Cindy Crawford 'un-PhotoShopped' viral Marie Claire image was doctored, photographer claims

Model was praised for showing what many 40-something women look like without their clothes on

Cindy Crawford inspired millions of people across the world when she appeared to pose in her underwear and allow the unaltered photographs to be published.

But this wasn't the case, apparently.

"It has been falsely claimed that this photograph represents an unretouched image of Cindy Crawford. This is not true. It is a fraudulent altered version of my photograph," said John Russo.

"I am grateful that this fact has been brought to the public's attention and that corrections are being run in the media."

After the picture - said to have originated from a 2013 issue of Marie Claire Mexico - was published, the magazine released a statement saying: "No matter where the photo came from, it's an enlightenment - we've always known Crawford was beautiful, but seeing her like this only makes us love her more."

Crawford has not commented on the picture.