Everybody dreams about a fairytale wedding. From common people to the top 1%, the wedding day is supposed to be the day where all fantasies come true. The colors, the decor, the guest list, the food. From the music to the overall price tag, everything is supposed to match precisely what we want. Thing is, most people can’t afford the luxury of a fairytale wedding. But Jeff Bezos definitely can. However, where he seems to be lacking is public approval. But why is that? People surely aren’t criticizing him, or in this case, wanting to chase him out, for nothing. Does a man who wants his wedding to happen in a foreign city deserve the hate? Was the planning truly in poor taste? Let’s take a look at what Jeff Bezos wanted for his wedding, and why people have managed to put a dent in his plans.
Scuola Grande della Misericordia
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were set on the Scuola Grande della Misericordia. This is a 16th century gem! But no matter how much the couple fell in love with this grand Venetian location, the protesters forbade them from coming. They warned that inflatable crocodiles would flood the canals, and they had a reason for it: to stop access routes for guests.
Safety Through Seclusion
So, the couple had to shift their attention elsewhere, to the fortified Arsenale complex. This is a fortified, enclosed historic shipyard site. The reasoning behind it was pretty simple. It’s safe. Super high walls, restricted access, this is what Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez appeared to be desperately needing. Protesters can’t use inflatable crocodiles here, and the Venetian security team could better manage who comes in and out. Though, we need to focus on the big picture here: the protests meant a lot. Jess Bezos wouldn’t have changed locations were the people not taken seriously.
No Space For Bezos
The protesters who went viral for the inflatable crocodile threat are part of a group named “No Space For Bezos”. Banners such as, “Eat The Rich” were waved on the Rialto Bridge. Venice locals have declared what is happening to the city is unacceptable: this “privatization” of Venice for one man should’ve never been possible. Their message was received, because it echoed loudly! Venice isn’t a billionaire’s backdrop.
Celebrities Are Causing Public Frustration
On top of wanting to rent the whole of Venice for his wedding, Jeff Bezos invited some of the most famous celebrities we know of. From Oprah to the Kardashians to Leonardo DiCaprio, everyone came. Tourists and locals alike are struggling to navigate the city in this heat, while celebrities are arriving on private jets. Knowing that a city can be controlled for a price sparked even more public frustration.
Capitalism Under Fire
The protest is way more than just a funny way of retaliating against a rich person. It’s about climate change, the inequality of this transaction, it’s about Venice’s way of supporting itself. Though Bezos gave about 3 million euros to environmental funds, this is now labeled as “greenwashing”. Critics do point out that a billionaire’s wedding prompts pollution and eroding at the culture it takes place in.
City Authorities Cornered
The issue is, Venice’s mayor and tourism minister both defended this wedding. They pointed out that Venice would be attracting about 40 to 50 million euros this period from hotels, taxis and artisans. But the people who transit Venice every day say they’re only seeing a city being rented and emptied of public life. Plus, the shift to Arsenale can’t be justified just as a security measure, since it is a response to the protests that have happened.
The Crocodiles Are Symbolic
Yes, inflatable crocodiles mean something. They’re caricatures of a real crocodile, showing how powerful the people of Venice are. Protesters are saying that, “The crocodile movement would’ve given a bad impression of the city, this is why the venue was changed.” Now, with Jeff Bezos changing the venue, people are shown that their voices are being heard. They can put pressure on even the billionaires of this world to change their plans!
The Wedding Unfolds
However, on June 27th, the wedding took place. It first happened in the basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, then continued with a masked ball at the Arsenale. In the meantime, protests continued. The main slogan turned to, “Kisses Yes, Bezos No” while floating Bezos dummies and giant banners were taking over St. Mark’s Square. The day was one of two extremes: privilege, and protest.
What Does This All Mean?
Surely Jeff Bezos hasn’t planned for his wedding to become a cultural standoff. Protesters showed Venice can’t be rented out on a whim, because people will fight back. The real takeaway is as much of an empowerment for the common people as it is a warning for those most privileged among us. You might be the richest man alive, but public opinion can never be bought. It must be earned.