Locals livid as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez use Venice to host 'fancy party' after 'secret' US marriage
VENICE. ITALY: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have reportedly been married for over a month before arriving in Venice, Italy, where they’re now hosting what many are calling the “wedding of the century.”
Angry Venetians feel duped by the couple, who they believe are using their city as a luxurious party backdrop instead of respecting its history and traditions.
Locals slam Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez for turning Venice into 'a billionaires' playground'
Protestors are growing louder in Venice as reports suggest Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez tied the knot weeks ago in the US under American law.
“The fact Bezos and Sanchez are already married has really irked locals,” a source told RadarOnline.
The source continued, “The belief was the couple wanted to officialize their relationship in the most historic setting. But in reality, they just wanted a fancy party, turning Venice into a billionaires' playground. That's not what Venice is about.”
The wedding festivities began on Thursday, June 26, with major celebrities among a total of 200 to 250 confirmed, flying in.
These included Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Orlando Bloom, Mick Jagger, Ivanka Trump, Oprah Winfrey, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venice wedding has 'no legal meaning'
The couple exchanged vows on Friday during a black-tie ceremony on the private island of San Giorgio.
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But sources close to the pair say the actual wedding took place much earlier.
“They have been married for at least a month, more than a month,” a RadarOnline insider revealed. “The marriage is fully legal and took place in America under American law.”
“When they were planning the wedding, they were clear about the fact that they were already secretly married. There is no application for a wedding licence from the couple because it was not required.”
The source added, “Whatever happens at the wedding on Friday, it will not be a wedding. Under Italian law, it will not be a wedding celebration, any vows said or rings exchanged will have no legal meaning."
Jeff Bezos forced to change wedding venue amid protests in Venice over 'No Space for Bezos'
The Amazon founder has faced public protests in Venice organized under the banner "No Space for Bezos, which includes dozens of groups such as housing advocates and anti-cruise ship activists.
They argue the grand celebration showcases the growing inequality in the city, with locals feeling increasingly sidelined by events catering only to the ultra-wealthy.
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The demonstrations and heightened security concerns forced Bezos to change the original wedding venue from Cannaregio to the more isolated Arsenale, a historic naval complex protected by fortified walls on Venice’s eastern side.
Despite the backlash, local officials have backed the event. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told AP, “Venice once again reveals itself to be a global stage,” while defending the celebration as an honor for the city.
He added he hopes to meet Bezos during his visit.
A pre-wedding event was held on Thursday at the Madonna dell’Orto church in Cannaregio, ahead of the main ceremony scheduled for Friday. The three-day affair is expected to rack up a bill of around $50 million, according to CNBC.
