Protests rock Venice over Jeff Bezos’ multi-million dollar wedding

Environmental activists and anti-tourism groups are staging protests in Venice ahead of the highly anticipated wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, accusing the American billionaire of flaunting wealth and exploiting the city’s fragile environment for personal pleasure.

The couple’s three-day wedding celebration, set to commence later this week, is reportedly costing between €20 to €30 million, according to Reuters. The extravagant event is expected to draw approximately 200 high-profile guests, including celebrities and public figures such as Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Bill Gates, and Eric Schmidt.

However, the lavish affair has triggered significant backlash from local groups and international organisations, including Greenpeace and ‘Everyone Hates Elon’. Footage shared on social media shows protesters unfurling a giant banner in St. Mark’s Square featuring a laughing image of Bezos and the stark message: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax”.

In an accompanying caption, the protesters further accused Bezos of paying his staff “poverty wages and dodging taxes,” adding, “No wonder he can afford to shut down half of Venice for his wedding this week. Tax Billionaires now.”

Simona Abbate, a Greenpeace protester, articulated the broader concern, stating, “This isn’t about the wedding. The problem is the system. We think that one big billionaire can’t rent a city for his pleasure.”

The local group ‘No Space for Bezos’ also weighed in, accusing city leaders of prioritizing elite tourism over the needs of residents. Tommaso Cacciari, a spokesperson for the group, asserted, “Bezos arrogantly believes he can take over the city and turn it into his own private party venue.” The group has also displayed anti-Bezos banners on the iconic Rialto Bridge.

Despite the opposition, authorities in Venice and the Veneto region have largely welcomed the event, anticipating an economic boost from the high-profile festivities. Luca Zaia, the regional governor, estimated the celebrations could inject up to €34 million into local businesses.

Reports suggest the wedding will take place on the exclusive island of San Giorgio, with guests arriving via more than 90 private jets at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. While the couple has not confirmed their arrival or the exact ceremony location, the event is expected to run from June 26 to 28. Bezos and Sanchez are reportedly lodging at the luxurious Aman Venice on the Grand Canal.

In a gesture aimed at mitigating concerns, Bezos is said to be making charitable donations tied to the event, including €1 million to Corila, a research body dedicated to preserving the Venice lagoon ecosystem.

Bezos, 61, was previously married to MacKenzie Scott for 25 years, with whom he shares four children. He announced his engagement to Sanchez, 55, in 2023. As of June 2025, Forbes estimates Bezos’ net worth at US$227 billion, positioning him as the fourth richest individual globally.