Dua Lipa's Palermo wedding sparks local protests over city disruptions

Pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner held an extravagant three‑day wedding celebration in Palermo, Sicily, estimated at around $1.7 million and attended by roughly 300 guests at venues such as Palazzo Gangi and the city’s modern art gallery. The event prompted the closure of several historic squares, including Piazza Sant’Anna and Piazza Croce dei Vespri, disrupting daily life and causing revenue losses for local businesses. Residents placed signs and graffiti reading “Palermo is not for rent” and other slogans to voice their opposition. Palermo’s mayor Roberto Lagalla defended the occasion, arguing that the international publicity would benefit the city’s image and economy. In response to complaints, Lipa’s team reportedly paid about €6,600 to affected residents and arranged additional receptions, including a rumored performance by Elton John at Villa Valguarnera.