Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, 61, and journalist Lauren Sanchez, 55, are expected to marry in a lavish, multimillion-dollar wedding in Venice, part of a three-day celebration – despite protests from locals.
While some Venetians have expressed support for the high-profile event, opposition has intensified in recent days. Activist group No Space for Bezos unfurled a banner with the Amazon founder’s name crossed out from the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, the secluded island where the couple are expected to tie the knot.
Protesters claimed “victory” after the couple reportedly moved the main celebration from its original location at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, in the heart of Venice, to the Arsenale – a more secure venue further from the city centre. Organisers are said to have relocated the event in response to rising security concerns and mounting public pressure.
Despite the backlash, the wedding – dubbed by some as the "wedding of the century" – is expected to draw a glittering roster of up to 250 A-list guests from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and finance. The star-studded guest list includes Elon Musk, Ivanka Trump, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Around 90 private jets are expected to land at local airports throughout the week, underscoring the scale and extravagance of the celebrations in one of the world's most iconic – and fragile – cities.
