Naomi Campbell censored by Instagram after backing #freethenipple

The supermodel's self-image was removed from the site after 20 hours

A topless image of Naomi Campbell, posted by the model herself to back the #freethenipple campaign, has reportedly been removed by Instagram.

The image, captioned with the #freethenipple hashtag, was a teaser from an upcoming book project planned by the 45-year-old supermodel and previewed in Garage magazine.

According to New York magazine, the image was on the social media site for 20 hours before being taken down.

Campbell also tweeted the image:

The #freethenipple movement campaigns for gender equality when it comes to nude images and seeks to bring attention to the fact that photos of topless men are rarely censored.

Instagram has previously been criticised for this stance by a number of celebrities, most prominently by Scout Willis, the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, who had her account deactivated after posting a photo supporting the campaign.

Under Instagram’s terms of use, users cannot post “nude, partially nude… pornographic or sexually suggestive photos or content via the service”.

In their community guidelines, a nudity clause states: “For a variety of reasons we don’t allow nudity… this includes some photos of female nipples.”

Other celebrities who have highlighted the movement include Cara Delevingne, Miley Cyrus and comedian Chelsea Handler - who had a topless photo removed after just 30 minutes. In 2014, Rihanna posted a topless magazine cover of herself, which was also removed.

A representative for Naomi Campbell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.