Protesters plan to interrupt Jeff Bezos’ wedding in Italy.
Italian activists are preparing to stage protests during the upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez, which is set to take place in Venice from June 24 to June 26, 2025. The collective, known as No Space for Bezos, has initiated a campaign against the event, expressing concerns about the impact of billionaires and wealthy tourists on the iconic Italian city. This protest aims to raise awareness about broader issues, such as income inequality and the commercialization of cultural landmarks.
In anticipation of Bezos’s high-profile wedding, which is expected to draw a guest list of major celebrities including Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Kim Kardashian, activists are planning to commandeer narrow streets and canals in Venice, limiting access for Bezos and his guests. The group has utilized banners and signs to communicate their message, advocating for a citywide discussion about the influence of affluent individuals on local communities and resources.
Fedrica Toninelli, a supporter of No Space for Bezos, articulated the activists’ viewpoint, stating that they seek to challenge the narrative represented by billionaires like Bezos, who they believe embody a societal future that they do not want for Venice. The residents are concerned that events like Bezos’s wedding reinforce a trend towards high-end tourism that diminishes the authentic cultural experience of the city.
Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has expressed disappointment with the protests, stating that such events should be welcomed, as they bring economic benefits to the city. Local business leaders, such as Setrak Tokatzian of the Association of St. Mark’s shopkeepers, argue that high-profile events ultimately provide jobs and sustain local commerce, warning that rejecting such opportunities may lead to a decline in quality tourism experiences.
The wedding ceremony is anticipated to occur at the historic Church of the Abbey of Misericordia, situated on the picturesque island of San Giorgio, near the famed St. Mark’s Square. While the exact details remain unconfirmed, the celebrity guest list and the location indicate a significant and lavish celebration.
As preparations for the wedding intensify, it remains to be seen how the protests will impact the event and the community’s response. The juxtaposition of wealth and social activism will likely shape the narrative around this high-profile gathering in one of the world’s most beloved cities. Bezos, whose net worth is estimated at approximately 0 billion, continues to be a polarizing figure in discussions about economic disparity and the responsibilities that accompany such wealth.
