Updated November 08, 2017 16:22:23

Photo: The Australian singer is known for appearing on stage and in music videos with elaborate wigs. (Reuters: Mario Anzuoni)

Famously photo-shy singer Sia has tweeted out a naked picture of herself after learning that someone was trying to sell nude paparazzi photos of her.

The Australian singer posted the blurry nude shot which appeared to be taken without her knowledge while she was on a hotel balcony.

"Someone is apparently trying to sell naked photos of me to my fans," she wrote.

"Save your money, here it is for free. Everyday is Christmas!"

The photo includes a watermark denoting it as a preview shot and has a message that says 14 additional photos would be made available if purchased.

Infographic: Sia wrote "someone is apparently trying to sell naked photos of me to my fans". (Twitter: Sia)

The image cannot be shown because it is owned by the photographer. The Cheap Thrills singer could herself get into trouble for sharing the photo.

In her tweet, Sia also gave a bit of a plug to her Christmas album, noting that "everyday is Christmas".

Many users praised her for releasing the photo, describing the move as brave and powerful.

Sia is known for appearing on stage and in music videos with elaborate wigs and masks covering her face.

She has explained in the past that she hides her face at times to maintain privacy and avoid a celebrity lifestyle.

Last year, the Adelaide-born singer hit the lead in the United States Billboard charts for her song Cheap Thrills, reportedly the first female artist older than 40 since Madonna did it 17 years ago.

AP/ABC

Topics: arts-and-entertainment, music, community-and-society, australia

First posted November 08, 2017 10:51:51