11 hours ago
Venice residents protest against disruption caused by Jeff Bezos's wedding
Tensions are mounting in Venice ahead of the upcoming wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, as residents and activist groups prepare protests over the disruption of the city for the high-profile event.
The lavish celebration, expected to attract hundreds of celebrity guests and occupy a large part of the historic city, has sparked concerns about the ongoing commodification of Venice and its prioritisation of tourism over local life.
Between 23 and 28 June, the billionaire Amazon founder and his fiancée are expected to take over the island of San Giorgio, opposite St Mark's Square, for their multi-million-dollar nuptials.
Reports suggest nearly every luxury hotel in the area has been booked out, along with many of the city's water taxis.
The guest list is rumoured to include celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry, and members of the Trump family, while many guests will stay aboard Bezos' yachts.
In response, local activists affiliated with the "No Space for Bezos" movement have launched a campaign of peaceful protest. The group, made up of various local collectives, argues that the event epitomises the exploitation of Venice as a backdrop for elite events, while residents struggle with a housing crisis and an economy increasingly reliant on mass tourism.
