Jeff Bezos' Venice wedding party venue was changed to the Arsenale after protests. The event is expected to cost millions and draw celebrities.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos and his soon-to-be wife, Lauren Sanchez, have shifted the location of their Venice wedding party amidst growing protests.
Originally slated for Cannaregio's Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia, the party is now set to take place at the Arsenale, a more isolated venue. This decision follows weeks of demonstrations against the event.
Protesters, including members of the "No Space for Bezos" campaign, argue that the wedding turns Venice into a private playground for the wealthy and criticizes the city for prioritizing tourists. According to Reuters, a leader from the "No Space for Bezos" campaign claimed this change is a victory.
The wedding party is expected to host approximately 250 guests, including notable figures such as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Estimates suggest the celebrations could cost between €40 and €48 million. In parallel, Bezos is expected to make charitable contributions, including a significant donation to Corila for Venetian lagoon research. Local authorities are supporting the event, citing the projected economic boost for local businesses.