Activists in Venice, Italy are voicing their discontent over the upcoming destination wedding of tech billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez. The event, rumored to be incredibly extravagant, has divided the city, with residents expressing concerns about the implications of such a high-profile celebration amidst ongoing issues of overtourism.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, is among the richest individuals globally, boasting an estimated net worth of $231 billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. He and Sánchez, a former news anchor and licensed pilot, announced their engagement in 2023, four years after publicly revealing their relationship. Since then, their wedding plans have been shrouded in secrecy and speculation.
In April, following a widely criticized all-female spaceflight organized by Sánchez on one of Bezos' Blue Origin rockets, she humorously remarked that she needed to return safely for her wedding, highlighting the event's significance in her life.
While specific details about the wedding remain undisclosed, reports indicate it will take place in Venice in late June. Speculations suggest a multi-day celebration, potentially drawing hundreds of guests to a city already challenged by overtourism. The local government faces mounting pressure regarding the event's logistics and its impact on Venice's fragile ecosystem.
In March, Venetian officials denied media claims that large numbers of gondolas and water taxis had been booked for the wedding, which raised alarms among locals and tourists alike. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro stated that there would only be 200 guests, a manageable number for a city accustomed to hosting high-profile events.
Despite official reassurances, protests have erupted under the banner of the No Space for Bezos movement. Activists have criticized what they perceive as the privatization of their city and the prioritization of tourism over the needs of its residents. Throughout the month, protesters have displayed anti-Bezos posters across Venice, including prominent locations like the bell tower of the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica and the famous Rialto Bridge.
On Monday, activists from Greenpeace Italy and the UK group Everyone Hates Elon Musk joined the protests, unfurling a banner in St. Mark's Square that depicted Bezos laughing alongside the phrase: "If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax."
The wedding organizers, Lanza & Baucina Limited, issued a statement countering rumors of a city takeover, asserting that these claims are false. They emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruption to the city and respecting its residents. The firm clarified that the number of water taxis reserved corresponds directly to the guest count, aiming to alleviate concerns surrounding transportation disruptions.
As for the wedding's specifics, various reports suggest the festivities will span three days, with tentative dates ranging from June 24-28. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the ceremony's location, with some outlets suggesting it may occur on Bezos' 417-foot superyacht, the Koru, while others propose the private island of San Giorgio Maggiore or the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia as potential venues.
Activists are determined to disrupt the plans, asserting they will block canals and streets to prevent the event from taking place at the Misericordia. Protester Federica Toninello declared, "Bezos will never get to the Misericordia," rallying supporters to take action.
Local residents have voiced a plethora of concerns, from logistical disruptions to the potential environmental impacts of a sudden influx of luxury yachts and private jets. Protester Alice Bazzoli expressed frustration, stating, "Bezos is treating the whole city as a private ballroom," indicating a disconnect between the wealthy elite and the local populace.
Venice is facing significant challenges, including rising sea levels and the effects of mass tourism. In response, the city has implemented a daily tax on day-trippers to help manage tourist numbers. As the city grapples with its housing crisis exacerbated by short-term rental conversions, many residents are questioning the benefits of hosting such extravagant events.
Mayor Brugnaro has publicly criticized the protests, expressing shame over the dissent and asserting that the city should be proud to host Bezos. However, not all Venetians share this sentiment. The wedding organizers maintain that they have been working to ensure minimal disruption and have committed to supporting local initiatives.
In the lead-up to the wedding, Bezos has made notable donations to Venetian charities, including a million-euro contribution to Corila, an organization focused on studying Venice's lagoon ecosystem. Additionally, local businesses, such as Rosa Salva, the oldest pastry maker in Venice, are excited to contribute to the wedding festivities.
As the wedding date approaches, the tension between the celebration of wealth and the needs of the local community continues to unfold, raising critical discussions about the future of Venice and the balance between tourism and residents' quality of life.
