Jeff Bezos Relocates Venice Wedding After Public Outcry
Facing mounting protests from Venice residents and activist groups, Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez have shifted their wedding reception to a less central location within the city. Originally planned for the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia in central Venice, the event has been moved to Tese 91, a shipyard space in the Arsenale complex on the city's outskirts. While officials cited security concerns for the venue change, campaigners view this as a notable win in their fight against luxury events that aggravate the city's overtourism issues.
Protests Spotlight Venice’s Struggle With Luxury and Tourism
The wedding, expected to host over 200 high-profile guests—including celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Elon Musk, and Ivanka Trump—has been met with fierce backlash from locals and activists. Demonstrators argue that Venice, already overwhelmed by tourism pressures, should not be further commodified as a playground for the ultra-wealthy.
Since the wedding announcement in March, protest groups, led by the collective No Space for Bezos, have staged numerous demonstrations to voice their dissent. Dramatic actions included unfurling banners with Bezos’ name crossed out in red across iconic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore.
A Symbol of Venetian Exploitation
One protester captured the sentiment succinctly, stating, “Venice is being treated like a stage, a showcase — and this wedding is the symbol of how the city is being exploited by outsiders.”
The group even threatened to block Venetian canals with inflatable crocodiles, a bold tactic that reportedly contributed to the venue relocation. According to an activist, “The crocodile initiative would have given a bad impression of the city. That’s why the venue was changed.”
Greenpeace Joins the Fray with a Bold Message
Environmental organization Greenpeace also took part in the protests, displaying a large banner featuring a grinning Jeff Bezos along with the caption: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more taxes.”
Official Reaction and Sharp Reprisals
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed his “shame” over the protests, prompting a sharp retort from campaigners who argued that the real shame lies with those they say have “destroyed this city.”
What This Means for Venice’s Future
The events surrounding Jeffrey Bezos’ wedding highlight a larger debate about Venice’s identity and sustainability. As luxury events increasingly spotlight wealth over heritage, locals and activists remain determined to protect their city from becoming merely a backdrop for opulence and external interests.
