Italian Officials Livid After Tourist Performs Lewd Acts On Bacchus Statue

Authorities in Florence, Italy, are searching for a tourist who performed lewd acts on a statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility, and agriculture.

The statue, which stands on a street corner near the Ponte Vecchio bridge, is a replica of the 16th-century bronze statue by Giambologna. The original statue is on display at the Bargello Museum.

Photos shared on social media by Welcome To Florence show the woman climbing onto the statue while others took pictures of her as she "mimicked sex" acts with the statue.

Local officials have asked the public to help identify the woman, who they believe was drunk at the time. If caught, she could face a hefty fine and be banned from Florence for life.

"Tourists are welcome, but there must be respect for our monuments, whether they are originals or copies. Also, because I doubt that this lady, who has my blame, knows the difference," police chief Antonella Ranaldi said .