Venice, Italy – Amazon founder and multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos arrived in Venice on Wednesday with fiancée Lauren Sánchez for his or her extremely anticipated wedding ceremony — however not everyone seems to be celebrating.
The couple’s arrival by water taxi on the five-star Aman Resort, guarded by safety boats, marked the start of what has grow to be one of many 12 months’s most controversial social occasions.
Whereas Venice is not any stranger to celeb nuptials, the “No Area for Bezos” protest motion — backed by native activists, college students, housing advocates and Greenpeace — is making it clear that this wedding ceremony symbolizes way over romance.
Activists have been staging demonstrations throughout the lagoon metropolis, criticizing wealth inequality, mass tourism, and privatization of public area. On Wednesday, a hanging stunt featured a model of Bezos clinging to an Amazon field floating down the Grand Canal, fists full of faux cash.
One other group unfurled anti-billionaire banners in St Mark’s Sq., whereas plans are underway for a Saturday protest march, initially meant to dam canals with boats. Organisers declare that public stress compelled a venue change to the Arsenale, a safer location outdoors the historic centre.
Outstanding activist Tommaso Cacciari accused Bezos of “contributing to world obscurantism,” pointing to Amazon’s labour document, political ties, and tax disputes.
Regardless of the backlash, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro known as the occasion an honour and denied any disruptions. In the meantime, analysis affiliation Corila confirmed receiving a serious donation from Bezos’ Earth Fund to assist environmental work within the Venetian lagoon.
Among the many 200 anticipated friends are Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, Ivanka Trump, and Katy Perry.
Whether or not it’s a dream wedding ceremony or a dystopian show of wealth, Venice is as soon as once more within the world highlight — however this time, not only for love.
