Hundreds in Venice protest over Bezos wedding extravaganza
The couple was married on June 27 in a private ceremony on the secluded island of San Giorgio, attended by about 200 celebrity guests.
While the event drew global attention, it angered many Venetians. Activists accused Bezos of using the city to display wealth, while local residents continue to struggle with problems like overtourism, rising housing costs, and increasing flood risks due to climate change.
On the final day of the festivities, protesters from across Italy joined locals in Venice, waving signs that read "Kisses Yes, Bezos No" and "No Bezos, No War." With only about 50,000 residents, Venice has long faced pressure from massive tourism.
"We're here to disrupt the plans of the rich, who make their fortunes at the expense of others, while this city remains in crisis," said protester Martina Vergnano. Demonstrators claimed their protest led to a change in party venue—from the original site to the Arsenale, a historic shipyard.
Bezos donated 1 million euros each to three environmental groups working in Venice, according to Corila, a local research association. However, activists dismissed the donations as a public relations move. "We want a Venice that belongs to its people," said Flavio Cogo, a local activist. "These donations are crumbs meant to ease Bezos' conscience."
The wedding itself remained secretive until Sánchez posted a photo on Instagram, smiling in a white gown beside Bezos in a tuxedo. The guest list was packed with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Bill Gates, and the Kardashian-Jenner family. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner also attended.
The couple stayed at the luxury Aman Venice hotel on the Grand Canal. Photos showed Sánchez blowing kisses to reporters, while Bezos posed for the cameras. One protest sign mocked the excess: "The planet is burning but don't worry, here's the list of the 27 dresses of Lauren Sánchez."
Despite the backlash, Venice's city officials defended the event, saying it fits with the city's long history as a welcoming place for everyone, from emperors to everyday tourists.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
16 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Human rights complaint against Bell Media has been resolved, ex-CP24 personality Patricia Jaggernauth says
In an Instagram post, Jaggernauth said the the matter has been resolved 'to the mutual satisfaction of Bell Media and Patricia Jaggernauth.'
Calgary Herald
a day ago
- Calgary Herald
U.K. singer arrested in U.S. after being denied entry into Canada. She overstayed her visa by 26 years
Article content A British singer was arrested in the United States after being denied entry into Canada. Article content Jane Eugene Sendall Peters, known professionally as Jane Eugene, was in the Niagara Falls, New York area two months ago when she was stopped by American authorities. She had overstayed her visa by at least 26 years, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Article content Article content Article content Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in the U.S. in 1999, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in an emailed statement to National Post on Wednesday. At that time, McLaughlin said, Peters had already overstayed her visa. Article content Article content 'On May 3, 2025, Peters was encountered in Niagara Falls, NY after being refused entry to Canada. U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested her and she is pending a hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review,' per McLaughlin's statement. Article content Peters was in the British R&B band Loose Ends, formed in 1980, per the band's official website. Several of the band's songs were hits in the U.K., making the top 40 singles list throughout the 1980s. The band's single Hangin' On A String has been streamed on Spotify more than 21 million times. Article content Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by Loose Ends (@looseendsmusic) Article content Peters eventually left the band, although they reunited in 1998 for a project, per Daily Mail. Peters has continued to perform. On her official Facebook page, there are videos of her posted on stage in late April. Peters promoted an April 19 show in Atlanta, which she said was sold out, in a Facebook video. Article content Article content She called the creation of music with Loose Ends 'spiritual' in an interview on the 217 Today podcast in January. 'When you listen to the album,' she said, 'people feel amazing things from listening to our music.' Article content She said people told her that her music got them through hard times. Article content 'It really means more to them than we ever thought,' she said. 'To think that this music has lasted since 1980 — and what are we in now? 2025. No, I never thought it would last that long.' Article content According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), anyone who has accrued one year or more of 'unlawful presence' during a single stay will be inadmissible if they seek entry into the U.S. again within 10 years of leaving or being removed. 'Unlawful presence is any period of time when you are present in the United States without being admitted or paroled, or when you are present in the United States after your 'period of stay authorized by the Secretary' expires,' says USCIS.
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Edmonton Journal
U.K. singer arrested in U.S. after being denied entry into Canada. She overstayed her visa by 26 years
A British singer was arrested in the United States after being denied entry into Canada. Article content Jane Eugene Sendall Peters, known professionally as Jane Eugene, was in the Niagara Falls, New York area two months ago when she was stopped by American authorities. She had overstayed her visa by at least 26 years, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Article content Article content Article content Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in the U.S. in 1999, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in an emailed statement to National Post on Wednesday. At that time, McLaughlin said, Peters had already overstayed her visa. Article content Article content Peters was in the British R&B band Loose Ends, formed in 1980, per the band's official website. Several of the band's songs were hits in the U.K., making the top 40 singles list throughout the 1980s. The band's single Hangin' On A String has been streamed on Spotify more than 21 million times. Article content Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by Loose Ends (@looseendsmusic) Article content Peters eventually left the band, although they reunited in 1998 for a project, per Daily Mail. Peters has continued to perform. On her official Facebook page, there are videos of her posted on stage in late April. Peters promoted an April 19 show in Atlanta, which she said was sold out, in a Facebook video. Article content Article content She called the creation of music with Loose Ends 'spiritual' in an interview on the 217 Today podcast in January. 'When you listen to the album,' she said, 'people feel amazing things from listening to our music.' Article content She said people told her that her music got them through hard times. Article content 'It really means more to them than we ever thought,' she said. 'To think that this music has lasted since 1980 — and what are we in now? 2025. No, I never thought it would last that long.' Article content According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), anyone who has accrued one year or more of 'unlawful presence' during a single stay will be inadmissible if they seek entry into the U.S. again within 10 years of leaving or being removed. 'Unlawful presence is any period of time when you are present in the United States without being admitted or paroled, or when you are present in the United States after your 'period of stay authorized by the Secretary' expires,' says USCIS.
