Russell Crowe posts forbidden photo during tour of Rome

Gladiator star, Russell Crowe, has sparked an online riot after posting a forbidden photo following a recent trip to Rome.

Twitter has erupted in fury after Russell Crowe apparently thumbed his nose at Vatican protocol, posting photos inside the Sistine Chapel, during a recent tour of Rome.

The 58-year-old Gladiator star, who is currently filming The Pope’s Exorcist in Rome, revealed he’d taken private tour of the sacred sight in a Twitter post that included several photos.

Photography inside the Chapel is forbidden, to prevent camera flashes from damaging the stunning artwork.

“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 it’s glory in silence,” Crowe tweeted.

In another post, he wrote: “A very special experience as a family yesterday. Got to walk through the Vatican Museum by ourselves. Amazing.

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 it’s glory in silence. So grateful.
Sono al servicio di Roma. pic.twitter.com/BjPfPAvoIO

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 19, 2022

“My mum had walked these corridors with my father 20+ years ago with the thousands of tourist that flock here daily and make it the third most popular museum globally.

“We were given access to rooms, perspectives and parts of the collection you don’t get to see as a regular tourist.

“As we squeezed into a tiny private elevator and ascended to a balcony few get to see, she squeezed my hand and said ‘I wish your father was here.

“We stepped on to the balcony, a majestic sweeping view of Rome. From somewhere in the Vatican we could hear the Swiss Guard band rehearsing.”

quello che facciamo in vita
riecheggia nell'eternità pic.twitter.com/1BIkfjqMhF

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 19, 2022

But Twitter users were unimpressed, with some suggesting Crowe had used his celebrity status to flout the rules.

“I was there last month but it was so packed and strictly no photos allowed. I suppose we are not all gladiators,” one user wrote.

“You can take photos where the rest of us mere mortals aren’t allowed,” tweeted another.

Another added: “So, the church gives privileges to rich and famous people why the plebs have to queue and swelter in the heat. Never mind taking photos.”

Gladiator star, Russell Crowe, has upset some Twitter users by posting images of the Sistine Chapel. Picture: Getty Images

Crowe plays a priest battling demons in the supernatural thriller, The Pope’s Exorcist, which is based on Gabrielle Amorth’s published memoirs.

Crowe’s Father Gabrielle Amorth, is a real-life figure who was based at the Vatican and believed to have performed 60,000 exorcisms.

Exorcism is popular in Italy, with an estimated 500,000 Italians visiting an exorcist each year. Father Gabrielle’s death prompted national mourning.

Originally published as Russell Crowe posts forbidden photo during tour of Rome