Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s wedding donation to angry Italians

Dua Lipa’s romantic Italian wedding celebrations have reportedly hit a sour note with locals, after residents in Palermo voiced anger over disruption caused by the star‑studded event.

The Houdini hitmaker, 30, and actor Callum Turner, 36, were tying the knot for a second time in Sicily this weekend, after legally marrying in London last week. But while the couple’s Mediterranean nuptials were shaping up to be a fairytale affair, some residents have pushed back loudly.

According to The Sun, locals living near key wedding locations have put up posters reading “Palermo is not for rent” and “Our square is not your living room”, accusing the couple of taking over public spaces for private celebrations.

Locals reportedly compensated

In an apparent attempt to ease tensions, the outlet reports that Dua and Callum have paid £5,000 to residents whose apartments overlook areas affected by extra parking and heightened security around the wedding.

A source told the publication the move “doesn’t really match the idyllic love story vibe that Dua seems to be going for,” suggesting the couple were keen to smooth things over amid growing frustration.

Public spaces closed and NDAs signed.

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It has also been claimed that two public squares in Palermo have been temporarily closed to the public for the event, with some residents allegedly asked to sign non‑disclosure agreements.

Road closures, no‑drone zones and private security reportedly working alongside local police were been put in place ahead of the ceremony, which is was expected to draw a seriously A‑list guest list including Sir Elton John, Charli XCX and Donatella Versace.

Officials have not publicly confirmed details of the wedding, with one source alleging authorities have referred to the closures as a “demonstration production” rather than acknowledging the ceremony itself.

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Protests escalate

While some protest posters were reportedly removed by wedding planners, locals responded by tagging slogans onto walls so they couldn’t be easily scrubbed away. An anti‑tourism group behind the protest encouraged residents to hang posters from their balconies, framing the backlash as part of a wider movement against wealthy outsiders taking over historic city centres.

The reaction highlights ongoing tensions across parts of Europe, where locals have increasingly pushed back against over‑tourism and the privatisation of public spaces even when it involves global superstars.

At the time of writing, Dua Lipa has not publicly commented on the reported backlash.

First published by NZ Herald, republished with permission + edits. 

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