An influencer who claimed she was thrown out of the Vatican for being "too sexy" has vowed to give up Catholicism because of how she was treated.
Juju Vieira, who is originally from Brazil, was on a trip to Saint Peter's Basilica at the heart of the holy city during a trip to Rome in January.
The model, who was wearing a fitted dress and long boots during her visit, claims that while there she was told she was not dressed properly and asked to leave.
Since then Juju, who is baptised and was raised in a strict Christian home and regularly attended mass, claims she has been persecuted by trolls online, who are sending hateful message.
“I met the lack of God in the hearts of people who call themselves Catholic in the worst possible way,” she said.
"They found out my number and I even received threats. I don’t identify with that kind of religious conduct.”
According to the Instagram star, who has 30,200 followers, the verbal attacks are mostly coming from the most orthodox part of the community.
As a result of what happened at the Vatican and the resulting abuse, she has now decided to give up her faith and explore other religions.
“I want to be who I am, dress the way I want, sexy or not,” she said.
"I want to know other religions, today I identify more with spiritism”.
The Vatican has a strict dress code for both men and women, which involves covering shoulders and knees.
The website states: “Women are not permitted to wear sleeveless tops, crop tops, or tight shirts. Shoulders should be covered, and if wearing a skirt or dress, it must cover the knees.
“It is usually a good idea for women to bring a shawl and a pair of leggings when visiting during the colder months, as well as a light jacket that can be rolled up into a pleasingly tiny bag.”
Juju said: “I went to the Vatican like everyone else goes to take pictures.
“A gentleman who worked there came close to me and said that the place was for prayers and that I was not dressed properly and invited me to leave, 'kicked' me out of the Vatican.
“I was embarrassed because there were other people there who heard this. I felt disrespected.”
Juju claims she was not aware of the code and was dressed as she would normally for a day out.
The model said: “I didn't even know there were rules.
"A person of common sense will not visit the Vatican in club clothes. I was stylish in my winter clothes, everything matched.
“I went in comfortable clothes that I would feel good in for long walks. Comfort was my only concern.”
Juju also shared her experience with her Instagram followers in a video.
Speaking in Portuguese, she told them the story, describing it as an “unpleasant situation”.
One person wrote: “This is absurd my friend.”
Another simply posted shocked face emojis.
Others however claimed that it is common for people to be asked to leave for not following the dress code.
One person wrote: “Well, if you go dressed with deep necklines, very tight clothes, that's normal.
"They didn’t let my niece in also with a miniskirt and belly out.”
The Mirror Online has contacted the Vatican for comment.
