London, Feb 27 (IANS) Pop star Lady Gaga's topless photo on the cover of Q magazine has been banned by several leading stores in the US.

The 'Poker Face' hit maker walked out on the recent magazine photo shoot after bosses at the publication refused to let her strike a controversial pose in a desperate bid to address rumours she is a hermaphrodite, contactmusic.com reports.

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 US, including bookstore Borders, have refused to stock the publication unless it is placed in a sealed cover, according to QtheMusic.com