Bezos-Lauren Sanchez Hold $50M Venice Wedding Amid Protests

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez held a lavish three-day wedding celebration in Venice in 2025, featuring star-studded guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, and Queen Rania of Jordan. The ceremonies took place on the island of San Giorgio, with luxurious accommodations at the Aman Venice hotel and events held at historic venues like the Venetian Arsenal. Despite the glamour and estimated $50 million cost, the wedding sparked significant protests from local activists concerned about overtourism, economic inequality, and the privatization of public spaces in Venice. Demonstrators organized boat protests, banners, and marches, criticizing the city's commercialization and calling for greater taxes on the ultra-wealthy. While some local officials and residents welcomed the economic benefits of hosting such high-profile events, the celebrations highlighted ongoing tensions between global wealth and the fragile social fabric of Venice. The event echoed the earlier celebrity wedding of George Clooney but intensified debates about the impact of luxury tourism on the city.