'He's not welcome': Venice locals hit out at Jeff Bezos wedding plans
The billionaire Amazon founder is due to marry journalist Lauren Sanchez in a celebration in Venice from June 24 to 26 that is expected to attract countless VIPs.
Not everyone is feeling the love though, with some residents hanging a huge banner with an X over Bezos's name on a belltower overlooking the Venice lagoon before the sign was removed on Thursday.
"He's not welcome, not in Venice, not anywhere!" wrote the "No Space for Bezos" collective on Facebook, which was responsible for the banner.
Bezos is also the owner of space travel company Blue Origin, whose all-female flight in April carrying Sanchez, pop star Katy Perry and four others met with a public backlash for its high cost and environmental impact.
The anti-Bezos group, whose posters and stickers have been seen in recent days across the city, has called a public assembly for Friday evening to drum up opposition.
The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice on May 27th, 2025. Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP
The UNESCO-listed city, famous for its romantic gondolas and canals, is a favourite spot for lovers.
In September 2014, it was the backdrop for the wedding of Hollywood actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin, a glamourous high-profile event that attracted countless tourists, fans and onlookers.
The atmosphere ahead of Bezos's nuptials appeared more hostile.
"Venice is a living city, not a place to rent to the highest bidder," the collective wrote on social media.
Venice's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, had welcomed the couple's decision, however, saying in March that the wedding would bring in millions of dollars to the city.
City hall in March blasted what it called "fake news" circulating about the wedding, saying that only 200 people were on the guest list and that the event would be "without any disruption whatsoever to the city, its residents and visitors".
Local media say that five hotels have been reserved for the occasion, as well as an impressive fleet of water cabs and a mooring for Bezos's megayacht.
It is unclear where exactly the marriage ceremony will take place.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Local Italy
2 days ago
- Local Italy
'He's not welcome': Venice locals hit out at Jeff Bezos wedding plans
The billionaire Amazon founder is due to marry journalist Lauren Sanchez in a celebration in Venice from June 24 to 26 that is expected to attract countless VIPs. Not everyone is feeling the love though, with some residents hanging a huge banner with an X over Bezos's name on a belltower overlooking the Venice lagoon before the sign was removed on Thursday. "He's not welcome, not in Venice, not anywhere!" wrote the "No Space for Bezos" collective on Facebook, which was responsible for the banner. Bezos is also the owner of space travel company Blue Origin, whose all-female flight in April carrying Sanchez, pop star Katy Perry and four others met with a public backlash for its high cost and environmental impact. The anti-Bezos group, whose posters and stickers have been seen in recent days across the city, has called a public assembly for Friday evening to drum up opposition. The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice on May 27th, 2025. Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP The UNESCO-listed city, famous for its romantic gondolas and canals, is a favourite spot for lovers. In September 2014, it was the backdrop for the wedding of Hollywood actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin, a glamourous high-profile event that attracted countless tourists, fans and onlookers. The atmosphere ahead of Bezos's nuptials appeared more hostile. "Venice is a living city, not a place to rent to the highest bidder," the collective wrote on social media. Venice's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, had welcomed the couple's decision, however, saying in March that the wedding would bring in millions of dollars to the city. City hall in March blasted what it called "fake news" circulating about the wedding, saying that only 200 people were on the guest list and that the event would be "without any disruption whatsoever to the city, its residents and visitors". Local media say that five hotels have been reserved for the occasion, as well as an impressive fleet of water cabs and a mooring for Bezos's megayacht. It is unclear where exactly the marriage ceremony will take place.
