‘Eat the rich': Protesters protest Bezos-Sanchez wedding in Venice, decrying wealth and environmental impact
VENICE, June 29 — At least 500 protesters marched through Venice yesterday, condemning Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's wedding to journalist Lauren Sanchez, a lavish affair that has drawn backlash in the historic Italian city.
'Bezos, out of the lagoon', the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: 'Eat the rich', 'Rejected', and accusations that Venice's mayor is 'corrupt'.
The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the 'No place for Bezos' group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city.
'We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land,' said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with 'No Space for Bezos' who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV.
Protesters later unfurled a large 'No place for Bezos' banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal.
People take part in a protest 'No Space for Bezos' a day after the wedding ceremony of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, at Venice's train station on June 28, 2025. — AFP pic
Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that 'Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's'.
'We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in,' he added.
Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square.
The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball last night — as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image.
Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates. — AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Austrian GP follows Miami in extending F1 contract to 2041
SPIELBERG: The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring will stay on the calendar through 2041 after announcing today a contract extension that equals Miami as the longest in Formula One. The current deal, last extended two years ago, ran to 2030. The circuit in Spielberg is owned by the Austrian energy drinks company that owns Red Bull Racing, and has Dutch four times world champion Max Verstappen as their star driver, and Italy-based Racing Bulls. Miami agreed a 10-year extension to 2041 last month. Behind them, Bahrain has a deal to 2036, Melbourne to 2035, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to at least 2032. "Austria has long been an incredibly special race for Formula One so it's fantastic we have secured the long-term future of a Grand Prix so deeply rooted in the sport's history," said Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali. Verstappen has won a record five times in Spielberg, a 4.3km circuit known for its picturesque backdrop and undulating layout. The late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, whose son Mark is now at the helm, invested heavily in renovating the circuit. "I am delighted that Formula One will remain at the Red Bull Ring for many years to come. I am proud to continue my father's legacy," he said. - REUTERS
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
‘Eat the rich': Protesters protest Bezos-Sanchez wedding in Venice, decrying wealth and environmental impact
VENICE, June 29 — At least 500 protesters marched through Venice yesterday, condemning Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's wedding to journalist Lauren Sanchez, a lavish affair that has drawn backlash in the historic Italian city. 'Bezos, out of the lagoon', the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: 'Eat the rich', 'Rejected', and accusations that Venice's mayor is 'corrupt'. The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the 'No place for Bezos' group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city. 'We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land,' said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with 'No Space for Bezos' who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV. Protesters later unfurled a large 'No place for Bezos' banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal. People take part in a protest 'No Space for Bezos' a day after the wedding ceremony of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, at Venice's train station on June 28, 2025. — AFP pic Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that 'Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's'. 'We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in,' he added. Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square. The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball last night — as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image. Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates. — AFP
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
'Eat the rich': Venice protests shadow Bezos wedding
VENICE: At least 500 protesters marched through Venice on Saturday, condemning Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's wedding to journalist Lauren Sanchez, a lavish affair that has drawn backlash in the historic Italian city. "Bezos, out of the lagoon", the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: "Eat the rich", "Rejected", and accusations that Venice's mayor is "corrupt". The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the "No place for Bezos" group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city. "We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land," said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with "No Space for Bezos" who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV. Protesters later unfurled a large "No place for Bezos" banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that "Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's". "We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in," he added. Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square. The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball Saturday night -- as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image. Guests included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, American football star Tom Brady, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates. - AFP
