Bezos Arrives in Venice Amid Protests Ahead of Wedding

Billionaire Jeff Bezos arrived in Venice for his upcoming wedding, drawing the attention of environmental groups and local activists who staged protests against the lavish event.

Greenpeace joined other demonstrators voicing concerns over the environmental impact of high-profile gatherings in the fragile Venetian lagoon. Protesters carried banners denouncing excess and advocating for the protection of the historic city.

Bezos, who stepped down as Amazon CEO in 2021 to focus on his space venture Blue Origin, The Washington Post, and philanthropic causes, has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years. According to Forbes, his net worth stands at $231 billion (£168 billion).

He began dating former TV anchor Lauren Sánchez following his high-profile 2019 divorce from MacKenzie Scott. Sánchez filed for divorce the day after Bezos finalized his own.

Despite the backlash, a local environmental research group, CORILA, noted that Bezos’ Earth Fund had pledged significant support to its efforts to protect Venice’s lagoon system. The group clarified that discussions with the Bezos Earth Fund began in April, before the protests erupted.