Latest news with #PatrickWhitesell
CBS News
2 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding is celebrated with celebrity guests in Venice. See the photos.
Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former TV journalist Lauren Sánchez got married in Venice, Italy, on Friday, with a star-studded celebrity guest list joining them for the festivities. Sánchez posted a photo of the couple on Instagram, showing herself in a fitted wedding dress with a long train, high neck and lace sleeves, and Bezos in a classic black tuxedo, as their guests clapped. Wedding location details have been kept under wraps, but Italian newspapers and Venetian locals predicted it would take place at San Giorgio Maggiore, one of the Venetian islands, which is known for the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Bezos and Sanchez invited some 200 guests, according to media reports. Jeff Bezos waves from a water taxi on June 27, 2025 in Venice, Sanchez blows a kiss to the camera ahead of her anticipated wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, in Venice, Italy, on Friday, June 27, 2025. Antonio Calanni/AP This is the second marriage for both Bezos, 61, and Sánchez, 55. Bezos was previously married to philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, but the pair divorced in 2019. Sánchez's first marriage to Patrick Whitesell, the executive chair of the talent firm Endeavor, also ended in 2019. Ahead of the nuptials, movie stars, TV personalities and business titans were sighted around Venice. Some were seen arriving on Thursday at the Madonna dell'Orto church for the first of several planned events. Some of the more recognizable names seen in photos include Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, the Kardashians and Jenners, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Tom Brady, Bill Gates, Diane von Furstenberg, Usher, Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. The influx of so much money and star power prompted protests from local Venetian residents, who launched the "No Space for Bezos" campaign. It comes amid a broader pushback against an overload of tourists across Europe, with some blaming the crowds of visitors for increased costs and rent. But nothing seemed to mar the celebratory mood as Bezos, Sánchez and their guests gathered for the big day. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos leaves the Aman Hotel in Venice wearing a tuxedo on June 27, 2025. STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP via Getty Images Lauren Sanchez leaves her hotel in Venice ahead of her wedding celebrations with Jeff Bezos, June 27, 2025. Luca Bruno/AP The boat carrying Jeff Bezos travels past St. Mark's Square in Venice on the way to celebrations of his wedding to Lauren Sanchez, on Friday, June 27, 2025. Luigi Costantini / AP A motorboat transports Amazon founder Jeff Bezos towards San Giorgio Maggiore on the second day of festivities celebrating his wedding to Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, June 27, 2025. Yara Nardi / REUTERS Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian leave the Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice on June 27, 2025. STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP via Getty Images Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King leave the Gritti Palace Hotel for the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice on June 27, 2025. ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images Khloé Kardashian leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice on June 27, 2025. Luigi Costantini / AP Brooks Nader leaves a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice on June 27, 2025. Luigi Costantini / AP Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner are seen ahead of the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore on June 27, 2025 in Venice, Italy. Luigi Iorio/Kylie Jenner is helped into a water taxi in Venice on the second day of the wedding festivities of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, June 27, 2025. Yara Nardi / REUTERS Orlando Bloom is seen ahead of the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding in Venice on June 27, 2025. Luigi Iorio/Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah leaves the St. Regis Hotel in Venice on the second day of the wedding festivities of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, June 27, 2025. Guglielmo Mangiapane / REUTERS Ellie Goulding and friends ahead of the Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wedding on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore on June 27, 2025 in Venice, Italy. Luigi Iorio/Leonardo DiCaprio leaves Gritti Palace in Venice with a black baseball cap shielding his face, ahead of the wedding festivities of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, June 27, 2025. Guglielmo Mangiapane / REUTERS Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump leave the St. Regis Hotel in Venice on June 27, 2025. MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images Usher and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea