Protestors flash ‘Kisses: yes, Bezos: no’ & ‘No space for Bezos’ banners over Bezos-Sanchez wedding
The multi-day extravaganza of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding celebration in Venice, Italy, was marred by protests and demonstrations from hundreds of people who gathered to voice their discontent against the billionaire and his perceived disregard for the city’s residents and its rising inequality.
The images that have surfaced from the protests show a sea of people holding banners with messages such as “Your power is only abuse”, “Kisses: yes, Bezos: no”, “Money can’t buy style”, and “No Bezos, no war”. The protests, which were part of the “No space for Bezos” movement, were aimed at highlighting the growing wealth gap and Bezos’ alleged disregard for the city’s residents.
The protests took place as the billionaire and his ex-journalist wife were hosting their final wedding party at a gala in Venice, which was attended by A-list celebrities and business leaders. The event was already drawing attention for its lavishness, with reports of a 100-foot-long table set with fine china and crystal glasses, and a guest list that included the likes of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Amazon Web Services CEO Andy Jassy.
However, the protests brought a somber tone to the festivities, with many of the protesters expressing their discontent against Bezos’ growing wealth and influence. The billionaire’s net worth is estimated to be over $200 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world. Many of the protesters argue that his wealth is a result of his disregard for workers’ rights and his company’s role in exacerbating the wealth gap.
One of the protesters, a local resident of Venice, told a local newspaper that the city was being “sold out” to billionaires like Bezos, who are using their wealth to buy up properties and displace long-time residents. “We are not against love or marriage, but we are against the fact that Bezos is using his wealth to buy influence and power in our city,” the protester said.
Another protester, a student who was part of the “No space for Bezos” movement, said that the group was protesting not just against Bezos, but against the system that allows billionaires like him to accumulate so much wealth. “We are not against Bezos as a person, but we are against the system that has created him and the wealth gap that he represents,” the student said.
The protests were not limited to Venice. Similar demonstrations took place in other parts of Italy, including Rome and Milan, with many people expressing their discontent against Bezos’ wealth and influence.
The “No space for Bezos” movement is not new, and has been gaining momentum in recent months. The group, which is made up of activists, artists, and journalists, has been organizing protests and demonstrations against Bezos and his company, Amazon, over issues such as worker exploitation, tax evasion, and environmental degradation.
The protests over Bezos’ wedding are the latest in a series of high-profile demonstrations against the billionaire, who has become a lightning rod for criticism over his wealth and influence. In recent months, Bezos has faced criticism from lawmakers, activists, and even some of his own employees over issues such as working conditions, tax avoidance, and environmental degradation.
Despite the protests, Bezos and Sanchez’s wedding celebration continued, with the couple exchanging vows in a private ceremony on the rooftop of Bezos’ luxury yacht. The event was attended by about 100 guests, including some of the world’s most powerful and influential people.
The protests and demonstrations against Bezos’ wedding are a reminder that, despite his immense wealth and influence, the billionaire is not immune to criticism and protest. As the wealth gap continues to grow and inequality becomes a growing concern around the world, it is likely that we will see more protests and demonstrations against billionaires like Bezos, who are accused of exploiting their wealth and power to further their own interests.
