SCOTTISH star Alan Cumming has courted controversy after he stripped off to promote veganism.

The actor, who turned vegetarian in 2010 and vegan in 2012, posed in the nude for a campaign with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta).

Stripping down to his birthday suit but covering his modesty with a romaine lettuce, Cumming posed on the bar of the Ladybird vegan tapas restaurant in New York.

“Just another day in the east village getting naked for @peta,” the actor wrote in Instagram as he shared the photo.

"I'm the vegan option. Join me!" text on the image reads.

Cumming also shared a video which showed him also posing in the nude in various other positions, covering his manhood with items including a plate of doughnuts and an aubergine.

Peta commented: “A typical day with us. We love you for always going above and beyond for animals. Thank you for everything that you do!”

The photoshoot caused controversy however, with some asking what veganism had to do with being in the buff.

“No…. Been vegan for 5 years…. And as a vegan this does not help other[s] become plant base… tf being naked have to do with vegan…. We are not nudist tf,” one user wrote.

“Unfollowed, don’t need to see naked people to know not to hurt animals,” another user said.

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A third questioned: “And being naked helps vegans? If anyone can elaborate how roaming around naked helps veganism?”

But others were supportive of the campaign and Cumming’s involvement.

“Alan Cumming is the vegan KING,” one user wrote, while another added: “Love this. TYSM [thank you so much] for being vegan – we love to have you on our team.”

A third person wrote: “Yay, thank you. Keep being awesome, hilarious, inspiring and most importantly KIND! #EatPlantsNotFriends.”