Martha Stewart sparked a heated debate on social media after sharing photos from her visit to the iconic “Sistine Chapel”, a site where photography is strictly prohibited.
While the 83-year-old lifestyle mogul celebrated her Roman holiday with family and ticked a “bucket list” experience off her list, critics quickly called her out for what they perceived as “rich privilege” in bypassing the rules.
In her Instagram post, Stewart shared snapshots of Michelangelo’s world-famous frescoes, including the celebrated ““Creation of Adam,”” with captions that expressed her admiration for the biblical artwork and its profound historical significance. She encouraged fans to add the chapel to their own bucket lists, seemingly unaware of the backlash brewing.
The Vatican has clear policies against photography inside the Sistine Chapel, citing concerns that camera flashes could damage the centuries-old artwork. Security guards routinely enforce these rules, asking visitors to delete photos and banning items like selfie sticks and professional camera gear.
The online reaction to Stewart’s post was swift and polarized. Critics accused her of exploiting her status and ignoring the rules that apply to everyone else. “The rules of NO PICTURES should apply to everyone,” one user commented. Another expressed disappointment, writing, “This is a prime example of the privileged and wealthy having special treatment. Very disappointing.”
However, not everyone saw a problem. Supporters argued that Stewart’s post brought attention to the beauty and importance of preserving such cultural treasures. “Who better than the queen of aesthetics to draw attention to the beauty of Italian art?” one fan asked. Others suggested that her post could encourage donations or inspire visits to museums.
This isn’t the first time a celebrity has faced scrutiny for snapping pictures in the Sistine Chapel.
In 2022, actor Jason Momoa issued a public apology after taking photos and videos during a visit, explaining that he thought he had obtained permission and had made a significant donation to the church.
Stewart herself is no stranger to controversy. The photography incident follows mixed reactions to the recent Netflix documentary “Martha,” which examined her life, legacy, and the insider trading conviction that resulted in a five-month prison sentence.
While the debate over Stewart’s photos highlights broader issues of privilege and access, it also underscores the tension between preserving historic spaces and modern desires to document and share experiences.
Whether her post ultimately raises awareness or sparks further criticism, one thing is certain: Martha Stewart knows how to keep people talking—even from the quiet halls of the Sistine Chapel.
