Jeff Bezos's wedding sparks more protests on final day of celebrity extravaganza

Australia Broadcast Center

8 hours ago

Hundreds of protesters have marched through Venice to protest against billionaire Jeff Bezos and his bride's wedding extravaganza on its third and final day.
The world's fourth-richest man and Lauren Sánchez Bezos tied the knot on Friday in a private ceremony with about 200 celebrity guests on the secluded island of San Giorgio.
The wedding angered many Venetians, with some activists arguing the billionaire was exploiting the city while ordinary residents were suffering from overtourism, high housing costs and the constant threat of climate-induced flooding.
As the two newlyweds prepared for the final party on Saturday evening, hundreds of Venetians and protesters from across Italy filled Venice's tiny streets with colourful banners reading "Kisses Yes, Bezos No" and "No Bezos, no War".
The demonstration contrasted with the expensive wedding bonanza, seen by critics as an affront to the lagoon city's fragile environment and its citizens.
Martina Vergnano, one of the demonstrators, said: "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."
The protest organisers claimed a victory after Saturday's wedding party, which was initially to be held in central Venice, was later moved to a former medieval shipyard, the Arsenale.
Mr Bezos donated 1 million euros ($1.79 million) each to three environmental research organisations working to preserve Venice, according to Venetian environmental research association Corila.
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's conscience," Venetian activist Flavio Cogo said.
Details of the wedding ceremony on Friday night were a closely guarded secret until Ms Sánchez Bezos posted to Instagram a photo of herself beaming in a white gown as she stood alongside a tuxedo-clad Mr Bezos.
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.
US President Donald Trump's daughter 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 Mr Bezos posed for photos and Ms Sánchez Bezos blew kisses to the press.
"The planet is burning but don't worry, here's the list of the 27 dresses of Lauren Sánchez," 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 being in keeping with Venice's tradition as an open city that has welcomed popes, emperors and ordinary visitors alike for centuries.
AP