Jeff Bezos Moves Wedding Venue Amid Protests in Venice

VENICE, Italy — Billionaire Jeff Bezos has reportedly changed his wedding venue due to protests against his upcoming marriage to journalist Lauren Sanchez. The three-day celebration was set to occur at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a historic building in Venice, but was moved to the Arsenale, a fortified complex, to avoid disruption from activists.

Activists had threatened to block the canals with inflatable crocodiles to prevent celebrity guests from reaching the reception. The protest initiative, dubbed “No Space for Bezos,” emerged as locals expressed concern over excessive tourism and the wedding’s impact on the city.

Bezos and Sanchez’s wedding is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 26, with an estimated 200 guests, including high-profile individuals like Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian. Authorities have increased security across Venice due to rising tensions surrounding the U.S. involvement in conflicts between Israel and Iran, particularly after the arrival of Ivanka Trump in the city.

Local organizer Federica Toninello remarked, “We feel as if we scored a victory,” adding that the venue change was a direct result of their campaign to prevent a perceived exploitation of Venice. Protesters also planned a citywide demonstration under the slogan “no Bezos, no war”.

A statement from the wedding organizers, Lanza & Baucina Limited, emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruption in Venice and respecting the local community. Despite protests, city officials, including Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, have defended the event, stating it will boost the local economy.

As the event approaches, local businesses have been preparing for the arrival of guests. Some residents, however, remain skeptical about the potential impacts on their daily lives. Protester Alice Bazzoli stated, “Bezos is basically going to treat the whole city as a private ballroom.”

With summer tourism already overwhelming Venice’s infrastructure, the couple’s wedding has ignited a debate about the balance between opulent celebrations and the preservation of community needs.