David Bowie has sparked controversy with the video for new single The Next Day - bosses at YouTube.com have banned the religious-themed promo.

Marion Cotillard and Gary Oldman star in the new clip, which features a Christ-like Bowie performing at a bar in front of a collection of figures from the Christian faith, including a Cardinal dishing out cash to dancing girls.

Cotillard's prostitute character transforms into a saint after stigmata on her hands gush blood over a topless nun, while another scene features a monk practising self-flagellation.

The video hit the web on Wednesday (07May13), but has already been pulled by YouTube bosses as it violates the site's terms of service, according to Billboard.com.

The promo was directed by The Runaways filmmaker Floria Sigismundi.