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Venice Wedding Plans Altered for Bezos and Sánchez Amidst Protests and Security Concerns
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are preparing for their highly anticipated wedding this Sunday in Venice. However, the $48 million celebration has encountered some unexpected adjustments. The couple, who got engaged after Bezos proposed with a 20-carat pink diamond ring reportedly worth $2.5 million, have been forced to change one of their planned venues.
Local media outlets report that the lavish Saturday night party, initially slated for the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, has been moved to a new location within the Arsenale area. This change is attributed to both local protests and heightened security concerns.
Venetians have expressed their anger over the perceived “takeover” of their city by the couple’s extravagant celebration, culminating in protests and a large banner displayed in St. Mark’s Square criticizing Bezos’ wealth and tax contributions.
A British activist group has also joined the chorus of dissent, citing Bezos as a symbol of an economic system contributing to social and environmental collapse.
Adding to the complexity, escalating global tensions, particularly between the US and Iran, have reportedly become a factor in the security considerations surrounding the event.
Despite these challenges, the couple appears to be moving forward with their wedding plans. Pre-wedding festivities have already begun, including a foam party aboard Bezos’ $500 million yacht, the Koru, in honor of Sánchez’s son’s birthday.