Kanye West is under investigation in Italy for allegedly breaching anti-terror laws by wearing a face mask in public, according to legal experts. The rapper, who has been on an extended holiday with partner Bianca Censori, faces fines of up to €2,000 under Article 533 of Italian law, which prohibits any item that hampers identification in public spaces. The law, introduced in 1977 and updated in 2005, allows exceptions only for religious reasons with written authorization.
West has been seen wearing a dark mask in Venice, Florence, and Milan during his six-week stay, including at Milan Fashion Week. Lawyer Angelo Russo told MailOnline that wearing a full face covering in good weather is not considered reasonable, and police have the authority to stop and question individuals. The couple is also being investigated by Venice police after being photographed in a 'compromising position' in a water taxi last month, where Censori was seen in an outfit exposing her bare buttocks while kneeling in front of West.
Venice officials are examining whether the couple committed an 'offence contrary to public decency,' which could also result in a fine. The city has strict bylaws regarding public decorum, including bans on swimming in canals and open-air picnics. West was last seen in Milan on Friday, giving an interview to a local radio station while still wearing a full face covering. Censori has not been seen since Friday.
