Venice Faces Protests Over Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez Wedding Plans

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are set to marry in a lavish, star-studded wedding in Venice from June 24 to June 26, inviting around 200 to 250 guests, including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio. The couple plans to source about 80% of their wedding provisions from local Venetian vendors as a gesture of appreciation to the city. However, the wedding has sparked significant protests from Venice residents worried about over-tourism and disruptions, with some locals threatening to block canals and interfere with the festivities. Despite the backlash, local officials have condemned the protests and support the event, and the couple continues with their extravagant plans, though the wedding date may have been shifted slightly due to the unrest. Additionally, the wedding highlights the complexities of later-life blended families, as both Bezos and Sánchez bring children from previous relationships into their union. Preparations for the wedding have been extensive, including delays due to prenuptial agreements, but the couple remains deeply committed to each other.