Charlize Theron took a bold stance against the high-profile wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez during her charity event, Block Party, on Saturday night. The wedding, held in Venice, Italy, attracted numerous A-list celebrities, including Tom Brady, the Kardashians, Ivanka Trump, and Oprah Winfrey. However, the lavish three-day celebration has not been without controversy, as it has sparked protests from local residents in Venice.
Theron, 49, addressed the star-studded guest list while on stage at her event, which supports the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. “I think we might be the only people who did not get an invite to the Bezos wedding. But that’s OK because they suck and we’re cool,” she quipped, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. While the comment was delivered with humor, Theron also used the platform to voice her concerns over political and social issues.
The actress expressed her gratitude to attendees of her charity event, highlighting the importance of their participation amidst global challenges. “Here in Los Angeles, in the U.S., and across the globe, we’re moving backwards fast,” she stated. Theron criticized current immigration policies, the erosion of women’s rights, and the increasing threats to queer and trans lives, underscoring the personal nature of these issues.
Protests in Venice: A Backdrop to the Wedding of the Century
The wedding of Bezos and Sánchez, described by some as the “wedding of the century,” took place on the picturesque island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Despite its grandeur, the event was met with resistance from local activists who were displeased with the disruption caused by the wedding. Protesters argued that the needs of Venice’s residents were being overlooked in favor of accommodating wealthy tourists.
“If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax,” read a banner displayed in St. Mark’s Square.
Environmental groups such as Greenpeace and the UK-based collective Everyone Hates Elon joined forces to protest the wedding. They criticized Bezos, the second-richest man in the world, for his reported 1.1 percent true tax rate and the extravagant nature of the wedding, which allegedly included a $5 million wedding ring.
Charlize Theron’s Personal Connection to Immigration
Theron’s comments on immigration are informed by her own experiences. Originally from South Africa, she was deported from the United States at age 19 after overstaying her work visa. She later returned and became a U.S. citizen in 2007. In past interviews, Theron has expressed her desire to be actively involved in American politics, emphasizing the importance of voting and civic engagement.
“After the last two elections I kind of went, You know what? If this is where I’m going to live, I want to be able to vote,” she told Vogue in 2007.
Theron’s journey to citizenship was a significant moment, shared with her mother and friends in a ceremony in Los Angeles. Despite her American citizenship, she acknowledges her enduring connection to her South African roots.
Economic Impact and Local Response
Despite the protests, local officials such as Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro and regional governor Luca Zaia have defended the wedding, citing its potential economic benefits. The celebrations are expected to inject between $23 million and $34 million into the local economy, providing a boost to businesses in the area.
As the event concludes, the debate over the impact of such high-profile gatherings continues. The controversy surrounding the Bezos-Sánchez wedding highlights the ongoing tension between preserving local culture and accommodating global elites.
Looking ahead, the discourse initiated by Theron and the protests in Venice may prompt further discussions on the responsibilities of the ultra-wealthy and the social implications of their extravagant lifestyles.
