Venice locals protest Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' wedding in Italy
What was expected to be a lavish and extravagant wedding between Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, later this month in Italy, is being met with protests from Venice locals.
On Thursday, demonstrators in the historic city -- known for its gondolas, floating architecture, and rich artistic heritage -- hung a banner on St. Mark's bell tower with Bezos' name crossed out.
Posters and stickers have also appeared throughout the city, including one showing Bezos's face with the phrase "No space for Bezos."
Bezos and Sánchez have invited celebrity friends including Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger, Katy Perry, and Ivanka Trump to their three-day wedding celebration in Venice, according to the Associated Press.
Sources close to the couple told the outlet that they are sourcing about 80% of their wedding provisions from local Venetian vendors as a gesture of appreciation for the romantic lagoon city. All events for the approximately 200 guests are expected to remain private.
The protest reflects growing frustration among some residents who believe Venice is increasingly becoming a playground for billionaires. Many fear the high-profile event will attract an influx of celebrities and disrupt daily life for both locals and tourists.
However, in a statement addressing public concerns, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro dismissed the speculation and "fake news" surrounding the wedding, assuring that the small guest count and careful planning will prevent any disruption to the city.
"The many speculations and fake news circulating about Jeff Bezos' wedding are completely unfounded," the statement read. "Only two hundred guests will have been invited and therefore it will be easy for Venice to accommodate such an event, without any disruption whatsoever to the city, its residents and visitors."
Brugnaro stressed in the statement that Venice is well-equipped to handle major international events, noting its experience with the G20 Economy, G7 Justice summits, state bilateral meetings and cultural showcases like the Art, Architecture, and Cinema Biennales, along with large private gatherings such as conferences, fashion shows, parties, and VIP weddings.
"The organisation have categorically not booked large amounts of gondolas or excessive numbers of water taxis and it is their utmost priority to make sure the city functions as normal, for all, with no abnormal disruption to anyone," the statement continued. "As Municipality of Venice, from the beginning, we are mutually working and supporting the organizers, to ensure that the event will be absolutely respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city. For this reason, we will work together for best result. Whoever loves Venice will always be welcome."
Venice is no stranger to high-profile weddings. Past celebrity nuptials held in the city include George and Amal Clooney, as well as Salma Hayek and billionaire businessman François-Henri Pinault.
In contrast to the concerns raised by some residents, Brugnaro told the Associated Press, "We are very proud," adding that he hoped to personally meet Bezos.
"I don't know if I will have time, or if he will, to meet and shake hands, but it's an honor that they chose Venice," he said. "Venice once again reveals itself to be a global stage."
ABC News has reached out to the city of Venice for comment, but did not hear back immediately.
Bezos and Sánchez got engaged in 2023. Prior to their relationship, Bezos was married to MacKenzie Scott for 25 years, and the former couple has four children together.
Meanwhile, Sánchez was previously married to talent agent Patrick Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She also has a son from an earlier relationship with retired NFL star Tony Gonzalez.
