Key Points:
- Greenpeace called out Jeff Bezos for avoiding tax and underpaying workers during his wedding week in Venice.
- Protesters placed bold posters around the city and vowed to block streets and canals.
- Event planners and Venice’s mayor defended the couple, saying their wedding helps the local economy.
Greenpeace Unfolds Huge Protest Banner in Venice
As billionaire Jeff Bezos prepares to marry Lauren Sánchez in Venice, Italy, angry voices are rising. Protesters want him to pay more tax and treat workers better.
On Monday, Greenpeace showed a giant banner in St. Mark’s Square. The sign had Bezos laughing, with the message: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.”
Greenpeace also shared a video on Instagram. In the caption, they accused Bezos of paying poor wages and skipping taxes. They wrote: “No wonder he can afford to shut down half of Venice. Tax billionaires NOW.”
Locals Say: ‘No Space for Bezos’
The protest didn’t stop there. Local groups joined in by putting up posters across the city. These signs said things like: “Veniceland: A playground fit for an oligarch” and “No space for Bezos.”
Many plan to block roads and canals to interrupt the wedding. They are angry about over-tourism and how rich people are taking over their city.
Wedding Planners Speak Up for Bezos and Sánchez
But the wedding planners say the couple means no harm. They claim Bezos and Sánchez told them from the start to avoid disturbing Venice.
The planners, Lanza & Baucina Limited, said:
“We’ve worked hard to make sure there’s no trouble. Most people helping us are from Venice.”
They also denied claims that the wedding is taking over the city. According to them, the couple did not book too many boats or taxis.
Giving Back to the City of Water
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro believes the wedding will bring millions of dollars into the local economy.
Reports say Bezos and Sánchez made quiet donations to charities in Venice back in April. They also gave gifts in honour of their wedding guests.
The couple is even using 80% local vendors for their big day.
Stars expected at the wedding include Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ivanka Trump.
