Julianne Moore advert banned in Venice

A billboard campaign featuring Julianne Moore has been banned from display in Venice, Italy, after city officials deemed the image to be 'inappropriate'.

The advert shows the actress lying naked on a divan, covered by a Bulgari handbag and posing with two lion cubs. It was expected to be displayed on Doge's Palace at St Mark's Square.

However, recently elected mayor Giorgio Orsoni has blocked the use of the billboard on the city's famous landmark.

He told Italian newspapers: "An advertisement showing a nude woman on a divan is not appropriate for St Mark’s Square."

The ad will now feature an image of Moore fully clothed wearing Bulgari jewellery.