Additional Coverage:
- Rosie O’Donnell calls out Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding for its ‘gross excess’ (irishstar.com)
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell didn’t mince words regarding Jeff Bezos’s recent Venetian nuptials, criticizing the Amazon founder’s lavish wedding to Lauren Sánchez.
O’Donnell took to social media and her Substack blog to express her disapproval, calling the event an example of “gross excess” while many Americans struggle with economic hardship. She pointedly questioned Bezos’s choice to leave his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott for Sánchez, whom she referred to as a “fake fembot wife.”
O’Donnell further criticized Bezos, accusing him of “selling his soul to the devil.” She also linked the extravagant wedding to cuts in Medicaid and SNAP benefits, suggesting Bezos benefits from tax breaks while others suffer.
The wedding, held last Friday, attracted a star-studded guest list, including celebrities such as Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Usher, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gayle King.
Security was tight around the event due to concerns about protests from locals who felt the couple was “taking over the city.” Demonstrations did occur, with activist groups displaying a banner featuring Bezos’s image and the slogan, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, then you can pay more tax.”
Despite the controversy, Venice’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed support for the event, calling it a privilege to host such a grand affair. The newlyweds appeared unfazed by the criticism, enjoying a post-wedding breakfast at Harry’s Bar, the famed birthplace of the Bellini cocktail and carpaccio.