Local Italy
29-05-2025
- Local Italy
The 10 Italian villages voted ‘most beautiful' in 2025
Italy is rightly famed for its historic towns and villages, and nowhere are they better showcased than in the much-loved TV series Borgo dei Borghi ('village of villages'). Starting every autumn, Italian national broadcaster RAI airs weekly episodes profiling 20 different villages, each competing against each other to be named the year's best borgo. Viewers can then vote online for their top choice, with the results – decided with the input of an expert jury – announced in April. Here are the top 10 finalists for 2025. Militello in Val di Catania (Sicily) – Taking the top spot for 2025, this village of just under 7,000 people is perched on the northern slopes of the Iblei Mountains. Part of the UNESCO-listed late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, Militello's historic centre boasts more than 20 historic churches and numerous aristocratic villas. Visitors can admire the intricate Sicilian Baroque architecture and enjoy local festivals that celebrate centuries of tradition. This marks Sicily's fifth win in the history of the contest, following previous victories by Gangi, Montalbano Elicona, Sambuca di Sicilia and Petralia Soprana. Agliè (Piedmont) – In second place, this elegant village in the province of Turin is home to the impressive Castello di Agliè, part of the UNESCO-recognized Savoy Residences. Surrounded by parks and historic piazzas, Agliè blends noble grandeur with everyday Italian life. It also gained fame from the popular Italian TV series Elisa di Rivombrosa, filmed in and around the castle. Castello di Aglie`. Piemonte (Torino) — Ugo Ramella (@RamellaUgo) August 9, 2024 Vignanello (Lazio) – Vignanello is nestled in the volcanic hills of northern Lazio and is known for Castello Ruspoli with its sprawling Renaissance gardens, along with a deep winemaking tradition. The town celebrates the grape harvest each year with a festival featuring music, food and historical reenactments. Aieta (Calabria) – Set within the Pollino National Park, the medieval town of Aieta is known for its 16th-century Renaissance palace and stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The name "Aieta" comes from the Greek word for eagle, and the village is true to its name – soaring over olive groves and deep gorges at an elevation of over 500m. Aieta in Calabria is magical ❤️ #Italy #Travel — Cultural Italy (@culturalitaly) March 6, 2018 Maiori (Campania) – While the Amalfi Coast is no secret, Maiori is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. That makes it an ideal spot for travellers seeking charm without the crowds. Known for its wide beach, lemon groves and the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia carved into the rock face, Maiori is a serene coastal retreat with plenty to offer. Lazise (Veneto) – Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Lazise has a unique claim: it was the first town in Italy to be granted some degree of autonomy as a villa libera, or free town, meaning it had no feudal lord, in the 10th century. Enclosed by medieval walls and towers, its lakeside charm, colourful buildings and Romanesque church make it a picture-perfect escape. Lazise 💙🇮🇹 Take me back. — AJ (@shadowdancer_8) April 6, 2025 Ischitella (Puglia) – A gateway to the Gargano National Park in the southeast of the country, Ischitella is a hilltop village offering views of the Adriatic and easy access to Puglia's wild forests and ancient trails. Ischitella's old town is divided into two distinct parts: the medieval Terra Vecchia quarter with its narrow alleyways and terraced houses, and the Rione Ponte district, featuring mainly 18th century architecture. Grado (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) – Known as the 'Island of the Sun', Grado sits between the Marano Lagoon and the Gulf of Trieste in northeastern Italy.. Originally a Roman port, its historic center has Venetian-style homes, narrow streets and a stunning basilica with 6th-century mosaics. Buggerru (Sardinia) – This seaside village in southwestern Sardinia is built into cliffs and framed by rugged coastline. Once a hub for mining activity, Buggerru now tells the story of labour struggles and resilience through its industrial archaeology sites and museum. The turquoise waters of nearby Cala Domestica add natural beauty to the historical narrative. #GalleriaHenry, presso #Buggerru, in #Sardegna; un'antica miniera in mezzo al verde, circondata dal mare e dalla magia che custodiscono solo i luoghi incontaminati. — Debora_db (@debora_db4) February 20, 2023 Montechiarugolo (Emilia-Romagna) – A new entry for 2025, this town sits on the border of the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, in the rolling foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. This comune, made up of five hamlets, is known locally as gastronomic hotspot. It sits right in the heart of the "food valley" area known for producing the prized Fragno black truffle, Salame di Felino cured sausages, and of course, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Montechiarugolo is most famous though for its medieval castle, dating from the early fourteenth century, where visitors can take in sweeping views over the river Enza and surrounding forests. It's privately owned, but open to visitors and also used as a venue for weddings and other events.
Local Italy
30-03-2025
- Local Italy
Venice slams 'fake news', vows no disruption for Bezos wedding
The tech billionaire and his fiancee, journalist Lauren Sanchez, are tying the knot at the end of June, a decade after the Italian watery city hosted the star-studded nuptials of Hollywood actor George Clooney and lawyer Amal Alamuddin. One Italian newspaper said the Bezos wedding would be "three non-stop days of parties with 250 guests every night" -- with US President Donald Trump potentially among them. Reports suggest organisers have already booked five hotels alongside almost an entire fleet of water taxis, as well as a mooring for Bezos's mega-yacht. But Venice authorities on Saturday issued a statement rejecting the "fake news" surrounding the affair, denying suggestions that Bezos would effectively buy up parts of the UNESCO world heritage site for the duration. "The many speculations and fake news circulating about Jeff Bezos' wedding are completely unfounded," the municipality said. "Only 200 guests will have been invited and therefore it will be easy for Venice to accommodate such an event, without any disruption whatsoever to the city, its residents and visitors." The wedding planners "have categorically not booked large amounts of gondolas or excessive numbers of water taxis", the municipality said. The goal is "to make sure the city functions as normal, for all". The municipality noted that Venice often plays host to international events "much larger than this", from political summits to the Venice Film Festival, as well as fashion shows and major corporate events. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has welcomed the couple's decision to wed in Venice, telling the Veneto edition of Italy's Corriere della Sera daily that it would have a "million-dollar" economic impact. But the news also sparked some alarm about the expected crowds in a city already drowning under the weight of tourists. "We are mutually working and supporting the organisers, to ensure that the event will be absolutely respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city," Brugnaro said in the statement. "For this reason, we will work together for the best result. Whoever loves Venice will always be welcome." Clooney and Alamuddin married in September 2014 in a private ceremony in Venice, drawing boatloads of paparazzi and adoring fans.
