Cindy Crawford photo sparks legal action

The untouched image of Cindy Crawford in Marie Claire magazine.

The photographer behind the unretouched image of Cindy Crawford at a 2013 lingerie shoot is taking legal action amid allegations the snap was stolen and altered to make the supermodel look bad.

The 48-year-old model and mother of two posed for a photoshoot for Marie Claire's Mexico and Latin America publication two years ago, but one image, showing Crawford with a less-than-smooth stomach and cellulite on her thighs, leaked online last month.

The untouched image of Cindy Crawford in Marie Claire magazine.

Magazine editors confirmed it was an outtake from their December 2013 cover story, praising the snap by writing, "It is real, it is honest, and it is gorgeous."

However, the photographer has taken issue with the unauthorised release of the image and now his lawyer has demanded anyone who published the picture online take it down.

In a cease and desist letter obtained by editors at website TMZ.com, the lawyer threatens to pursue legal action against anyone who refuses to remove the photo.

The notice also includes a statement from the photographer, confirming he took the image, which he insists was stolen and doctored.

- WENN