Bette Midler and Kim Kardashian launch into Twitter spat over reality star’s divisive naked selfie

Kim Kardashian shared a selfie of herself completely nude but for two well-placed modesty bars on Monday

Kardashian has previosuly discussed how her prolific selfies and naked photos are a way of reinforcing her sense of agency (AP)

Bette Midler has lambasted Kim Kardashian during a Twitter spat over a naked selfie taken by the reality star.

The 70-year-old singer and actress commented on a nude selfie taken by Kardashian on Monday, saying she would have to “swallow the camera” in order to show is “a part of her we’ve never seen” before.

Midler said: “Kim Kardashian tweeted a nude selfie today. If she wants us to see a part of her we’ve never seen, she’s gonna have to swallow the camera.”

In response 35-year-old Kardashian retorted: “Hey [Bette Midler] I know it's past your bedtime but if you're still up and reading this send nudes #justkidding.'

Adding: “Hey [Bette Midler] I really didn't want to bring up how you sent me a gift awhile back trying to be a fake friend then come at me #dejavu [sic]”

The goading comments provoked a reaction from Midler who said in reply: “I never tried to fake friend you. Looks like anyone can take a selfie but not everyone can take a joke...”

The gift in question is believed to a tree Midler planted in 2007 in Kardashian’s honour, as part of her MillionTreesNYC initiative, according to TMZ.

The reality TV star, model and businesswoman greeted followers this morning with a selfie of herself completely nude but for two well-placed modesty bars.

(Kim Kardashian/Twitter)

The image, which has been liked over 220,000 times, has proved divisive with some criticising Kardashian and other praising her for her confidence.

The actress and model Chloe Moretz, suggested Kardashian “shaming” herself on social media and failing to “respect the platform she had been given as a celebrity”.

Kardashian has previously said her prolific selfies and naked photos are a way of reinforcing her sense of agency, telling the Commonwealth Club in July: “I think there's power in that, and I think I have the control to put out what I want and I'm proud of that. So even if I'm objectifying myself, I feel good about it.”