Canadian crooner Michael Buble is in hot water after posting to Instagram an image of a stranger’s posterior.

Buble has issued an apology for the action, which has created a storm of social media criticism.

The offending picture showed a young woman’s backside in denim shorts and was captioned #myhumps #hungryshorts and #beautifulbum.

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“There was something about this photo Lu (wife Luisana Lopilato) took that seemed worthy of Instagram,” Buble wrote.

It didn’t take long for fans to accuse Buble of body shaming.

“I would expect more from you and your wife … Hate the thought of creepy couples taking sneaky photos of my daughter or niece and posting them on the internet,” one person responded.

The offending Instgram pic.

Another wrote: “That awkward moment when @michaelbuble changes Instagram from a photo sharing application to a pulpit of bullying misogyny”.

Buble went into damage control.

“I do not court controversy. But I realise that a photo that was meant to be complimentary and lighthearted has turned into a questionable issue,” he posted on Facebook.

“For the record, it hurts me deeply that anyone would think that I would disrespect women or be insulting to any human being. I was not brought up that way and it is not in my character. Women are to be celebrated, loved, respected, honored and revered. I’ve spent my life believing that and will continue to do so.”