Courtney Love defends Justin Bieber's Nirvana top

Recording artist Justin Bieber at the 2015 American Music Awards. Photo / Getty Images

Kurt Cobain's widow Courtney Love has stepped up to defend Justin Bieber after the pop star caused controversy by wearing a Nirvana T-shirt to the American Music Awards (AMAs).

The pop superstar walked the red carpet at the AMAs in Los Angeles wearing a patterned top emblazoned with the iconic band's logo, prompting an outpouring of criticism from Nirvana fans.

Justin Bieber's T-shirt angered Nirvana fans. Photo / Getty Imaged

Devotees flooded social media with taunts aimed at Bieber, who was born just four weeks before Kurt Cobain's death in 1994.

"I just have to say... Justin Bieber in his Nirvana shirt probably has Kurt Cobain tossing in his grave," said Twitter user @lauren--nikol.

The back of Justin Bieber's Nirvana T-shirt. Photo / Getty Images

Nicolas Galifi tweeted "Can Justin Bieber stop making Nirvana look like a fashion label rather than a band."

"Bieber wearing a Nirvana shirt makes me want to vomit," tweeted Iain Brouwer.

Georgia tweeted "Justin Bieber wearing a nirvana shirt is the most offensive thing I've ever seen."

Nevermind the haters because the rock legend's widow Courtney Love has now spoken out in his defence.

The Hole rocker sent her support to the pop star via Twitter, writing, "You're cool in my book @justinbieber xc."

You're cool in my book @justinbieber xc

— Courtney Love Cobain (@Courtney) November 23, 2015

It's not the first time Bieber has landed in hot water for wearing grunge or metal band T-shirts.

Earlier this month the pop star wore a Metallica T-shirt on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, much to the ire of metal fans. He was also slammed for wearing an Iron Maiden T-shirt in July.

- WENN