Sharon Stone has defended her right to pose topless in a racy spread at the age of 51, insisting it's not just youthful actresses who should be allowed to strip off.

The Basic Instinct star has bared all for the cover of French fashion bible Paris Match, sporting nothing but bondage heels and underwear for the provocative shoot.

And the actress remains adamant she has every right to show off her body without facing harsh criticism about her age.

She tells the magazine, "Is there an age when you're supposed to refrain from doing some things like showing your body? If someone is shocked by these photos that's a reflection on his own views on age.

"What these photos represent is nothing surprising to me, my life didn't change at 50, I didn't change. I don't see where the provocation is. If I asked myself I probably wouldn't have done these photos as I don't consider myself provocative."

Sharon Stone Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)