'Kisses Yes, Bezos No': Jeff Bezos' star-studded Venice wedding sparks backlash; locals voice dissent on overtourism and mounting costs
Venice wedding sparks backlash; locals voice dissent on overtourism and mouting costs
Hundreds of protesters marched through central Venice on Saturday as billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez concluded their three-day wedding celebrations in the lagoon city.
On Friday, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Sánchez tied the knot in an opulent wedding ceremony on the island of San Giorgio, joined by about 200 celebrity guests.
On Saturday, hundreds of locals and activists marched through the city, waving banners that read 'Kisses Yes, Bezos No' and 'No Bezos, No War.' Many Venetians expressed frustration over what they saw as the billionaire's lavish intrusion into a city already grappling with the pressures of overtourism, rising housing costs, and climate change.
Protesters criticized the extravagance of the event and its symbolic disconnect from the daily challenges faced by residents.
The couple stayed at the Aman Venice hotel on the Grand Canal and hosted a series of exclusive events throughout the weekend.
The guest list featured several prominent names, including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Bill Gates, and members of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Jolie-Pitt Family Shows Support For Shiloh's Change
Drivepedia
Undo
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner also attended the festivities with their children.
Activists claimed their demonstration led to a last-minute venue change for Saturday's party, reported AP.
Bezos has donated €1 million each to three environmental organisations working to preserve Venice, including Corila, a Venetian research association. However, the gesture was met with skepticism by many demonstrators, who viewed the donation as insufficient.
'Those donations are just a misery and only aimed at clearing Bezos' conscience,' said Flavio Cogo, a local activist.
Despite the backlash, the city's administration defended the high-profile wedding, stating that Venice has always welcomed visitors—from emperors to celebrities—and that such events align with its tradition as an open and global city.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
Taurus Daily Horoscope Today, June 30, 2025: Let grateful choices shape the day
The energy today supports slow, thoughtful decisions. There may be many options, but clarity will come when you pause and ask: 'What am I thankful for?' Let gratitude lead instead of fear. Someone may offer you support or encouragement—accept it with grace. This is not a day for rushing. Everything will unfold with more ease when you choose from the heart, not from habit. Taurus Love Horoscope Today Love feels soft and warm today, if you allow your heart to slow down. Sometimes we search so much for what's next that we forget the joy already present. If you're in a relationship, reflect on your partner's small gestures—they carry deep meaning. If single, this is a good time to love yourself out loud. Gratitude in love makes the heart more open, and openness attracts more beauty. Taurus Career Horoscope Today Career moves today are best done slowly and from a place of grounded appreciation. Instead of seeking big changes, look for small wins in your current space. Colleagues may respond positively to your patience and steady presence. If you're feeling unsure, take a quiet moment to count what you've already achieved—it will remind you of your worth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo You don't need to chase success today. You only need to build on what is already strong. Be proud of your steady journey. Taurus Money Horoscope Today Financial matters benefit today from appreciation, not worry. Focus on how far you've come, even if the numbers aren't perfect yet. Avoid comparing yourself to others—it only causes confusion. A humble gratitude for what you have can help you manage what you spend. You may receive an unexpected discount, deal, or advice—say thank you and use it wisely. This is not a day for greed but for balance. What you appreciate, appreciates. Let that truth guide your financial steps. Taurus Health Horoscope Today Your body responds well today to peace and stillness. A slow morning or a warm meal can work better than any quick remedy. If you've been pushing yourself too hard, your system may now ask for a softer approach. Headaches, tired eyes, or neck stiffness may show up as signs. Listen. Do less today, but do it with full attention. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Biz class felt most insecureduring SP govt, says Khanna
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh finance minister Suresh Khanna launched a sharp attack on Akhilesh Yadav , calling the SP chief's allegations that business class was facing "socio-economic emergency" as baseless and asserted that the business community was most insecure under the Samajwadi Party govt. MLAs Neeraj Bora and Rajeshwar Singh supported Khanna's remarks and added that the Yogi govt had ended the era of "recovery brothers". "Yogi-led double engine govt has made UP mafia-free and business-friendly. The very business community Akhilesh Yadav speaks of today felt most threatened and insecure during the SP govt (2012-2017). Extortion, hooliganism, and commission-taking were central to the functioning of the SP govt, which operated on a model of "one district, one recovery brother" to fill party's coffers through trader exploitation," Khanna said. Khanna said that under the current double engine govt, the business community was actively contributing to the state's development by benefiting from transparent policies. He added that the double engine govt had effectively imposed an "emergency" on those who indulged in extortion and hooliganism during SP govt. "No new tax has been imposed in Uttar Pradesh in the last eight years. Diesel-petrol rates are the lowest in the country, and the state is moving towards prosperity by becoming a revenue surplus state," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo MLA Neeraj Bora criticised Akhilesh for aligning with those who once imposed the Emergency, adding that in today's mafia-free UP, extortion was no longer possible. MLA Rajeshwar Singh said under the SP govt, UP saw over 25,000 murders and 76,500 crimes daily, forcing traders to flee amid rampant extortion and fear. "Zero-tolerance policy against crime led to action against over 70,000 criminals," he said.
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
UP unveils ambitiousplan to boost rural infra
Lucknow: In a step toward rural transformation, the state govt has unveiled an ambitious development plan under Mission 2031, aimed at modernising infrastructure and improving essential services in villages across Uttar Pradesh. As part of this long-term vision, the govt has submitted a proposal to the Central Finance Commission, seeking over Rs 2.15 lakh crore for strengthening rural local bodies. Under this roadmap, the govt has proposed Rs 1.74 lakh crore for gram panchayats, Rs 17,334 crore for block-level development, and Rs 22,940 crore for district panchayats. The funds are earmarked for essential infrastructure upgrades, repairs, and maintenance. Notably, the Mission 2031 blueprint also includes a Rs 1.29 lakh crore infrastructure development roadmap for the state's 17 municipal corporations, indicating the govt's dual focus on both urban and rural transformation. A senior govt official said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has a clear goal—by the year 2031, every village in Uttar Pradesh should be self-reliant and prosperous. Under this mission, the focus is on improving basic amenities such as roads, water supply, electricity, and other infrastructure, he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like local network access control Esseps Learn More Undo "By presenting this proposal to the Central Finance Commission, the govt has demonstrated that rural development is one of its top priorities," the official added. This initiative, involving an investment of Rs 2.15 lakh crore in rural areas, is expected not only to improve the overall condition of villages but also to generate employment and raise the standard of living for rural residents. "
