Protest banners appear across Venice ahead of Bezos ‘wedding of the century'
Venice, renowned for its historic charm, is facing a stark division as it prepares to host the high-profile wedding of US tech-tycoon Jeff Bezos and Laura Sanchez.
While some anticipate the glamour and economic boost, others fear the event will transform the iconic city of gondolas and palazzi into little more than an "amusement park."
Despite many details remaining "under wraps," including the exact date, the nuptials are expected to draw a constellation of stars from the worlds of film, fashion, and business. These scores of celebrities are set to arrive in the coming days, provided they can navigate potential local opposition.
A protest group has already plastered banners across the city's famous Rialto Bridge, emblazoned with the message "No space for Bezos!" The group has also threatened peaceful blockades, arguing that the medieval and Renaissance city is in dire need of public services and housing, rather than an influx of celebrities and exacerbating over-tourism.
The impending celebration highlights a growing tension in Venice, as the city grapples with its identity amidst the pressures of global tourism and high-profile events.
"Bezos arrogantly believes he can take over the city and turn it into his own private party venue," said Tommaso Cacciari, a leading light of the "No space for Bezos" campaign.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and regional governor Luca Zaia, on the other hand, argue that the wedding will bring an economic windfall to local businesses, including the motor boats and gondolas that operate its myriad canals.
Eleven years ago actor George Clooney married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice, turning the city into Hollywood on the Adriatic with a weekend of lavish celebrations.
Then, locals and tourists alike were excited to witness a memorable moment in the city's long history of hosting stars for its film festival, the world's oldest.
Bezos, 61, the founder of e-commerce giant Amazon and the world's third-richest man, got engaged to journalist Sanchez, 55, in 2023, four years after the collapse of his 25-year marriage to Mackenzie Scott.
After a swirl of media speculation about the venue of what has been dubbed "the wedding of the century" Brugnaro confirmed in March that it would take place in Venice, which last year began charging tourists a fee to enter the city.
The date is expected to be some time between June 23-28 in the midst of three days of stylish celebrations.
In the face of early protests from residents who feared the arrival of thousands of celebrities and hangers-on, the city issued a statement clarifying that it would involve around 200 guests and would not disrupt Venetians' everyday life.
Bezos and Scott had four children together, while Sanchez was previously married to Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She also has a son with NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Inside Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's 3-day Venetian wedding with star-studded guest list, $500m yacht, & unique gifts
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This is certainly the case if Sanchez's star-studded Parisian bachelorette party is anything to go by. The final hoorah before the "wedding of the century" was attended by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Katy Perry, and Eva Longoria. Multiple reports suggest stars including Leonardo Di Caprio, Orlando Bloom, Mick Jagger, and Beyoncé, are expected to attend as well as Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner. The upcoming bash is said to be as extravagant as a royal wedding with Sanchez's brother Paul telling TMZ it would "be like a Princess Di thing". "It's gonna be an amazing event. It's gonna be star-studded and fun," he said. The couples' children from their previous marriages are also expected to be in attendance. Bezos has four children with his ex-wife Mackenzie Scott and Sanchez has two children with her ex-husband Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell and a son with ex-football player Tony Gonzalez. Exact details for the celebrations have been kept under wraps but are believed to kick off on June 24 and end on June 26, a spokesperson for Brugnaro told CNN. As preparations are underway, city officials told NBC News. that 30 water taxis out of 280 have been reserved and up to four hotels have been booked. LIFE OF LUXURY These are thought to be several luxury venues along the Grand Canal including the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, the Grand Aman Hotel, the St Regis Venis, and the Gritti Palace. A room at The Aman, built in 1550, will set you back at least $2,700 per night, with prices going up to $10,000. This is where the couple are said to be staying, per TMZ, as sources claim the entire hotel has been booked out from June 25 to June 29. City officials added that "the celebrations, attended by 250 guests, will blend into the daily rhythm of a city". 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Her billionaire husband-to-be told Vogue in 2023 that he would not have any involvement in the planning saying, "Oh, God no. Do I look that dumb?" when asked if he would be helping out. As some locals launch protests against the wedding taking place in their city, officials have reassured them that they will not be adversely affected. Fears are increasing among some Venetians that they are being priced out of their own city by tourism. "The city is fully accustomed to hosting high-profile events of this nature and scale, including other celebrity weddings, international summits such as the G7 and G20, as well as traditional events like the Festa del Redentore and the Venice Biennale," city hall officials told NBC. "The celebrations, attended by 250 guests, will blend into the daily rhythm of a city that, with dignity and respect, welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world while safeguarding the quality of life for its residents, workers, and students. 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