As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez prepare to say “I do” in one of the most luxurious weddings of the year, their big day is already making waves—but not just on the canals of Venice.
With A-list guests, historic venues, and billionaire-level spending, the couple’s Italian nuptials are the talk of the town—and now the target of a major anti-billionaire protest movement that’s taking over Venice in a very visible way.
Protest Banner Unfurls in Venice’s Most Iconic Square
In a move impossible to miss, activists unfurled a giant 65-ft x 65-ft protest banner in St. Mark’s Square—a major tourist hub in the heart of Venice. The message? Loud, bold, and impossible to ignore:
“Bezos: Pay Your Taxes!”
The banner was staged by Everyone Hates Elon, a growing campaign group aligned with Greenpeace, and their message is crystal clear: Venetians aren’t buying into the billionaire fairytale.
“While Bezos spends millions renting out Venice for his wedding,” said a spokesperson for the group, “the local government struggles to fund public services. It’s outrageous.”
Locals Fed Up With Billionaire Takeover
While the $220 billion Amazon founder is planning a picturesque, multi-day celebration that’s locking down parts of the city, local residents and activists say the spectacle is tone-deaf and harmful—especially as Italy, like many parts of Europe, faces rising costs, inflation, and income inequality.
“There are more billionaires than ever, and people are struggling to pay rent,” said one protestor. “That’s not a coincidence. The rich are profiting while the rest of us get squeezed.”
The demonstration is part of a wider campaign against billionaire excess, with Bezos now becoming a symbol of global inequality, wealth hoarding, and unchecked privilege.
Venice Plastered with Anti-Bezos Posters
This isn’t the first sign of backlash. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, posters criticizing Bezos and his wealth have been appearing across the city, many using powerful imagery and slogans calling for tax justice and economic reform.
Some of the messages read:
- “Billionaires Out of Venice”
- “You Can’t Buy Respect”
- “Planet Before Profits”
Still, despite the growing pushback, the Bezos-Sanchez camp has remained silent—reportedly focused on final preparations for what insiders say will be an “intimate but extravagant” affair.
Where Are Bezos and Sanchez Staying?
Sources confirm the couple is fully booked at the ultra-exclusive Aman Venice hotel, occupying the property from Wednesday, June 25 to Sunday, June 29.
The historic hotel—situated on the Grand Canal—is known for its opulence, privacy, and celeb-studded guest list, having hosted everyone from George Clooney to Angelina Jolie.
“They’ve basically locked down the property,” one source said. “You can’t even get a reservation right now. It’s totally reserved for wedding guests and staff.”
The Guest List: Glamour Meets Controversy
As TPR previously reported, the wedding is expected to draw over 200 high-profile guests, including:
- Kim Kardashian
- Orlando Bloom
- Ivanka Trump
- Bill Gates
- Ariana Huffington
While the A-list vibe screams luxury and influence, activists are calling it out as a glaring display of tone-deaf elitism.
“This wedding shows exactly what’s wrong with the world,” said an Everyone Hates Elon representative. “It’s not rocket science—tax the billionaires.”
Why Venice?
Aside from its romantic reputation, Venice offers something Bezos and Sanchez crave—exclusivity and control.
By booking out entire venues, the couple is reportedly minimizing security risks and media exposure, all while enjoying custom-built experiences, including:
- Private gondola processions
- Masked gala dinner parties
- Live performances by top secret musical acts
But for locals, the wedding has become a symbol of private wealth taking over public space.
“Venice is for Venetians, not billionaires,” read another protest flyer distributed this week.
Protestors: “This Is the Real Wedding Gift—Accountability”
Activists say they’re not trying to ruin the wedding—they’re just refusing to be silent. The banner in St. Mark’s Square is only the beginning, with more demonstrations planned throughout the week.
“Let them eat wedding cake,” joked one protestor, “but not before paying what they owe society.”
Social Media Reacts: #TaxTheRich Trends
Online, the anti-Bezos sentiment is gaining traction. The hashtag #TaxTheRich is trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok as videos of the banner go viral.
📱 “Only Jeff Bezos could rent Venice like it’s an Amazon warehouse.”
📱 “Lauren Sanchez gets a ring. Venice gets gridlock. Protestors get it right.”
📱 “Reminder: The real cost of billionaires isn’t what they buy—it’s what they don’t pay.”
Bezos & Sanchez Staying Silent—For Now
Despite the growing controversy, the Bezos camp hasn’t issued any formal response to the protests. Sources close to the couple say they’re focused on celebrating love and keeping the ceremony stress-free.
But activists aren’t backing down. In fact, they’re leaning in.
“This is their wedding week,” said a Greenpeace rep. “But it’s also our moment to hold power accountable. And we’re not going anywhere.”
What’s Next?
- Wedding events begin June 25
- Public protest events expected daily throughout the week
- Security measures increased in Venice city center
- All eyes on whether Bezos responds—or ignores the noise
💬 What Do You Think?
Is the Venice protest justified—or are Bezos and Sanchez just living their dream?
Sound off in the comments, and tag someone who needs to see that banner!
📌 Stay locked to TPR for exclusive updates on the Bezos-Sanchez wedding, celebrity arrivals, and the growing backlash from Venice and beyond.
