Actor Jason Momoa has apologized after recent posts on social media had gotten him into some hot water. Taking a break from filming for his role as the villain in Fast X, Momoa paid a visit to the Vatican City where he visited the famed Sistine Chapel. He had then shared images and video clips to Instagram of his trip. It wasn't long before some commenters noted how it's typically forbidden to take pictures or film inside of the building as it's considered sacred by Catholics.
"We, regular people, are not allowed to film inside the Sistine Chapel," one popular comment reads.
Momoa has since noticed the comments and has sought to make things right. He posted a new video on Instagram to explain the situation while offering an apology. In the caption, he notes how he has nothing but "absolute admiration" for the people of Italy and didn't mean to disrespect their culture in any way. He expands upon what happened from his point of view in the video, which, unsurprisingly, starts with Momoa hitting the weights in the gym.
Momoa explains that he wanted to experience the Sistine Chapel, where he had made a monetary donation upon his visit. According to Momoa, other guests at the chapel asked him to pose for pictures, and he says he agreed to do so, not realizing at the time it would be seen as disrespectful by some. He then makes it clear that he's sorry for any unhappy feelings the pictures may have caused for anyone.
“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. So, I was very respectful, and I asked for permission for what I thought would be okay. So, I would never want to do anything to disrespect someone’s culture, so, if I did, I apologize, and that wasn’t my intention. I definitely paid to have that private moment and gave a nice donation to the church. And, so, I love you. Sorry if I offended you. My apologies.”
Jason Momoa Has Plenty of Upcoming Projects
Fast X will feature Momoa in the role of the villain in what is the penultimate installment of the Fast and Furious series. For the fans wanting to see him back in the hero role, he can also be seen in the upcoming superhero sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in which he will reprise his role as Arthur Curry. Both of those films are set to release in 2023.
Before then, fans can catch Momoa in the Netflix movie Slumberland, heading to the streaming service sometime this year. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film is set in a dream world and follows a young girl working with an outlaw to see her late father again.