Charlize Theron took a bold stand against the high-profile guest list of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding during her charity event, Block Party, on Saturday night. The event, held to benefit her non-profit Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, became a platform for Theron to express her views on the lavish nuptials that took place in Venice, Italy.
The wedding, described by some as the “wedding of the century,” featured a star-studded guest list including Tom Brady, the Kardashians, Ivanka Trump, and Oprah Winfrey. However, the celebration has not been without its critics. Many locals in Venice have expressed discontent with the disruption caused by the three-day affair, leading to protests throughout the city.
Theron’s Fiery Remarks
During her speech at the Block Party, Theron, 49, addressed the wedding attendees with a biting remark. “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 likely made in jest, it underscored her broader critique of current political and social issues.
Theron continued to voice her concerns about the state of global politics and societal regression. “Here in Los Angeles, in the U.S. and across the globe, we’re moving backwards fast,” she stated. “Immigration policy has destroyed the lives of families, not criminals; women’s rights are becoming less and less every day; queer and trans lives are increasingly being erased; and gender-based violence is on the rise. This isn’t just policy, it’s personal,” she added, before concluding with a blunt, “Yeah, f**k them.”
The Personal Connection
Theron’s impassioned speech is deeply rooted in her own experiences. Born in South Africa, she faced deportation from the United States at age 19 after overstaying her work visa. Despite this setback, she was eventually allowed to return and became a U.S. citizen in 2007. Her journey to citizenship was marked by a desire to actively participate in the democratic process, as she told Vogue in a 2007 interview: “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.”
Her personal history with immigration informs her advocacy work through CTAOP, which aims to improve the health and safety of young people in Southern Africa. “I don’t want to just talk a good game. I want to be able to be involved without having some horrible fear that I’m going to get kicked out,” she explained, highlighting her commitment to making a tangible impact.
Wedding of the Century or Controversy?
The opulent wedding of Bezos and Sánchez, held on San Giorgio Maggiore island, was attended by nearly 200 VIPs. Despite the glamour, the event drew ire from local residents and activists. Protesters, including Greenpeace and Everyone Hates Elon, criticized the extravagance, especially in light of Bezos’s reported 1.1 percent true tax rate. “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax,” read a banner in St. Mark’s Square.
Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, and regional governor, Luca Zaia, defended the nuptials, arguing that the influx of guests would bring significant economic benefits to local businesses, estimated between $23-34 million. However, this perspective did little to quell the frustration of those who felt sidelined by the event’s impact on the city.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on Bezos and Sánchez’s wedding, the broader implications of such high-profile events continue to be debated. The intersection of wealth, privilege, and local community interests remains a contentious issue, with Theron’s remarks highlighting the growing divide between public perception and private opulence.
Theron’s candid comments at her charity event serve as a reminder of the power of celebrity voices in shaping public discourse. As she continues her advocacy work, her influence extends beyond Hollywood, challenging societal norms and advocating for a more equitable future.
