Outlook Business Desk
Over 500 Venetians marched through the city to protest Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding, calling it a symbol of unchecked wealth burdening an already fragile and overcrowded Venice.
Protesters marched peacefully through Venice carrying signs like “Eat the Rich”, “Bezos, Out of the Lagoon,” and “No Place for Bezos,” while criticising the mayor for permitting the lavish wedding.
The protest group “No Place for Bezos” led the rally, opposing how the rich use Venice as a playground while locals struggle with rising housing costs, overtourism and climate threats like flooding.
As Bezos and Sánchez planned their after-party, protesters returned with signs like “Kisses Yes, Bezos No” and “No Bezos, No War.” Activists claimed pressure forced the event’s venue shift to the Arsenale.
The wedding took place on Friday, June 27, 2025, on Venice’s private San Giorgio Island, with 200 celebrity and business guests. Details stayed private until Lauren Sánchez shared a photo of the couple in wedding attire.
Jeff Bezos also donated €1mn to Venice environmental groups, but protesters called it greenwashing, saying it doesn’t address tourism impact or economic inequality.
Venice leaders defended the wedding, highlighting the city’s tradition of hosting global dignitaries. They denied claims that the event caused harm or disruption.
For many residents, the wedding highlighted how Venice is shaped by the wealthy’s interests, often at locals’ expense. A protester said, “Venice is not a playground for billionaires—it’s our home.”