While on a break from filming the upcoming Fast X, actor Jason Momoa took pictures of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, which he recently apologized for doing.
The actor released a video offering an apology for any offense he may have caused. "If you ever felt that I disrespected your culture, it wasn’t my intention.” He then explained, "I found people who wanted to take pictures with me, which is very odd, during a trip to the Vatican with all this splendor, 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 — what I thought would be OK. I would never want to do anything to disrespect someone’s culture, so if I did, I apologize. It wasn’t my intention.” The actor later added, "I definitely paid to have that private moment and gave a nice donation to the church. I love you — sorry if I offended you. My apologies."
There are a number of reasons why photography is not allowed in the Sistine Chapel. Part of it is the sanctity of the location, which is covered in frescoes and serves as the official residence of the Pope. There is also concern that flash photography could ruine the ancient paintings, many of which are approximately 500 years old.
Up until 2019, photography was even banned due to copyright issues. Japan's Nippon Television Network Corporation owned the copyright for the interior of the Sistine Chapel, as it provided $4.2 million in funds in 1980 to restore the structure, in exchange for exclusive filming rights.
Vatican City offers a warning to visitors, stating, "In the Sistine Chapel it is forbidden to take photographs or films with any type of electronic equipment. The guard staff is authorised to request the immediate cancellation, in their presence, of video or photographic material produced in contravention of this rule."
Momoa's involvement in Fast X was announced earlier this year. While details are scarce regarding the plot and characters of the film, Momoa previously teased, "It's fun, I get to play the bad guy, which I haven't gotten to do for a while. Now, I get to be the bad boy. A very flamboyant bad boy. A little panache!"
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Visit Vatican