Matthew Morrison defends Lea Michele Cosmo cover

Many have deemed the cover inappropriate for an actress from a show with such a teenage fan-base.

But 32-year-old Morrison, who plays teacher Will Schuester in the musical series, told Pop Eater, 'Show it while you still got it!'

And he is no stranger to the odd provocative photoshoot himself. 'I didn't expect to be shirtless when I did the cover of Details but I thought the end result was good,' he said.

This is the second time that critics have hit out at Lea, 24, the first being when she posed in her knickers for the GQ Glee Gone Wild issue.

A magazine insider added, 'It's a total double standard for actors and actresses.

'Guys can pose half naked and talk about sex, and they are just being men, while when beautiful women do it then they're bad. Good for Lea for proving that she is a fun fearless female.'

A spokesperson for Cosmo defended their cover girl, stating, 'We're thrilled to feature Lea Michele on the March cover of Cosmopolitan and think she looks stunning. Michele is a grown woman, and Cosmopolitan is a magazine for adults.'