‘Tight Spot for Bezos’: Protestors Gather in Large Numbers Against Billionaire’s Wedding Amidst Last Day of Venice Festivities | Global Headlines

Hundreds of protesters filled the streets and waterways of Venice in opposition to the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez on the last day of their multi-million dollar festivities. The Amazon founder, aged 61, and his bride, 55, were married in a private ceremony on the secluded Venetian island of San Giorgio on Friday. Throughout the weekend, activists arose to contest the wedding, arguing it intensifies problems like overtourism, climate-induced flooding, and rising costs for locals. Demonstrators carried banners with messages such as “Kisses yes, Bezos no”, “No Bezos, no war”, and “118,000 Italian shops killed by Amazon”. The couple’s wedding, priced between £34m and £41m, took over numerous venues across the city. The newlyweds resided in a luxury hotel on the Grand Canal, with their entourage spreading out in other high-end accommodations. City officials defended hosting the nuptials, emphasizing the city’s tradition of welcoming distinguished guests. Bezos donated £850,000 to environmental research organizations committed to preserving Venice, but some activists dismissed this as an attempt to ease his conscience. Guests at the wedding included celebrities such as the Kardashians and Oprah Winfrey.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/no-space-for-bezos-hundreds-protest-against-billionaires-wedding-on-final-day-of-venice-celebrations-13389988