Pop star Dua Lipa’s wedding celebration in Sicily sparks local backlash

Residents of the Sicilian city of Palermo have protested security restrictions imposed during the wedding celebrations of British-Albanian pop star Dua Lipa and British actor Callum Turner, saying the measures disrupted daily life and limited access to public spaces.

The couple, who married in a private civil ceremony earlier, traveled to Palermo for a three-day wedding celebration and a second ceremony attended by a number of high-profile figures from the entertainment industry, AOL writes. 

Local authorities established tight security around several locations in the historic city centre, including Piazza Sant'Anna and Piazza Croce dei Vespri, prompting criticism from residents and business owners who said the restrictions interfered with work and travel.

Protest posters appeared across the city declaring: "Palermo is not for rent. Public spaces belong to everyone. We reclaim the right to live them. Free from private profit."

While residents stressed that their objections were aimed at the disruptions rather than the wedding itself, some local workers said the security measures had gone too far.

"But while it's a pleasure to hold the celebrations in Palermo, it has brought a lot of problems – for example, for three days we've been forced to park miles away and walk to work. It's not right to block the city – I could understand if it was for the pope, but not for a singer," a local worker said.

The wedding festivities reportedly featured performances by Elton John, Martin Garrix, David Guetta and Peggy Gou, with guests including Charli XCX, Kylie Minogue and Harry Styles.

By Sabina Mammadli