leave a hotel ahead of the anticipated wedding celebrations of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy, on June 27, 2025. Luigi Costantini / AP Kris Jenner leaves Gritti Palace on the second day of the wedding festivities of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, in Venice, Italy, June 27, 2025. Yara Nardi / REUTERS Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian take a selfie on their way to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Venice on June 27, 2025. Luigi Iorio/Pre-wedding festivities Celebrations started on Thursday, with guests gathering for a reception ahead of the wedding day. Photos captured many celebrity guests boarding water taxis and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez leave a hotel for their pre-wedding reception in Venice, Italy, Thursday, June 26, 2025. Luca Bruno/AP Jeff Bezos waves as he and Lauren Sanchez leave a hotel for their pre-wedding reception in Venice, June 26, 2025. Luca Bruno/AP Bill Gates and partner Paula Hurd leave after a visit at the Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia, ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding, on June 27, 2025. ANDREA PATTARO/AFP via Getty Images Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner are sighted ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding on June 26, 2025, in Venice, Italy. Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images Tom Brady, center, leaves a hotel for the pre-wedding reception of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, June 26, 2025. Antonio Calanni/AP Orlando Bloom, center, leaves a hotel for the pre-wedding reception of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, June 26, 2025. Antonio Calanni/AP Lydia Kives stands on a balcony of the Gritti Palace in Venice, ahead of the wedding of Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos with Lauren Sanchez, on June 26, 2026. MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images Usher arrives in Venice, Italy, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding. Luigi Costantini/AP Leonardo Di Caprio is sighted ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding at Hotel Gritti in Venice on June 26, 2025. Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images Vittoria Ceretti, center right, and Edward Enninful, center left, leave a hotel for the pre-wedding reception of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, June 26, 2025. Antonio Calanni/AP Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are seen ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding at Hotel Gritti on June 26, 2025 in Venice, Italy. Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images Orlando Bloom is sighted ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding at Hotel Gritti on June 26, 2025, in Venice, Italy. Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images Domenico Dolce, left, arrives in Venice on June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding. Luigi Costantini/AP Usher and wife Jennifer Goicoechea take a selfie on a taxi boat in the Venice lagoon ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding, June 27, 2025. STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP via Getty Images Barry Diller, left, and Diane von Furstenberg arrive in Venice on June 26, 2025, ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding. Luigi Costantini/AP
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Is Lauren Sánchez's Ex-Husband? All About Talent Executive Patrick Whitesell
Lauren Sánchez and Patrick Whitesell were married for 14 years and welcomed two children together before their 2019 divorce Whitesell is a Hollywood talent agent and executive He married model Pia Whitesell in 2021Lauren Sánchez's wedding to Jeff Bezos is taking place on June 27 — but it's not her first trip down the aisle. The former Good Day L.A. co-host was previously married to Hollywood talent agent Patrick Whitesell. The pair wed in August 2005 and went on to welcome two children, Evan and Ella. Sánchez also has a son named Nikko, whom she welcomed with NFL player Tony Gonzalez. Sánchez and Whitesell eventually filed for divorce in April 2019 — just a few months after PEOPLE confirmed that she and Bezos were dating. Whitesell is now married to model Pia Whitesell. They tied the knot in 2021 and share a blended family, which includes Pia's two sons from previous relationships. So, who is Lauren Sánchez's ex-husband? Here's everything to know about Patrick Whitesell and his relationship with the former TV host. Whitesell was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was raised by his parents, Jack and Patricia, and is the youngest of their six sons, according to The Athletic. His oldest brother, John, is a TV and film director, while his second-oldest brother, Christopher, is a Daytime Emmy-winning TV writer. Tom, the third son, is a Los Angeles banking executive, and Jim, the fourth son, is a college basketball coach. Meanwhile, Sean, the second youngest Whitesell brother, was a TV producer, actor and writer of series like