and related services.

The event reminds of George Clooney's wedding with Amal Alamuddin, who also took place in Venice in 2014 and turned the city into a “Hollywood from the Adriatic Sea.”

Jeff Bezos, the third richest man in the world, and Laura Sanchez, a journalist and former television presenters, engaged in 2023, after both went through divorces. According to the international press, the wedding will take place for three days and could include private events at historical palaces in the city.