Justin Bieber poses as James Dean

Pop star Justin Bieber has embraced his troubled reputation by posing as Hollywood bad boy James Dean in a new photo.

The Baby hitmaker has posted a picture on his Instagram.com page, showing him emulating the Rebel Without a Cause star.

In the black and white shot, Bieber is seen sporting Dean-style hair with a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

The singer explained the picture to fans, insisting he doesn't really smoke, but just wanted to recreate the look of the late acting legend, who died in a high-speed car crash in 1955.

Bieber writes, "This is James Dean inspired. Don't ask me if I smoke ciggys (cigarettes) cuz (because) I don't."

He also added a photograph of Dean in the pose he was attempting to recreate.