House and Cold Case. He died in 2015 at age 52 after being diagnosed with brain cancer. The youngest Whitesell brother graduated from Luther College in 1987 before starting his career in the InterTalent mailroom, per Bloomberg. He went on to become an agent at United Talent Agency (UTA) and eventually led the talent department at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In 2001, he joined talent agency Endeavor, bringing along several celebrity clients including Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston, per The New York Times. Eight years later, he helped orchestrate the company's 2009 merger with William Morris Agency. Whitesell also launched a yet-to-be-named media company in March 2025, per Variety. Whitesell and Sánchez married in 2005. Although they announced their separation in January 2019, they continued living together. 'Over the last two or three years, their marriage felt more like a business relationship,' an insider told PEOPLE at the time. Whitesell and Sánchez officially filed for divorce in April 2019 and reached a settlement that October. During their marriage, Whitesell and Sánchez welcomed two children. Their son, Evan, was born in June 2006, while their daughter, Eleanor "Ella" Patricia, arrived in January 2008. Sánchez is also a mom to son Nikko from her relationship with former NFL player Tony Gonzalez. Whitesell and Sánchez have largely kept their children off their social media accounts. Occasionally, though, the mom of three will share about her kids online. In November 2021, Sánchez shared a photo with Ella and Evan on a hike and wrote 'Love these precious moments" in the caption. Whitesell married Pia, an Australian actress and model, in 2021. The couple made their first public appearance together at the 2019 Casamigos Halloween party. Pia has two sons, Lennox and Isaiah, from previous relationships, but she also isn't shy about showing her love for Whitesell's children. In May 2025, she and Whitesell attended Evan's high school graduation. "CONGRATULATIONS EVAN!!" she wrote on her Instagram Stories about the event. "We love you so much 🤍 @evan_whitesell ✨." In February 2025, Pia also gave her husband a sweet birthday shout-out on Instagram. "Here's to many more years of laughter, love, and making incredible memories. We love you deeply," she wrote. "You've worked so hard, loved so deeply, and led with such GRACE. I Love you always." Read the original article on People
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Patrick Whitesell is all smiles as he enjoys lunch with friends in LA - while ex-wife Lauren Sanchez weds Jeff Bezos in Venice
Patrick Whitesell proved he has well and truly moved on from ex-wife Lauren Sanchez following her illicit affair with Jeff Bezos six years ago. The US journalist, 55, and Amazon founder, 61, have now tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Venice, Italy, saying 'I do' in front of their A-list friends. But Patrick, 60, who is now married to stunning Aussie model Pia Whitesell, didn't have a care in the world on Thursday as he enjoyed lunch in Los Angeles. The Endeavor Talent Agency executive chairman kept his look casual as he and his pals arrived at Craig's in West Hollywood. Wearing a pair of white-washed jeans and a black, long-sleeved shirt, the multi-millionaire sat down for a four-hour lunch with his friends. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The US journalist and Amazon founder have now tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Venice, Italy, saying 'I do' in front of their A-list friends He appeared to be in high spirits as he paired his look with a set of crisp white sneakers and designer sunglasses. Patrick even offered a joyful wave for onlookers before he slipped into the ritzy restaurant. Wife Pia, who is considered one of the most beautiful women in Australia, also appeared content with her life of luxury on Friday. The former Home and Away star appeared unperturbed by the highly-publicised wedding happening between her husband's ex and Jeff this weekend. She was spotted going for a stroll in LA with a friend, flaunting her natural beauty as pouring her figure into skin-tight athleisure wear. The TV star and her wealthy husband appear to be enjoying the quiet life as Lauren and Jeff tie the knot in an ostentatious, three-day ceremony across the ocean in Italy. Lauren and Jeff made headlines six years ago when their illicit affair came to light, effectively ending two marriages – Lauren and Patrick, and Jeff and MacKenzie Scott. Now, Lauren has shared the first look at her stunning wedding dress from her and Jeff's $20 million Venetian wedding in front of their glamorous celebrity friends. The bride took to Instagram moments after saying 'I do' on Saturday to share a photo of the couple together, where she showed off her glamorous Dolce & Gabbana gown. Described as the 'wedding of a century', the Amazon founder and former journalist have welcomed nearly 200 VIPs to Venice for three days of lavish celebrations. The nuptials come two years after Jeff asked Lauren to marry him on his $500 million superyacht. Jeff and