While locals protested in the streets, some of the world’s most famous—and most eligible—men descended on Venice for what’s shaping up to be the wedding of the century.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez have officially begun their three-day celebration, and it’s already attracting headlines for both its glamour and controversy.
Hollywood’s Hottest Bachelors Steal the Spotlight
From Leonardo DiCaprio to Tom Brady and the newly single Orlando Bloom, the guest list is turning heads.
These three led the so-called “hunk parade” on Thursday as festivities began in Venice.
Despite rising public outrage over the extravagant wedding, the A-listers seemed unbothered as they cruised around the canals in style.
DiCaprio, now 50, rocked his usual low-key look—dark suit, beige polo, and, of course, his signature LA Dodgers baseball cap.
Tom Brady and Orlando Bloom, meanwhile, arrived together by water taxi, both dressed in crisp white shirts and effortlessly charming the cameras.
Orlando Bloom Attends Solo After Katy Perry Split
The buzz around Orlando’s appearance wasn’t just about his style.
His fiancée, Katy Perry, was notably absent, fueling talk of a confirmed breakup.
Rumors of tension between the two had been swirling for weeks, especially after Katy was repeatedly spotted without her engagement ring.
Sources say the couple—engaged for six years with one child, Daisy Dove—have been living apart while she tours.
Insiders added that Orlando is expected to bring energy to the party, with one source telling TMZ he’ll be “the life of the party” and might even sneak off for bar-hopping with DiCaprio.
Usher and Corey Gamble Represent the Dapper Taken Men
It wasn’t just the bachelors making waves. Usher, freshly married and looking stylish in a white suit and bold red-striped shirt, arrived alongside his wife, Jennifer Goicoechea.
Corey Gamble also showed up in a sharp black-on-black look, arm-in-arm with long-time partner Kris Jenner, who is a close friend of the bride.
The red carpet feel of the event was undeniable, with nearly every big name from Hollywood to high society showing up for the festivities.
200 Guests, One Extravagant Venue—And a Lot of Criticism
The wedding is reportedly hosting 200 guests over three days, with Bezos sparing no expense.
Reports estimate the cost in the tens of millions, with some sources suggesting the wedding ring alone is worth $5 million.
However, not everyone is celebrating. Protests have erupted across Venice, with environmental groups and tax justice activists criticizing Bezos for the event’s scale and his reported 1.1% effective tax rate.
Banners reading “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax” were spotted across St. Mark’s Square.
City Leaders Back the Wedding Despite Protests
Despite the backlash, local officials like Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and Governor Luca Zaia have spoken in favor of the wedding.
They estimate the event will bring between $23 million and $34 million into the local economy—a welcome boost for the city’s struggling tourism industry.
Zaia downplayed the disruption, saying, “This is a city that handles 150,000 people a day.”
He also reminded critics that Venice has long been a wedding hotspot for stars like George Clooney and Salma Hayek.
A Gesture of Charity Amid Luxury
In a move likely aimed at softening the criticism, Bezos and Sánchez asked guests not to bring gifts.
Instead, they’ll be donating on behalf of attendees to charities focused on saving Venice from sinking.
One such donation reportedly includes $1.16 million to Corila, a Venice-based environmental research group focused on protecting the lagoon ecosystem.
Anti-Bezos Sentiment Builds with “No Space for Bezos” Campaign
This isn’t the first time Bezos has faced backlash in Venice.
Earlier this month, banners featuring his name crossed out were hung from St. Mark’s Tower as part of a protest campaign dubbed “No Space for Bezos,” referencing his Blue Origin space venture.
Activists say the billionaire represents a broader issue of wealth inequality and environmental negligence, especially in cities already grappling with overtourism and climate change.