Cradle Of Filth's 'Vestal Masturbation' t-shirt is causing some controversy. According to Radio New Zealand, a woman has attempted to spraypaint the controversial t-shirt at an exhibition at Canterbury Museum. The t-shirt, that depicts a graphic image of a nun masturbating with the phrase 'Jesus Is A Cunt' at the back, was placed on display at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand for the "T-shirts Unfolding" exhibition and it has drawn criticism. Shortly after the exhibition was opened, a woman took a can of spray paint to the installation in an attempt to obscure the t-shirt's message.

Museum director Anthony Wright said a woman was asked to leave the exhibition this morning after she sprayed black paint onto a perspex barrier. Mr. Wright said no damage was caused to the exhibit and the paint had since been cleaned up.





Christchurch's Anglican Bishop Victoria Matthews had previously questioned why the t-shirt needed to be included in the exhibition at all.

Catholic blogger Brendan Malone said in a blog post that a museum should bring a community together, but Canterbury Museum's decision to hold this exhibition was "irresponsible" and would "result in unnecessary harm" to the public.

Catholic Bishop Barry Jones also criticised the controversial t-shirt. "Anglican and Roman Catholic nuns enjoy wide respect and the misogynistic message on the t-shirt is appalling," he said.

New Zealand's chief censor ruled the t-shirt objectionable in 2008 but granted the museum an exemption to display it provided it was kept in a separate space from other exhibits and was age restricted.

There are several hundred t-shirts in the exhibition. The event is free to enter and runs until May 10th. The "T-shirts Unfolding" exhibition "explores the story of the garment over its 100-year history and the way in which t-shirts have been used as an expression of popular culture."

Source:	radionz.co.nz
Band profile:	Cradle Of Filth