Lauren welcomed a slew of their famous friends to witness the nuptials, including Gayle King, Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, Orlando Bloom, and Usher. Leonardo DiCaprio, Sydney Sweeney, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner, amongst others, also attended. The romantic ceremony took place on San Giorgio Maggiore island, and guests were treated to trumpets, violins and a Gospel Choir when they arrived. The festivities kicked off earlier in the week and the multi-day affair is said to have cost $20 million. Last night, as the couple enjoyed a pre-wedding party inside the historic Madonna dell'Orto cloisters, it was revealed Jeff and Lauren had already married legally. But the couple's lavish celebration has been far from plain sailing with a freak thunderstorm forcing guests to take cover during Thursday night's party. Protesters also planned to disrupt the celebrations and forced a late venue change. Determined not to let the disruptions dampen her day, Lauren has shared glimpses into her wedding preparations on Instagram. She revealed it took a massive team to get her into her stunning gown, with one photo showing her surrounded by seven people as she put on the Dolce & Gabbana dress. Two of them were seen adjusting the back of it while a third worked on the enormous train; the rest stood around the blushing bride. In the caption, she wrote: 'Not just a gown, a piece of poetry. Thank you @DolceGabbana for the magic you made.' Another image showed her standing in the gown, while a third featured a man helping her put her veil on. Lauren also posed in the exquisite wedding dress for a pre-wedding photoshoot with Vogue magazine. The former Home and Away star appeared unperturbed by the highly-publicised wedding happening between her husband's ex and Jeff this weekend While chatting with the publication, she recalled feeling like a 'princess' during her dress fitting, which took place in Milan. 'It was more powerful than I thought,' she added of the moment she put it on for the first time. She also revealed Jeff had begged to see her in the gown, but as is tradition for most brides, she explained she wasn't going to let him lay his eyes upon it until the big day. 'I almost gave in,' she admitted. 'But I want it to be a surprise. As you get a little older, not many things surprise you. I can't wait to see his face.' Lauren was quick to change her Instagram username to include her new name, swapping it to @laurensanchezbezos and wiping out all of her old posts. Just an hour later, she followed up with some behind-the-scenes snaps of her wedding gown. Guests at the luxurious wedding ceremony were greeted to the sounds of trumpets, violins and a Gospel Choir when they arrived. The choir also broke out into song again after the couple said 'I do', belting out Whitney Houston's Higher Love. Guests were heard cheering and singing along during the touching moment. Opera star Matteo Bocelli kicked off the couple's wedding reception, opening up his set with the iconic Elvis Presley track I Can't Help Falling in Love With You. The son of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli was called in as his dad is performing in concerts in southern Italy this weekend and couldn't attend. Hours earlier, Lauren made her first appearance of the day when she was spotted leaving the five star Aman Hotel in a ladylike white Dior puff sleeve suit. The award-winning journalist paired it with a head scarf and oversized sunglasses. She also appeared to show off a brand new enormous diamond ring for the occasion. Jeff and Lauren are said to have rented out a number of places in Venice to celebrate the lavish nuptials. An insider told last week San Georgio Maggiore island is largely 'off-limits to visitors' from June 24 to June 29.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Showing up Lauren Sanchez! Patrick Whitesell's Aussie wife shows off her natural beauty as she steps out in LA - while his ex-wife pulls out all the stops in epic Venice wedding to Jeff Bezos
Patrick Whitesell's gorgeous Aussie wife Pia was all smiles on Friday as she stepped out for a stroll in LA, flaunting her natural beauty and slim physique. The Hollywood agent, 60, and his actress partner, 41, have been the talk of the town this week as his ex-wife prepares to marry her affair partner Jeff Bezos. Lauren Sanchez and the Amazon founder, 61, made headlines six years ago when their illicit affair came to light, effectively ending two marriages – Lauren, 55, and Patrick, and Jeff and MacKenzie Scott. But while Jeff and Lauren put on an over-the-top wedding in Venice, Pia proved she has no care in the world as she enjoyed a day out in the sun with a friend. The former Home and Away star radiated joy as she showed off her figure and model good looks in casual athleisure wear. