A person seemingly disguised as an old woman in a wheelchair has staged an attack on the Mona Lisa.
Video shared online shows the world's most famous artwork with what witnesses suggested was cake smeared across the glass case protecting it.
Bystanders said a "man dressed as an old lady" jumped out of a wheelchair at the Louvre in Paris before attempting to smash the protective glass in front of the Leonardo da Vinci painting.
Maybe this is just nuts to me💀but an man dressed as an old lady jumps out of a wheel chair and attempted to smash the bullet proof glass of the Mona Lisa. Then proceeds to smear cake on the glass, and throws roses everywhere all before being tackled by security. 😂??? pic.twitter.com/OFXdx9eWcM
— Lukeee🧃 (@lukeXC2002) May 29, 2022
One witness said the person then proceeded to "smear cake on the glass and throw roses everywhere before being tackled by security".
Separate footage shows the person suspected of being responsible telling bystanders in French:
"Think of the planet… there are people who are destroying the planet, think about that … That's why I did it."
Can anybody translate what ole dude was saying as they where escorting him out?😂 pic.twitter.com/Uy2taZ4ZMm
— Lukeee🧃 (@lukeXC2002) May 29, 2022
Apparently wearing lipstick and a wig, the person is then escorted away by security. It was unclear what action, if any, they now face.
It is not thought that the painting, considered an archetypal masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, was damaged.
The Louvre has been contacted for comment.
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre
Section Of M25 To Close Again Tonight - As Drivers Warned Not To Get Complacent
Plans For 800 New Horsham Homes Refused
Over 200 Co-Living Flats Approved For Brighton