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Billionaire Shifts Wedding Venue Following Local Opposition
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sanchez have moved their wedding reception location within Venice due to ongoing protests and security considerations. The decision comes after Italian authorities expressed concerns about potential threats related to Bezos' defense contracts and recent U.S.-Iran tensions.
Venice: Beauty and Unrest
While Venice appears tranquil with summer tourists, the city has become ground zero for anti-Bezos sentiment. Posters declaring "No Space for Bezos" line alleyways as locals protest the billionaire's use of their city. "We're not against the marriage itself," explained Giosuè David of the protest group No Space for Bezos, "but against how Venice is being treated as a private playground."
New Venue Selection
The reception moves from the historic Grande Scuola Misericordia to Arsenale, a former shipyard on Venice's outskirts. Protesters claimed victory, announcing: "We've forced them to flee to Tese 91 at Arsenale. Even Bezos' yachts Koru and Abeona won't dock in Venice."
Wedding Schedule and Security
The three-day celebration culminates on June 28 with a ceremony at San Giorgio Maggiore basilica. Bezos' Pentagon connections through Amazon Web Services and Blue Origin prompted authorities to request his 417-foot sailing yacht Koru avoid the lagoon. The wedding budget reportedly approaches $10 million.
Guest List and Accommodations
Approximately 250 guests including Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Eva Longoria, the Kardashian family, Oprah Winfrey, and Leonardo DiCaprio will stay at five luxury Canal Grande hotels. The Aman Venice hotel, however, denied hosting any wedding guests.
Contrasts and Continued Protests
The event highlights tensions between international elites and Venetian residents facing overtourism. Demonstrators recently hung banners reading "If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more taxes" on the San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower. Further protests are planned, including boat blockades on wedding day.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro condemned the demonstrations as "a disgrace" while expressing honor at hosting the ceremony. Local businesses remain divided about the economic benefits versus disruption caused by the high-profile event.
