A Billionaire's Wedding Sparks Mixed Reactions in Venice
A high-profile wedding took place in Venice, Italy, drawing attention from both admirers and critics. Jeff Bezos, the wealthy founder of Amazon, and Lauren Sánchez, a former journalist, exchanged vows in a grand ceremony. The event was attended by numerous celebrities, athletes, and business leaders, making it a star-studded affair.
Extravagant Celebrations
The wedding celebrations began with a pre-reception event, where the couple shared a kiss. Private jets and yachts filled the city, indicating the extravagance of the occasion. The guest list included well-known figures such as:
- Kim and Khloé Kardashian
- Kylie Jenner
- Ivanka Trump
- Oprah Winfrey
- Orlando Bloom
- Tom Brady
- Leonardo DiCaprio
Public Outcry and Protests
However, the lavish event did not go unnoticed by the public. Protests erupted in Venice, with locals and activists expressing their discontent. Banners with messages like:
- “the 1% ruins the world”
- “Bezos” with a red X through it
were displayed prominently. An organization called No Space for Bezos also participated in the protests, distributing stickers and banners throughout the city.
Greenpeace members added to the protests by displaying a large banner in St. Mark’s Square, featuring Bezos’ laughing face with the message:
“If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.”
Despite the protests, the wedding festivities continued without interruption.
The Cost and Luxury
The estimated cost of the wedding was reported to be around $50 million, with five of the city’s most luxurious hotels booked for the occasion. Bezos and Sánchez stayed at the Aman hotel, where rooms with a view of the Grand Canal cost at least 4,000 euros per night. The couple had reportedly already tied the knot in the US before heading to Italy for the celebrations.
A Second Marriage for Both
This union marks the second marriage for both Bezos and Sánchez. Bezos, with a net worth of approximately $225 billion, announced his relationship with Sánchez in 2019 after his divorce from his first wife, MacKenzie Scott. Sánchez, who has worked as a journalist and television personality, has been known for her bold fashion choices.
The Engagement and Luxurious Lifestyle
The couple got engaged in May 2023, with Bezos proposing with a massive 30-carat diamond. Since then, they have been frequently spotted on luxurious vacations and on Bezos’ $500 million superyacht, Koru.
Discussions on Wealth Disparity
The wedding has sparked discussions about wealth disparity and the impact of such extravagant events on society.