'No space for Jeff Bezos!': Venice erupts ahead of Amazon billionaire's star-studded 'wedding of century'

People gather to protest against the wedding of Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez in Venice. Poster campaigns and stickers have spread throughout the city, including one with images of Bezos reading "No space for Bezos" as some local residents protest claiming the city is transformed into a playground for billionaires. (AFP)

The city of Venice is experiencing mixed emotions ahead of what many are calling the “wedding of the century,” as billionaire Jeff Bezos prepares to marry journalist Laura Sanchez next week. While some residents are eager for the glamour and global attention the high-profile event will bring, others are voicing concern that the festivities will reduce the historic city to a backdrop for celebrity excess.

Key details of the wedding — including the exact date — remain undisclosed. However, it’s clear that a host of stars from the worlds of film, fashion, and business will descend on the iconic canal city for the celebration. Their arrival, though, may be met with protests.

One activist group has launched a campaign against the wedding, unfurling banners reading “No space for Bezos!” on the famous Rialto Bridge and threatening peaceful demonstrations. The group argues that Venice, known for its medieval charm and Renaissance architecture, needs investment in essential services and affordable housing — not more celebrity tourism.

“Bezos believes he can turn Venice into his personal party venue,” said Tommaso Cacciari, one of the leading voices behind the protest.

On the other side of the debate, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia have expressed support for the event, citing potential economic benefits for local businesses — particularly water taxis, gondoliers, and hospitality providers.

Venice has hosted high-profile weddings before. In 2014, actor George Clooney wed human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin there, bringing a wave of star power and media frenzy that was widely embraced by locals and tourists alike.

Bezos, 61, founder of Amazon and the world’s third-richest man, proposed to Sanchez, 55, in 2023. The engagement followed the end of his 25-year marriage to MacKenzie Scott. Sanchez was previously married to Hollywood talent agent Patrick Whitesell, with whom she shares two children, and she has a son from a previous relationship with NFL player Tony Gonzalez. Bezos and Scott share four children.

After months of speculation, Mayor Brugnaro confirmed in March that Venice would indeed host the wedding, expected to take place between June 23 and 28, spanning three days of exclusive celebrations.

Amid backlash from residents concerned about overcrowding and disruption, local authorities emphasised that the wedding guest list is capped at around 200 people and that daily life in Venice will not be disturbed.

The city recently implemented a tourist entry fee to help manage growing visitor numbers, and officials appear determined to maintain a balance between global events and preserving the character of one of the world’s most unique urban landscapes.

(With Reuters input)