Venice is once again in the global spotlight, this time not for art or love, but for opulence and outrage. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez recently exchanged vows in a lavish three‑day celebration on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, amid uproar from locals.
According to the Guardian, the divisive event — which reportedly cost between $43 million and $60 million — featured a star-studded guest list including Oprah, Madonna, the Kardashians and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Activists under the banner ‘No Space for Bezos’ mobilised in protest, accusing the billionaire wedding of symbolising unchecked privilege and accelerating Venice’s overtourism and decline.
Demonstrations included the dumping of a Bezos mannequin holding an Amazon box and fake cash into the Grand Canal. Greenpeace also made its mark, draping banners across St Mark’s Square and demanding Bezos ‘pay more tax’ as a counterpoint to extravagant private celebrations.
In response, the organisers moved the main ceremony from the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia to the secluded Arsenale, citing both security concerns and the rising tide of activist pressure.
Venice’s mayor and tourism minister are quick to defend the spectacle, pointing out that the event is expected to inject millions of euros into the local economy and spotlight Venetian craftsmanship. Bezos personally donated at least 2 to 3 million dollars to heritage and sustainability efforts.
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