LONDON, ENGLAND: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley may have landed in hot water with the Vatican after apparently breaking photography rules at the tourist destination last week. The British model and actress, 36, took a tour of the historical Sistine Chapel and couldn't help but share a picture of the majestic artwork with her 18 million Instagram followers.
Photography and even the use of mobile phones are reportedly strictly prohibited in the 15th-century chapel. Some fans suggested the Marks & Spencer model may have used her celebrity status to bend the rules, albeit she was likely overawed by the beauty of Michelangelo's masterpiece.
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'Photos and videos cannot be taken in the Chapel'
Speaking to Mail on Sunday's Diary Editor Emily Prescott, Rosie's team said she obtained permission to take pictures of the artwork while on a private tour of the chapel. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Vatican Museum stated, "The visit took place during the normal opening hours to the public. We confirm that photos and videos cannot be taken in the Chapel."
The supermodel was reportedly in Rome for the premiere of 'Fast X', which stars her husband Jason Statham. She took the opportunity to visit the Vatican and take in the sights of Michelangelo's fresco, 'The Last Judgment', on the back wall behind the altar.
Russel Crowe and Jason Momoa's gaffes
It is said that photography is prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel to prevent damage to the historical artwork from camera flashes. That said, Rosie is not the first celebrity to face heat over breaking the rules of the Vatican. Actors Russell Crowe and Jason Momoa also sparked outrage for taking photos while receiving private tours of the building. Russell notably shared his snaps from the tour on Twitter. "I'm not sure there's a more special privilege in the world than to hold the key for the Sistine Chapel and to experience its glory in silence," he wrote, adding, "A very special experience as a family yesterday. Got to walk through the Vatican Museum by ourselves. Amazing."
Momoa also caused a stir after posting a series of photos and videos of the ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo inside the chapel. "I LOVE YOU ITALY what a beautiful start to our day off enjoying ROMA big mahalos to @vaticanmuseums @rembrandt82 @imagoartistravel @fulvioiatravel @chiaradimuoio @vioscooking ALOHA J," the actor wrote alongside the images on Instagram.
The 'Aquaman' star later addressed the backlash in a follow-up video, noting that he gave the chapel “a wonderful donation to bring my friends and crew because we only had a couple of days off to go experience these places.”
Momoa revealed that several fans approached him for pictures during his Sistine Chapel visit. “I was very respectful and I asked for permission for what I thought would be OK. So, I would never want to do anything to disrespect someone’s culture,” he insisted. “So if I did, I apologize and it wasn’t my intention. And I definitely paid to have that private moment and gave a nice donation to the church. And so I love you, sorry if I offended you. My apologies," he added.
