Overview

• Journalists including Liz Plank have condemned the multi-day festivities as a tone-deaf display of billionaire privilege that widens social divides.
• Venetian residents and activists maintained protests over overtourism and erosion risks, noting that last-minute water-taxi logistics amplified the city’s strain.
• A Launchmetrics report cited by WWD values the wedding’s media impact at roughly $222 million, led by Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli and Versace placements.
• High-profile guests such as Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio faced criticism from peers like Rosie O’Donnell and Charlize Theron for attending an event many deemed vulgar and performative.
• Despite making charitable donations to local organizations, the couple’s contributions have done little to allay concerns over the celebration’s broader social and environmental toll.