It’s the celebrity wedding of the year, and yet one of Hollywood’s most glamorous wives was nowhere to be found. So why was Salma Hayek’s billionaire husband François-Henri Pinault rubbing shoulders with the world’s elite at Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding—without her?
A Power Couple’s Weekend Split
Celebrity power couples are usually seen together at the hottest events, especially when the guest list reads like a who’s who of billionaires, A-listers, and global tastemakers. But at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s lavish, multi-day Venice wedding, there was one notable absence: Salma Hayek. Instead, her husband François-Henri Pinault, the business mogul and Kering CEO with a fortune estimated at $40 billion, made a stunning appearance on his own. The question on everyone’s lips: where was Salma?
Fans were quick to notice her missing. With so many high-profile guests, including Queen Rania of Jordan, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the Kardashian clan, the absence of the Oscar-nominated actress couldn’t go unnoticed.
Next up: Why did Salma choose to skip one of the most talked-about social events of the year?
Glastonbury Over Gondolas
Rather than walking the Venetian canals, Salma Hayek was spotted soaking up the music and mud at the legendary Glastonbury Festival. What could possibly have pulled her away from Jeff Bezos’ ultra-exclusive nuptials? Sources close to the actress reveal she had already committed to a special girls’ trip with her daughter, Valentina. The mother-daughter duo was seen mingling with other celebrities, enjoying performances from Alanis Morissette and Olivia Rodrigo, and making the most of the festival experience.
It seems Salma’s family priorities won out over jet-setting with the global elite. The festival offered her a chance to bond with her daughter and indulge in her love of music, proving that even the most glamorous stars have a soft spot for simple, fun-filled moments.
Let’s see how the rest of the star-studded weekend unfolded in Venice.
The Wedding of the Decade
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Venice wedding was nothing short of spectacular. Held on the picturesque island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the event drew more than 200 guests, ranging from tech moguls to Hollywood royalty. The guest list included not only Pinault but also fashion titans, sports stars, and media personalities—all dressed to the nines for the black-tie affair.
The festivities kicked off with a series of events across the Floating City, culminating in a stunning ceremony that became the talk of the town. From bespoke menus to breathtaking décor and performances, the wedding spared no expense, reportedly costing anywhere from $10 million to a staggering $50 million.
In the next section, we’ll uncover just how exclusive this guest list really was.
A-List Magic and Mystery Guests
François-Henri Pinault was far from the only notable guest in attendance. The event boasted an enviable guest roster, with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Orlando Bloom, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Usher, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Bill Gates. Other fashion and business luminaries, including Diane von Fürstenberg, Domenico Dolce, and Tommy Hilfiger, were also part of the exclusive crowd.
But the absence of Salma Hayek added an extra layer of mystery. While her husband mingled with the world’s most influential figures, Salma’s choice to skip the event for Glastonbury raised eyebrows and sparked speculation among fans and the press.
Up next: What does this tell us about celebrity priorities and power couples?
Behind the Scenes: The Real Reason Salma Skipped the Wedding
So what really made Salma Hayek choose music over champagne in Venice? Insiders say it was all about family. Salma had recently attended her stepson’s high school graduation and prioritized a mother-daughter trip with Valentina, choosing quality time over networking at one of the world’s most prestigious weddings. The Glastonbury Festival, with its laid-back vibe and world-class music, was the perfect escape for the high-profile duo.
Meanwhile, François-Henri Pinault, ever the business magnate, likely saw Jeff Bezos’ wedding as a prime networking opportunity, reaffirming his place among global power players. While some might have expected the couple to make a joint appearance, Salma’s choice to pursue her own adventure with her daughter sent a clear message: for celebrities at the very top, personal priorities sometimes trump public expectations.
And that, dear readers, is why Salma Hayek’s $40 billion husband walked the red carpet in Venice—without her by his side.