Protesters Dump Jeff Bezos Mannequin in Venice Canal Amid Wedding Opposition

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's lavish wedding in Venice has sparked significant local protests amid concerns over overtourism, environmental impact, and the city's commercialization. Activists have staged creative demonstrations, including life-sized mannequins of Bezos—one dressed as an Amazon worker clutching cash and another covered in fake dollar bills—placed throughout Venice and even floated in the Grand Canal. Protesters emphasize that their opposition targets not the wedding itself but the broader issues of privatization and exploitation symbolized by such high-profile events. Despite the backlash, Venice's mayor has expressed pride in hosting the event, highlighting the city's global prominence. The wedding attracts numerous celebrities, intensifying fears about space and resource strain during the tourist season. Local organizations, including housing advocates and anti-cruise ship groups, have united under banners like "No Space for Bezos," underscoring the growing tension between residents and elite visitors.