Sia has taken to Twitter to defend her new music video for tune Elastic Heart.

The promo, which premiered last night (January 7), sees 28-year old actor Shia LaBeouf almost naked as he wrestles and fights with 12-year old Dance Moms star Maddie Ziegler in a cage.

Wearing just dirt-covered nude material, the pair battle it out (think The Hunger Games) - with the clip receiving criticism online, and some Twitter and YouTube users empathising how abuse victims may interpret the vid.

After seeing the backlash, the Aussie singer took to her website and Twitter account to release a statement, saying: "I anticipated some 'pedophelia!!!' Cries for this video. All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play."

I anticipated some 'pedophelia!!!' Cries for this video. All I can say is Maddie and Shia are two of the only actors I felt could play

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015

These two warring 'sia' self states.

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015

I apologize to those who feel triggered by #ElasticHeart My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody.

— sia (@Sia) January 8, 2015

[related]She went on to explain: "These two warring 'sia' self states.

"I apologize to those who feel triggered by #ElasticHeart My intention was to create some emotional content, not to upset anybody."

The 39-year old star directed the five-minute clip alongside Daniel Askill, who she has previously worked with on her Chandelier and Breathe Me videos.