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She slipped her long legs into a pair of black leggings and flashed her toned midriff with a cropped grey tank top. Opting for a fresh-faced look with minimal makeup, Pia tucked her dark locks beneath a black cap and accessorised with a pair of bright green sneakers. Pia appeared to be engrossed in easy conversation with her walking buddy, and carried a bottle of water to stay hydrated. The TV star enjoyed the quiet life as her husband's ex-wife prepared to tie the knot in a highly publicised and ostentatious ceremony across the ocean in Italy. Lauren and Jeff were spotted stepping onto a water taxi in Venice on Friday as they made their way to a star-studded rehearsal dinner. The soon-to-be Mrs Bezos, who received a $3million engagement ring in 2023, gave onlookers a glimpse of what we can expect from a wedding said to cost up to $20million. She shuffled onto the Venetian canal vehicle in a constrictive gown with an extremely cinched waist and shimmering gold corset. Culled from Schiaparelli's 2025 couture collection, the dress wasn't bespoke but it certainly took some clout to secure it and comes with a price tag of up to $100,000. The structured frock will certainly be a standout at the rehearsal, which Lauren will need in a room filled with some of the world's biggest stars. A-list guests like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner were spotted running for cover amid a freak thunderstorm during a pre-wedding party. The lavish event held at the Madonna dell'Orto cloisters marked the start of the billionaire couple's lavish three-day wedding in Venice, Italy. However, day one saw guests dive for cover as lightning bolts flashed across the sky and thunder rumbled overhead at the end of what was a torridly humid day. Torrential downpours and strong wind left guests soaked as they dashed for water taxis which had been scrambled a good 45 minutes ahead of the midnight finish time. The strong gusts of winds whipped tablecloths away and sent waiters scurrying for umbrellas to protect the VIP attendees. One onlooker said: 'It just goes to show you can have all the money in the world but you can't control the weather - although an Italian saying says a wet bride is a happy and lucky bride.' Lauren and Jeff are set to tie the knot on Friday, June 27, in Venice, Italy, after a two-year engagement. Opting for a fresh-faced look with minimal makeup, Pia tucked her dark locks beneath a black cap and accessorised with a pair of bright green sneakers The Amazon billionaire and his bride-to-be are said to have invited 200 people to their three-day Italian wedding. Along with Kim Kardashian, Ellie Goulding, Khloé Kardashian and Ivanka Trump, the star-studded guest list includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, Oprah Winfrey, Orlando Bloom and Tom Brady. Earlier this week, a copy of the couple's invite was leaked, with one very specific request made on behalf of the couple. They've asked guests not to buy them any presents and told them they'll be making donations to multiple charities working to stop Venice from sinking on attendees' behalf instead. Jeff is thought to be spending roughly $15 to $20million on his and Lauren's Italian nuptials. On Thursday, a source closely connected to the organisation of the week's events revealed to exclusively that Jeff and Lauren are already legally married. 'They have been married for at least a month, more than a month. The marriage is fully legal and took place in America under American law,' the insider revealed. 'When they were planning the wedding, they were clear about the fact that they were already secretly married. 'There is no application for a wedding license from the couple because it was not required. 'Whatever happens at the wedding on Friday, it will not be a wedding. Under Italian law, it will not be a wedding celebration, any vows said or rings exchanged will have no legal meaning.' The source also claimed Jeff had personally confirmed he and Lauren are already legally married, and they had also signed a prenuptial agreement to protect his $244billion fortune. Greenpeace and the UK-based collective Everyone Hates Elon have joined protests in Venice, attempting to disrupt, or even prevent, the planned wedding celebrations of Amazon founder Jeff this week. 'Jeff Bezos is the second-richest man in the world, yet is reported to pay a 1.1 per cent true tax rate,' the two groups said in a joint statement. 'The multi-million-dollar wedding is reportedly happening over three days, with the wedding ring alone worth as much as $5million.' A spokesperson from Everyone Hates Elon said: 'As governments talk about hard choices and struggle to fund public services, Jeff Bezos can afford to shut down half a city for days on end just to get married.' 'If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax,' one gigantic banner read in St. Mark's Square. Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro and regional governor Luca Zaia have spoken out in favor of the nuptials, which have been dubbed, 'the wedding of the century' pointing out the celebrations are expected to bring $23-34million to local businesses. 'This is a city that handles 150,000 people a day,' Zaia told Italian daily Corriere della Sera. 