'Kisses yes, Bezos No,' protesters say, as Bezos wedding bonanza stirs controversy in Venice
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Hundreds of protesters marched through Venice's central streets on Saturday to say "No" to billionaire Jeff Bezos, his bride and their much-awaited wedding extravaganza, which reached its third and final day amid celebrity-crowded parties and the outcries of tired residents.
On Friday, the world's fourth-richest man and his bride Lauren Sanchez Bezos tied the knot during a private ceremony with around 200 celebrity guests on the secluded island of San Giorgio.
The wedding, however, angered many Venetians, with some activists protesting it as an exploitation of the city by the billionaire Bezos, while ordinary residents suffer from overtourism, high housing costs and the constant threat of climate-induced flooding.
As the two newlyweds prepared for the final party Saturday evening, hundreds of Venetians and protesters from across Italy filled Venice's tiny streets with colorful banners reading "Kisses Yes, Bezos No" and "No Bezos, no War." Venice has around 50,000 residents.
The demonstration contrasted with the expensive wedding bonanza, seen by critics as an affront to the lagoon city's fragile environment and its citizens, overwhelmed by throngs of tourists.
"We are here to continue ruining the plans of these rich people, who accumulate money by exploiting many other people ... while the conditions of this city remain precarious," said Martina Vergnano, one of the demonstrators.
The protest organizers claimed that their planned protest had forced the relocation of Saturday's party from a supposed initial location to a former medieval shipyard, the Arsenale.
Bezos donated 1 million euros ($1.17 million) each to three environmental research organizations working to preserve Venice, according to Corila, the Venetian environmental research association.
But many protesters blasted the move as a clear attempt to appease angry residents.
"We want a free Venice, which is finally dedicated to its citizens. ... Those donations are just a misery and only aimed at clearing Bezos' conscience," said Flavio Cogo, a Venetian activist who joined Saturday's protest.
Details of the exclusive wedding ceremony Friday night were a closely guarded secret, until Sanchez Bezos posted to Instagram a photo of herself beaming in a white gown as she stood alongside a tuxedo-clad Bezos.
Athletes, celebrities, influencers and business leaders converged to revel in extravagance that was as much a testament to the couple's love as to their extraordinary wealth.
The star-studded guest list included Oprah Winfrey and NFL great Tom Brady, along with Hollywood stars Leonardo Di Caprio and Orlando Bloom, tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates and top socialites, including the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner and their three children also joined the celebrations.
The bride and groom stayed at the Aman Venice hotel on the Grand Canal, where Bezos posed for photos and Sanchez Bezos blew kisses to the press.
"The planet is burning but don't worry, here's the list of the 27 dresses of Lauren Sanchez," read one protest slogan, a reference to the bride's reported wedding weekend wardrobe. It featured a mermaid-lined wedding gown by Dolce & Gabbana and other Dolce Vita-inspired looks by Italian designers, including Schiaparelli and Bottega Veneta.
The city administration has strongly defended the nuptials as in keeping with Venice's tradition as an open city that has welcomed popes, emperors and ordinary visitors alike for centuries.
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