Martha Stewart was accused of abusing her “rich privilege” when she captured dozens of photos inside the famous Sistine Chapel despite the museum’s strict rules against them.
The homemaking expert, 83, celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday alongside her family in Rome, where she visited the 15th-century chapel for a “bucket list” moment.
“Just a few iPhone photos of what we saw during our quiet hour in the Sistine chapel,” Stewart captioned in her Instagram post. “I love the painting and the biblical history that is portrayed in the Chapel. This should definitely be on your bucket list.”
Stewart showed her followers a unique perspective of Michelangelo’s historic work, highlighted by a painting of God and Adam’s fingers nearly touching in the “Creation of Adam.”
The museum has a very strict ban on taking images inside of the Sistine Chapel.
The use of flash photography is “strictly forbidden” and a guard is on-site to ask guests to delete photos or videos taken inside the chapel.
Other banned items on the list include selfie sticks, laser pointers, tripods, drones and professional equipment unless it was authorized, according to the museum’s website.
Social media users were quick to point out that visitors are prohibited from taking photos fearing camera flashes would negatively affect the majestic and massive piece — contained within the Vatican since it was completed in 1512.
“The rules of NO PICTURES should apply to everyone,” an Instagram user commented under her photos. “Those flashes can ruin the paintings. Please abide by the rules so the next generation can see it too.”
“My husband and I were there a few weeks ago and all tourists were told we were not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel. I love Martha but this is a prime example of the privileged and wealthy having special treatment. Very disappointing,” another woman wrote.
“Rich privilege,” a third person wrote.
But not everybody thinks this is an issue. Some people were supportive of her trip and the images she shared while another man commented that he knew people who stole shots from inside as well.
“Martha is helping them raise awareness with her post,” someone suggested. “Who better than the queen of aesthetics to draw attention to the beauty of Italian art and why we should support museums in Italy?”
“Amazing!! Thank you for sharing what should be shared!!” another person exclaimed.
Stewart also uploaded other photos of her trip like an image of the Trevi Fountain under construction, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Coliseum.
In 2022, “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa was forced to apologize for taking photos and videos with fans inside the Sistine Chapel.
Mamoa, who was filming “Fast X” at the time, shared photos he took of himself admiring the artwork from inside the Apostolic Palace
“I just also wanted to say, if you ever felt that I disrespected your culture, it wasn’t my intention,” Momoa told “Just Jared.” “I came here when I was 19 or 20 to experience the Sistine Chapel. I’ve always wanted to and now that I can, I gave a wonderful donation to bring my friends and crew because we only had a couple days off to experience these places.
“And then I found people wanted to take pictures with me, which is very odd, during a trip to the Vatican with all this wonder and they want to take pictures with me, which I don’t get, but regardless, I did.
“I was very respectful and I asked for permission from what I thought, would be okay. I would never want to do anything to disrespect someone’s culture. If I did, I apologize. It was not my intention. I paid to have that private moment and gave a nice donation to the church. I love you. I’m sorry if I offended you.”
The controversy comes as the domestic doyenne received criticism for Netflix’s documentary about her life, legacy and the 2004 insider trading conviction that put her behind bars for five months.
Stewart also was not pleased with the RJ Cutler-directed documentary “Martha” even though she was in it.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
