Justin Bieber Purpose album cover banned in Middle East for promoting Christianity

Pop superstar Justin Bieber has come under fire in the Middle East after 'promoting Christianity' with his new album. According to TMZ, the cover art for the singer's fourth studio album Purpose has been rejected for being too provocative.

Sources tell the celebrity news site that several Muslim nations across the Middle East, as well as Indonesia, have taken the issue with the Canadian singer being shirtless in the artwork and flaunting his cross tattoo. As a result, the 21-year-old's team is reportedly now working on alternate imagery so they can still push the record with a revamped cover.

IBTimes UK has reached out to Bieber's representatives and is awaiting comment.

Earlier in October, Bieber accused One Direction of purposely "strategising" a album release clash following news that they would also be dropping their anticipated fifth long-player Made In The AM on 13 November.

Addressing the chart rivalry, Bieber told a New Zealand radio station: "[They're] not really going on the road much, but we're talking about them now, so it gives them some promo, right?"

The What Do U Mean? singer added: "So, that's probably why they did it. I think it was strategy on their part because my release date was first. But, whatever. It's whatever. It's gonna be fun. I'm excited to see what happens."