It seems like people will do anything for social media clout these days. The more I read about tourists, the more I understand why countries have a love-hate relationship with them. Sure, they help boost the economy, but they often also wreak havoc. This encounter in Italy is just the latest example. A tourist damaged Florence’s Fountain of Neptune after being peer-pressured to grope it.

This Is why People Don’t Like Tourists

Smithsonian Magazine shared details from this bizarre encounter. According to the outlet, the tourist who damaged the Fountain of Neptune was a 28-year-old bachelorette who was visiting the city.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the statue, the centerpiece of it is a nude statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. His massive frame is surrounded by “carved horses, nymphs, and shells.”

According to a statement released by the city of Florence, this bachelorette was attempting to grope Neptune’s private parts. She climbed over the protective fencing and climbed onto the horses to avoid getting wet. I suppose damaging a famous statue is no big deal, but getting your feet wet is where the line has to be drawn.

The statement also shared that “Her intention was to ‘touch’ the private parts of the statue of a pre-wedding challenge.” And people say peer pressure just happens in high school. Fortunately for the statue, and unfortunatley for the tourist, police were nearby and immediately spotted her poor behavior.

Tourist Damaged The ‘Fountain of Neptune’

After spotting the dare-abiding rebel, authorities immediately intervened. They removed the woman from the fountain. Then, the following day, they inspected the site to see if her shenangians had caused any damage. Unfortunatley for her, it appears that they did.

Not only did this tourist succumb to peer pressure, but she also damaged the Fountain of Neptune. The statement revealed that there was “small but significant damage to both the hooves of the horses she had ridden and to a frieze she had held onto to prevent slipping.”

Furthermore, the Smithsonian shared that this small damage comes with a big price tag. According to the outlet, the damage will cost nearly $6,000 to repair. The woman has been reported to the Judicial Authorities for her pre-marital antics. However, she will be considered innocent until the final ruling by the judicial authorities.

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