Tech billionaire Jeff Bezos is set to marry journalist Lauren Sánchez in Venice, Italy, in a three-day extravaganza expected to cost $23-$34 million. However, the event has sparked protests from locals who claim the wedding will bring too many tourists and disrupt daily life in the city. The controversy highlights concerns over gentrification, rising sea levels, and mass tourism in the already struggling island city.
Venice is sinking due to climate change and rising sea levels, with the historic city center now requiring a daily tax for visitors over 14 years old. The influx of tourists has worsened the housing crisis, pushing many residents to seek alternative accommodations.
Despite the protests, Venice’s mayor has expressed support for Bezos’ wedding, saying he hopes the billionaire will come anyway. Wedding organizers have promised to minimize negative impacts on Venetians and city visitors but have faced criticism over their plans.
Bezos has made significant donations to Venetian charities before the protests, including a million-euro donation to Corila, an academic consortium studying Venice’s lagoon ecosystem. However, critics argue that these efforts do not outweigh the potential costs of hosting such a high-profile event in the city.
The controversy highlights concerns over how wealthy individuals and companies can contribute to gentrification and exacerbate existing problems without taking sufficient responsibility for their actions. As Bezos’ wedding approaches, residents and tourists alike are bracing themselves for the potential disruptions that may come with it.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/23/nx-s1-5442345/jeff-bezos-lauren-sanchez-wedding-venice-protests