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.
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Veuve Clicquot Rich 2.0 ($73.28) Whether dad's a champagne enthusiast or curious newcomer, Rich 2.0 is a modern, mix-friendly bottle designed for daytime celebrations and Father's Day toasts. The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old ($395.99) Crafted in sherry-seasoned oak, this luxurious Scotch is velvety and complex — perfect for dads who savor the finer things in life. For the Tech-Savvy Dad: Apple Vision Pro ($3,499) Immersive, game-changing, and future-facing — this headset turns entertainment and productivity into a next-gen experience. Ideal for early adopters. Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5 Portable Speaker ($1,750) With 360-degree sound and Nordic design, this premium speaker brings ambiance and audio excellence wherever he goes — from patio to penthouse. Therabody Theragun PRO Plus ($649.99) The gold standard of recovery. With smart sensors and adjustable heads, this percussive therapy device helps dad unwind in high-tech style. 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