A big banner criticizing Jeff Bezos was placed on the ground in St. Mark's Square by Greenpeace Italy and other activists on June 23, 2025, just before his expected wedding with Lauren Sanchez in Venice. REUTERS
A big wedding in Venice is drawing both stars and strong criticism. Billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Laura Sánchez are tying the knot this week, and it’s causing quite a stir. Greenpeace and other protest groups have spoken out, saying the celebration is just another example of wealthy people using the city like a playground.
A luxury wedding with a star guest list
Around 200 guests are expected, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Famous names from film, fashion, and business are also on the guest list. Some call it the "wedding of the century." But for many people in Venice, it feels more like a show of power and wealth in a city that already suffers from too much tourism.
Locals and activists push back
Greenpeace Italy joined forces with a UK-based group called “Everyone hates Elon” to stage a protest in St Mark’s Square. They held a large banner with Bezos’ photo and a message: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax.”
Police approached the group, checked their IDs, and asked them to take the banner down. Protesters said their issue isn’t the wedding itself, but the system that allows it.
“We think that one big billionaire can’t rent a city for his pleasure,” protester Simona Abbate said.
City leaders defend the wedding
Venice’s mayor and the regional governor support the wedding. They say it helps the local economy. Governor Luca Zaia estimated that the celebration could cost between 20 and 30 million euros.
Boat operators, gondoliers, and other small businesses are expected to benefit. Reports also say Bezos will donate a million euros to Corila, a group that studies the Venice lagoon’s ecosystem.
Tension builds ahead of celebrations
Earlier this month, banners against Bezos were spotted hanging from Venice’s famous landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s bell tower. Locals have talked about peaceful blockades. Many say Venice needs better housing and public services, not more celebrity events.
They worry that big events like this push regular people out of the city while turning Venice into a backdrop for the rich.
Wedding plans stay private
The couple has kept details of the event secret. However, sources believe the wedding will happen over three days, likely between June 26 and 28. Even with limited information, the buzz—and the backlash—continues to grow.
