Several hundred protesters marched on Friday, 17 July, against billionaire ambassador Tilman Fertitta‘s luxury yacht in Venice, clashing briefly with riot police as they approached the vessel. Activists criticised Fertitta’s arrival as a display of American wealth and influence, viewing it unfavourably amid perceived disruption of the post-World War II international order.
Carrying water inflatable toys and a sign reading “Venezia non si USA” (meaning “Venice is not to be used”), the protesters raised their arms to show they were peaceful. However, as they attempted to advance, police pushed back with shields, prompting the throwing of inflatable toys. Following the confrontation, protesters shouted “Shame!” at the ambassador, the mayor, and the police.
A super yacht to promote “coastal diplomacy”
Fertitta arrived in Venice on Friday, anchoring in St. Mark’s Basin as part of a coastal diplomacy tour for the 250th anniversary of American independence. Police boats surrounded his yacht, which towered over the lagoon’s buildings. At the same time, demonstrators held signs that read “Make America Read Again” and “Oligarch in saor,” referencing a Venetian dish with sardines.
The Coastal Diplomacy 250 tour includes 13 Italian coastal regions and aims to celebrate the shared history and cultural ties between the US and Italy. Although Fertitta declined an interview, he issued a statement supporting the right to protest.
“I like Italians, we Americans respect freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest; Coastal Diplomacy celebrates our nation’s founding and these fundamental rights,” Fertitta said in the statement, adding that the tour has “been an amazing way for me to meet Italians from all walks of life and to celebrate 250 years of U.S. independence and decades of friendship with Italy.”
Venice against oligarchs
In Venice, groups that previously protested Jeff Bezos‘ wedding mobilised against Tilman Fertitta and his 117-metre luxury yacht, Boardwalk, which boasts two helipads, swimming pools, and a spa. On 4 July, protesters unfurled a banner beside the yacht to illustrate what they called “the dimensions of his arrogance.”
Organiser Stella Morion noted, “It’s arrogant to think he can do what he wants in a city increasingly dominated by tourism.” She criticised President Donald Trump‘s international policies, which she claims have raised energy prices and further burdened residents.
Activist Tommaso Cacciari found the yacht “gross,” while Emanuele Lepore expressed anger at its size, stating, “To see such a big ship in the lagoon of Venice is a shame.” He added, “The message is clear: Local oligarchs must enable the new oligarchs to travel freely and normalise war and fascism.”
A hospitality mogul with Italian roots
The billionaire owner of Fertitta Entertainment was sworn in as the ambassador to Italy in 2025. He made his fortune in the hospitality industry and owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets, with a net worth of $11.3 billion, ranking him among the 100 wealthiest Americans.
Fertitta is expected to attend the Redentore festival in Venice, which celebrates the end of the plague in 1576. Before arriving in Venice, he visited Cefalù, where his family roots trace back to 1566, and met with the governor in Palermo. He also stopped at the Calabrian port of Le Castella and sailed along the Adriatic coastline.
Political analyst Giovanni Orsina noted that an ambassador sailing the Italian coast for diplomatic purposes is unusual but could be seen as a sign of attention toward Italy. Fertitta’s tenure comes amid a cooling relationship between Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and President Trump, who has criticised her on social media. Meloni did not attend the 250th celebrations at the US Embassy.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
