Overview

• Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez concluded their three-day, $50 million wedding on June 28 and left Venice alongside nearly 200 celebrities.
• Local activists have continued demonstrations in St. Mark’s Square and along canal routes, protesting citywide disruptions and privatized public spaces.
• Charlize Theron, Rosie O’Donnell and Katie Couric publicly slammed the extravagance, with critics calling the event “tacky” and emblematic of billionaire excess.
• Venice officials say the celebrations funneled about $23–34 million into hotels, restaurants and tour operators.
• The ceremony has reignited global discussions on wealth inequality, overtourism and proposals for higher taxes on high-net-worth individuals.