Russell Crowe enjoying a scooter ride in Rome with his girlfriend - after a photo in the Sistine Chapel

He caused a stir on social media earlier this week when he shared a photo he took inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, despite photography being banned.

But on Thursday, Russell Crowe seemed to brush off the backlash by enjoying a fun day sightseeing in Rome with his American girlfriend, Britney Theriot.

The New Zealand-born Gladiator star, 58, was seen riding a scooter around Rome with Britney, 31, before signing autographs for fans.

Avoid the counterattack! Russell Crowe enjoys a scooter ride in Rome with girlfriend Britney Theriot on Thursday, after coming under fire for taking pictures in the Sistine Chapel

The couple rode a pair of Lime scooters for some fun in the sun, with the Hollywood star staying cool in shorts and a black T-shirt.

He combined a sporty look with blue running shoes and a pair of gold aviator colors.

Meanwhile, actress-turned-real estate agent Britney looked chic in a white singlet with a long beige skirt and a Fendi bag over her shoulder.

Actress-turned-real estate agent Britney looked chic in a white singlet with a long beige skirt and a Fendi bag over her shoulders.

He patiently waited for Russell as he signed autographs for fans as the couple left their hotel

He patiently waited for Russell as he signed autographs for fans as the couple left their hotel.

Russell left social media users unimpressed earlier this week when he revealed he had taken photos inside the Sistine Chapel during a private tour.

The actor is currently in Rome filming The Pope’s Exorcist and paid a visit to the Vatican during his trip where he shared several photos from inside the world-famous chapel while on a private tour.

Russell left social media users unimpressed earlier this week when he revealed he had taken photos inside the Sistine Chapel during a private tour

Photography is not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel to prevent camera flashes from ruining the artwork

Photography is not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel to prevent camera flashes from ruining the artwork, with some apparently suggesting Russell’s celebrity status may be part of a rule violation.

Via Twitter on Wednesday, Russell shared photos of him from the tour and wrote: ‘I don’t believe there is a more special privilege in the world than holding the keys to the Sistine Chapel and experiencing the glory in silence.’

Discussing his trip to the Vatican in more detail, he added: ‘A very special experience as a family yesterday. Had to walk through the Vatican Museums myself. Extraordinary.

The actor is currently in Rome filming the film The Pope’s Exorcist. He also took a selfie at the Colosseum

He paid a visit to the Vatican during his trip where he shared some photos from inside the world famous chapel while on a private tour

‘My mother walked this corridor with my father 20+ years ago with the thousands of tourists who flock here every day making it the third most popular museum in the world.

‘We were given access to rooms, perspectives and parts of the collection that you don’t get to see as a typical tourist.

‘As we got into the little private elevator and up onto the balcony where only a few people could see, he squeezed my hand and said, ‘I wish your dad was here.

Via Twitter on Wednesday, Russell shared photos of him from the tour and wrote: ‘I don’t believe there is a more special privilege in the world than holding the keys to the Sistine Chapel and experiencing the glory in silence’

‘We stepped out onto the balcony, the magnificent view of Rome. From somewhere in the Vatican we could hear the Swiss Guard band rehearsing.’

Several Twitter users responded to Russell’s post, asking how he got away with taking photos inside the chapel.

One wrote: ‘No photos allowed,’ while another said: ‘You can take photos where we all human beings are not allowed.’

Several Twitter users responded to Russell’s post, asking how he got away with taking photos inside the chapel

Another added: ‘Did you get special permission to take photos in the Sistine Chapel?’

One user wrote: ‘I was there last month but the place was very full and no photos allowed. I don’t think we’re all gladiators.’

On Monday, Russell took his children on a tour of his ‘old office’, the Colosseum in the Italian capital.

The actor, who rose to fame as Maximus in Sir Ridley Scott’s iconic 2000 film Gladiator, returns to his roots two decades later with his children in tow.

Sharing a group snap to his Twitter account, Russell posed with his girlfriend Britney Theriot, 31, and sons Charles, 18, and Tennyson, 16, outside the quaint amphitheater.

On Monday, Russell took his children on a tour of his ‘old office’, the Colosseum in the Italian capital. The actor, who famously starred as Maximus in Sir Ridley Scott’s iconic film Gladiator in 2000, returns to his roots two decades later with his children in tow.

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