Venice's Celebrity Wedding Sparks Environmental Protests

The celebrity wedding of American billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Laura Sanchez in Venice has stirred controversy, drawing protests from environmental group Greenpeace. Slated to be 'the wedding of the century,' it has attracted notable figures like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, and a host of film and fashion stars.

Local activists, including Greenpeace Italy, have condemned the event as symptomatic of the exploitation of Venice, a city plagued by tourism and depopulation. Protesters unfurled a banner in St Mark's Square urging Bezos to pay more tax if he can afford to rent Venice for his wedding.

Despite resistance, local officials defend the wedding for its expected economic boost, with expenditures estimated at 20-30 million euros. Besides, Bezos has promised to donate substantial sums for the preservation of Venice's ecosystem.

(With inputs from agencies.)