Julianne Moore's Sexy Bulgari Ad Banned in Venice

NEW YORK (CBS) An advertisement for luxury accessories brand Bulgari featuring actress Julianne Moore is too sexy for Venice, the Italian city's mayor says.

The billboard, which was to be displayed on Doge's Palace, which overlooks the famous St. Mark's Square, features the actress lying naked across a divan, covered by a handbag and two lion cubs.

Pictures: Julianne Moore
Pictures: Venice Film Festival 2010

Recently-elected Mayor Giorgio Orsoni blocked the use of the billboard on the city's landmark.

"An advertisement showing a nude woman on a divan is not appropriate for St Mark's Square," he told Italian media, according to Britain's Daily Mail.

The Venice Foundation, which raises funds for the city's historical attractions, agreed with Orsoni's decision.

"I take account of the fact that Venice is part of the real world...but we cannot accept these Hollywood-style images," said Marino Folin, the charity's president. "There are intelligent sponsors, and we need to come up with advertising that suits Venice, not Times Square."

A different image, showing Moore fully clothed and wearing Bulgari jewelry, will be displayed instead, according to the report.