'George Clooney, François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek, Alexandre Arnault, Elton John and many others got married here.' Jeff has also pledged to make sizable charity donations, including $1.16million to Corila – an academic consortium dedicated to studying Venice's lagoon ecosystem – according to Corriere della Sera and Italy's ANSA news agency. Earlier this month, anti-Bezos banners were hung in Venice from St. Mark's Tower with 'Bezos' in blue capital letters and a red X over it as part of a 'No Space for Bezos' campaign, a play on Jeff' Blue Origin spaceflight venture. More outrage was sparked Thursday as Jeff and Lauren's wedding guests descended upon the Madonna dell Orto for the rain-soaked pre-party. The chaos caused by the star-studded event reportedly forced canals to shut down and tourists to cancel reservations in Venice. According to one business owner who runs a kayak renting service in the area, the bridges were 'closed off' to make way for Lauren, Jeff, and their guests, leaving customers unable to reach them. 'We had a party of clients booked for Thursday night. But they were unable to get through to us because the bridges were all closed off,' they shared. 'Despite them having booking, the police wouldn't let them pass. It was party of five Americans, and they had booked an hour and a half for $100 each and so we had to cancel. 'The party involved was on a tight schedule and couldn't re-book so we will have to refund them and so we have lost money.' In addition to the bridges, the Venice local claimed the canals were also shut down and police on jet skis turned them around when they tried to get through. They added that there was 'no real notification from the council that the canal would be closed.' 'I don't begrudge [Jeff and Lauren] for getting married, but this has cost us money and of all the places in Venice they had to choose the one by us,' they added. Photos also showed police presence all over the Italian city, including officers on jet skis in the canals, as water taxis went back and forth taking Lauren and Jeff's guests from their hotels to the event. Around 20 activists were seen protesting hours before the pre-wedding party in St Mark's Square, the iconic heart of Venice. Protesters held signs that read, 'We are the 99 per cent we have the power,' 'the planet burns,' while someone even waved an extinction rebellion flag. Lauren and Jeff arrived in Venice for their wedding on Wednesday. They were photographed outside the luxurious five-star Aman Hotel — where some suites cost nearly $14,000 a night — after being dropped off by a water taxi along with 50 of their 200-something guests. They hosted a drinks reception with a playlist of romantic music, blasting More Than A Woman by the Bee Gees. They then continued to play tunes like Nina Simone's Feeling Good, Lovely Day by Bill Withers and Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. Earlier that day, in the private garden of the hotel, which is surrounded by a 10ft brick wall, staff could be heard working to erect marquees, ready for a weekend of celebrations. They also put a VIP jetty up outside the Aman Hotel for guests to use when they arrived. Days before their Venice arrival, Lauren and Jeff kicked off their wedding-week by throwing a rowdy foam party on board his $500million superyacht Koru on Sunday. Pictures obtained by of the lavish celebration show the loved-up couple covered in little more than soap suds as they relished in the summer sunshine. Jeff proposed to Lauren on the same superyacht more than two years ago in 2023. While it's unclear when exactly they started dating, Lauren and Jeff's romance was first exposed by the National Enquirer in January 2019, while they were both married to their now-exes. Soon after it was revealed, the billionaire businessman divorced his wife of more than 25 years and the mother of his four children, MacKenzie Scott, while Lauren left her husband, Patrick. At the time, the bombshell report from the Enquirer claimed Lauren and Jeff had been involved in an eight-month affair, which involved him 'whisking his mistress off to exotic destinations on his $65million private jet, sending her raunchy messages and erotic selfies, and having secret rendezvous at palatial private estates.' The outlet said it had tracked them 'across five states and 40,000 miles, tailing them in private jets, swanky limos, helicopter rides, romantic hikes, five-star hotel hideaways, intimate dinner dates and "quality time" in hidden love nests.' Following the Enquirer's accusations, Jeff fired back by writing a lengthy essay to the publication's CEO, David Pecker, in which the mogul accused the company of blackmailing him. 'Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I've decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten,' he wrote. '[After] intimate texts messages from me were published in the National Enquirer, I engaged investigators to learn how those texts were obtained, and to determine the motives for the many unusual actions taken by the Enquirer. 'We were then approached with an offer. They said they had more of my text messages and photos that they would publish if we didn't stop our investigation.' He shared alleged emails sent to him by Enquirer staffers, in which they described the racy images they had 'obtained during their newsgathering' in detail. 