July 18, 2026, 09:39July 18, 2026, 09:39
The arrival of the US ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta, on board his 117-meter-long luxury yacht “Boardwalk” sparked protests in Venice. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the ship on Friday evening.
Local activist groups organized the march as Fertitta arrived in Venice on his superyacht.Image: keystone
They criticized what they saw as the display of wealth by the ambassador, who is a confidant of US President Donald Trump. The police blocked off access to the yacht with emergency services and boats.
When demonstrators tried to approach the ship, there were brief scuffles with the police. Participants then shouted slogans against the ambassador, the Venice city administration and the security forces. Fertitta came to the traditional Redentore festival with its spectacular fireworks display on Saturday. The festival always takes place on the third weekend in July and is one of the most popular traditions in the lagoon city. Fertitta travels through Italy as part of a so-called “coastal diplomacy”.
Groups that had already demonstrated against the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice last year also took part in the protests against the US ambassador. The demonstrators emphasized that Venice should not become a playground for billionaires. According to the organizers, the protest was also directed against the policies of US President Donald Trump.
“Coastal Diplomacy”
Fertitta travels through Italy as part of a so-called “coastal diplomacy”. The occasion is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence. According to the US Embassy in Rome, the trip, with stops in 13 coastal regions, is intended to honor the shared historical, economic and cultural ties between the US and Italy.
Tilman Fertitta.Image: keystone
Criticism was particularly directed at the luxurious character of the yacht. The “Boardwalk” has, among other things, two pools, two helipads and a spa and fitness area. Activists accuse Fertitta of demonstrating inappropriate luxury and American influence in Venice, which is characterized by international mass tourism.
Fertitta is the owner of Fertitta Entertainment and owns the Houston Rockets basketball team. According to his own information, he has assets of around 11.3 billion US dollars. The business magazine “Forbes” ranks him among the richest Americans. (hkl/sda/apa)