Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Tie the Knot in Star-Studded Venice Wedding
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Oprah Winfrey and an array of A-list celebrities gathered in Venice for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez. Winfrey arrived Thursday via private jet at Marco Polo Airport, while the couple arrived earlier, traversing the Grand Canal to the Aman Hotel in a water taxi.
Details surrounding the high-profile wedding remain under wraps, though celebrity guests reportedly include Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, alongside figures like Mick Jagger, Katy Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Kim Kardashian. Local media also noted the presence of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg.
However, the extravagant celebration has sparked controversy among some Venetians. Activists have protested the lavish event, arguing it highlights the exploitation of Venice by billionaires at a time when locals grapple with issues like overtourism, soaring housing costs, and climate change. In response, wedding organizers shifted the venue to the more secure Arsenale area due to concerns about disruptions from demonstrators.
Venice’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro defended the wedding, emphasizing the city’s long-standing tradition of being a welcoming space for guests from all walks of life. “We will always respect the right to speak out,” he stated in a local newspaper, “but we reject every form of intolerance and prejudice.”
As celebrations unfold, the juxtaposition of opulence against the backdrop of local activism raises questions about the impact of celebrity culture on iconic destinations like Venice. The event symbolizes not just a union of two high-profile individuals, but also the complexities that come with celebrity celebrations in historic locales.
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