Lady Gaga's topless photo on the cover of Q magazine has been banned by several leading stores in the U.S.

The Poker Face hitmaker walked out on the recent magazine photoshoot after bosses at the publication refused to let her strike a controversial pose - in a desperate bid to address rumours she is a hermaphrodite.

Editors weren't impressed with her demands, and following a series of tense negotiations, the star reportedly burst into tears and walked out.

Bosses at Q eventually rearranged the shoot and the final pictures show Gaga posing topless in just a pair of leather trousers.

But despite efforts to tone the images down, some stores across the U.S., including bookstore Borders, have refused to stock the publication unless it is placed in a sealed cover, according to QTheMusic.com.