Martha Stewart Faces Backlash for Sistine Chapel Photos Amid Strict Photography Ban
Martha Stewart, 83, has come under fire for sharing photos from her visit to the Sistine Chapel, a site where photography is strictly prohibited. The homemaking icon captured the images during her Thanksgiving holiday in Rome, sparking a debate about privilege and rule-breaking.
Stewart’s Instagram Post
In her Instagram post, Stewart shared photos of Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, including “The Creation of Adam,” describing the experience as a “bucket list” moment. She praised the artistry and biblical history depicted in the 15th-century chapel but did not address the photography ban.
Strict No-Photography Policy
The Vatican prohibits photography inside the Sistine Chapel to protect the artwork from potential damage caused by camera flashes. Guards are present to enforce this rule, often asking visitors to delete unauthorized photos. Exceptions are made only for authorized professional equipment under special circumstances.
Mixed Reactions Online
Social media users were quick to criticize Stewart, accusing her of leveraging her wealth and status to bypass the rules:
- “The rules of NO PICTURES should apply to everyone,” one user wrote.
- Another commented, “This is a prime example of the privileged and wealthy having special treatment. Very disappointing.”
Others defended Stewart, suggesting her post could inspire greater appreciation for Italian art and encourage museum support:
- “Martha is helping them raise awareness with her post,” one supporter argued.
- Another praised her photos: “Amazing! Thank you for sharing what should be shared!”
Not the First Controversy
Stewart isn’t the only celebrity to face criticism for photographing inside the Sistine Chapel. In 2022, actor Jason Momoa apologized after posting images from the sacred site while filming Fast X. He claimed to have sought permission and made a donation but later expressed regret if he had offended anyone.
Stewart’s Recent Spotlight
The Sistine Chapel controversy comes amid other public scrutiny of Stewart, including criticism surrounding Netflix’s documentary Martha, which explores her life, legacy, and her five-month imprisonment for insider trading in 2004. Stewart has expressed dissatisfaction with the documentary despite being featured in it.
As the debate continues, Stewart’s post has reignited discussions about privilege, cultural preservation, and the responsibilities of public figures when engaging with historic landmarks.
