'I'm 100% not gay... or homophobic': Liam Payne defends himself after fake nude pic leak

And it would seem One Direction star Liam Payne has been the victim of a similar crime, but the nudes leaked are merely pictures of someone else - he claims.

The singer took to Twitter to tell his 18m followers the pictures doing the rounds of a nude man with a black cap on - reportedly Liam - are NOT the star.

He said: "Wow as if people think that weird photo going around is actually me lol think id rather tweet a full frontal than have people look at that."

The picture features two men on a bed, with one performing a sex act on the other.

Some fans took offence to Liam referring to the picture as "weird" leading the star to have to clarify he was neither homosexual or homophobic.

He said: "I'm 100% not homophobic. But I'm also 100% not gay so when somebody says I am I'm gunna say I'm not which does not make me a homophobe."

The message received a mixed response from fans, who previously chastised the star for his comments.

One said: "Okay good omg I thought u were serious."

Another added: "Baby, everyone knows you're not gay homophobic and 100%. Why trouble yourself so that equal?"

It's not the first time Liam's found himself in hot water over posts on Twitter - the star had to apologise after posting a picture of himself on a 360ft roof ledge.

The shot - posted in January - was taken outside Liam's high-rise flat in London, and it was quickly deleted.

At the time Liam said: "You may have seen a photo of me today taken on top of a building. I regret being there and having a photo take.

"It was a stupid and irresponsible thing to do. I am sorry, and do not endorse any fans trying to repeat this, as it is extremely dangerous."