Russell Crowe slammed over pictures taken at the world-famous Sistine Chapel

While it feels like almost everyone is taking selfies in the sun in Europe right now, one photo taken by Russell Crowe has landed the actor in hot water.

It really does feel like everyone is in Europe right now, and for those of us shivering through the depth of winter Down Under — the constant selfies, the sun and the sand can get pretty tiresome.

But a social media post from arguably the most famous sites in Italy received a frosty response, even though the man behind the snap was our very own Russell Crowe.

While currently in Rome filing the movie The Pope’s Exorcist, Rusty paid a visit to some of the city’s popular tourist sites — including The Colosseum and the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.

But during the 58-year-old’s visit to the popular tourist sites, and subsequently posting his journey on social media, Rusty quickly received a wave of criticism for his photos.

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Russell Crowe at the Colosseum.

The famous actor shared his snaps from the tour and Twitter alongside the caption: “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.”

But social media users were quick to point out that visitors inside the chapel are actually not allowed to take photos, and that possibly the Gladiator actor’s status may have allowed him to bend the rules.

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

“No photos allowed though,” one posted under his collage of images.

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

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

The Aussie actor explained how he was “given access to rooms, perspectives and parts of the collection you don’t get to see as a regular tourist” and that he witnessed a “sweeping view of Rome” while listing to “the Swiss Guard band rehearsing” from somewhere in the Vatican.

Earlier this week, Rusty posted from the Colosseum with his children during his time in Italy.