Dark clouds over the wedding of the century. "Disgrace" - shout furious Venetians

In the city of gondoliers, a committee of opponents of the wedding of American billionaire Jeff Bezos to Lauren Sanchez has been formed. A series of ceremonies to mark the occasion are to take place between June 24 and 26 with the participation of about 250 invited guests. Local authorities emphasize that this is an opportunity for the city and criticize those who protest.

"No room for Bezos" is the slogan of the committee, which was established by over 200 local activists. In recent days, they have hung up posters and banners with this message in Venice. Flyers have also appeared with the slogan: "Venice is not for sale or rent."

- As Venetians, residents, activists of movements and associations, we are ready to defend the dignity of our city. Anyone who wants an obedient and servile Venice and intends to collect crumbs from the royal table will be disappointed. Venice is a living city, not a place to rent to the highest bidder - the committee members stated.

They announced further protests.

The wedding planners of one of the richest men in the world have rented the entire island of San Giorgio for this purpose, because that is where the wedding reception and further grand celebrations are to take place. The official date of the wedding has not been announced for security reasons. Almost all the rooms in the most luxurious Venetian hotels have been rented for the occasion. Italian media report that among the expected guests are Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barbra Streisand, Kim Kardashian, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez/photo Shutterstock

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the wedding was a great occasion for the city and said it could handle the influx of 250 invitees.

Those protesting against the event were criticized by Veneto regional president Luca Zaia , who said the city should be proud to be chosen by Jeff Bezos.

- Opposing someone who will bring fame and wealth to our territory is, in my opinion, a disgrace - said Zaia.

The head of the tourism department of the city government, Simone Venturini , wrote in a statement:

- All we lacked were protests against the Grand Wedding. I don't understand how an event of this type, which will not cause any problems in the city, can be considered harmful. Is it Venice's fault that it is the most beautiful city in the world? Or is it wrong that it was chosen over all others because of its uniqueness?

He also stressed: "We should all be proud that Jeff Bezos' wedding - an event of international fame will take place on the waters of our lagoon."

" We reiterate that everyone is welcome in Venice , regardless of the banners that may have been made with spray paint purchased on Bezos' platform," added the head of the tourism department.