Campaigners in Venice have celebrated a win after Jeff Bezos was reportedly compelled to change the venue for his wedding festivities due to activist pressure as guests began arriving for the three-day event. The high-profile wedding of Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, a former TV journalist, was initially set to take place at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a stunning 16th-century building located in the heart of Venice.
Activists, under the banner of the No Space for Bezos group, expressed their determination by threatening to fill the city’s canals with inflatable crocodiles to obstruct celebrity arrivals. Their tactics appeared to have an impact, as the couple opted to move the event to Arsenale, a historic and fortified shipyard complex, which would be more secure against potential disruptions.
Concerns for safety also played a role in the venue change, particularly in light of rising tensions following the U.S. involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran, notably with Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, making her arrival in Venice. Local authorities have ramped up security measures throughout the city, especially in the Jewish Quarter.
Around 200 wedding guests, which may include prominent figures like Elon Musk, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio, are expected to arrive in Venice, with reports suggesting that approximately 95 private planes are scheduled to land at the city’s airport. While exact details remain unclear, festivities are thought to commence on Thursday, with vows exchanged in the historic San Giorgio Maggiore basilica on Friday.
Activists have shifted their focus to a march dubbed “no Bezos, no war” in response to the event, echoing sentiments that it symbolizes a clash between wealth and social justice. Greenpeace Italia has also joined the protests, emphasizing the environmental and social injustices associated with luxury events amid current global crises.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro of Venice expressed his disapproval of the protests, stating that those against the wedding are opposing individuals who contribute to the city’s wealth. Meanwhile, Matteo Pressi, the mayor of Soàve, has extended an invitation to the couple, suggesting they consider his picturesque village for their celebration, highlighting the charm of Italy beyond Venice itself.
This unfolding situation not only showcases the conflict between personal celebrations of wealth and public activism but also underscores the deeper social and environmental issues that are gaining prominence in today’s discourse. As discussions surrounding the impact of wealth on society continue, this event in Venice brings to light significant questions about responsibility and community values.