'If in my position I can't stand up to this kind of extortion, how many people can?' Jeff continued. 'Of course I don't want personal photos published, but I also won't participate in their well-known practice of blackmail, political favors, political attacks, and corruption. I prefer to stand up, roll this log over, and see what crawls out.' As for how Jeff and Lauren met, it's believed Lauren's husband Patrick was who first introduced the two at an Amazon studios party for the movie Manchester By the Sea in 2016. Her production team was then hired to film footage for Jeff's rocket company, Blue Origin, in 2018. 'Patrick and Lauren have socialized with Jeff Bezos and his wife for a few years, because both [former] couples have houses in Seattle,' a source told Page Six after their affair was brought to light. 'Then Lauren was hired to work on one of Jeff's projects, Blue Origin, a space-launch company. She has been shooting aerial shots for Jeff.' Despite the start of their romance being shrouded in accusations of blackmail and extortion, cheating allegations, and an explosive affair, the couple did not let it deter them. In fact, after splitting from their respective partners, Jeff and Lauren didn't wait long to start flaunting their love all over the globe. They were seen for the first time together publicly in May 2019, when photographers caught them enjoying a romantic date night in New York City, and they made their first official appearance as a couple at Wimbledon that July. Since then, the couple has not tried to hide their romance, and for the last five years, they have continuously jetted off on a slew of lavish getaways together, shared tons of PDA-filled photos on social media, gushed over one another nonstop in interviews, and attended a slew of star-studded events side by side.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Pia Whitesell continues to flaunt her lavish life with husband Patrick as his ex Lauren Sanchez prepares to marry Jeff Bezos in swanky Venice ceremony
Pia Whitesell is continuing to show off her flashy life with husband Patrick on social media as his ex-wife Lauren Sanchez ties the knot with Jeff Bezos. The Home and Away star, 41, took to Instagram to share a snapshot of her jaw-dropping $57million Bel Air mansion on Thursday as A-listers flock to Venice ahead of the high-society nuptials for the Amazon CEO and ex-journalist. The picture, initially shared by home designer Clint Nicholas, was reposted by the Aussie star and showed the stunning entrance of her California home, which she shares with her Hollywood agent husband. 'Love these mounds,' the post's caption read, showing off rock-shaped greenery that decorates the steps leading up to a glass doorway. The modern, Tuscan-style home spans more than 19,000 sq ft and sits on 1.35 acres of land, while also featuring a resort-style swimming pool, a driveway lined with olive trees and even its own maids' quarters for staff. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The picture, initially shared by home designer Clint Nicholas, was reposted by the Aussie star and showed the stunning entrance of her California home, which she shares with her Hollywood agent husband Pia has been actively posting about her luxurious lifestyle recently, giving fans a glimpse inside her not-so-humble abode. The former Home and Away star shared an idyllic photo to Instagram on Tuesday of the stunning backyard pool in her Los Angeles mansion that she shares with her mega-rich beau. The photo showed a luxurious outdoor living space complete with a pool and several umbrella-covered lounge chairs. The scene also showed some Mediterranean-style archways and a perimeter of lush greenery. 'How's the serenity?' Pia captioned the envy-inducing photo in a subtle nod to the 1997 Aussie movie The Castle. The numerous home snaps comes as Patrick's ex Lauren prepares to tie the knot with billionaire Jeff. The couple, who have been together for over six years now, have been engaged since May 2023 and plan to finally wed. It's no secret that Bezos and Sanchez are set to be married in Venice, with a slew of A-listers such as Kim Kardashian, Orlando Bloom and Ivanka Trump arriving at the Italian location over the last few days. The couple has reportedly rented out the entirety of San Giorgio – a prestigious island in Venice – for their guests for six nights. Lauren and Patrick walked down the aisle back in 2005 before welcoming two children – Evan in 2006 and Elanor in 2008. They were together for more than a decade up until her affair with Jeff was brought to light in early 2019. Pia, who was married once before to AFL footballer Brad Miller, accepted Patrick's proposal in late 2020 after he presented her with a spectacular diamond ring. The solitaire oval diamond sparkler is estimated to be worth between AUD$1.10million and AUD$1.9million. Patrick, the boss of Hollywood talent and media agency Endeavor, formerly known as WME, has an estimated net worth of AUD$630million.
