Model and ex-addict Jaime King shocks by posting 'heroin chic' photo

US model-actress and former heroin addict Jaime King has sparked controversy by posting a throwback photo representing the "heroin chic" trend of the early '90s.

The 35-year-old shared the photo of herself at 16 looking gaunt, surrounded by pictures of stars who died from their drug addictions, including Kurt Cobain, Sid Vicious and the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia.

The model, who was discovered aged 14, posted the shot to honour her late boyfriend, photographer Davide Sorrenti.

"Oh Davide, we got into so much trouble with this picture," Jaime wrote. "At least we know the depth of what we were capturing. #lostart #thislifeisprecious."

The picture has since been removed from Instagram — it's not clear if Jaime took it down herself or if Instagram deemed it inappropriate.

The photo was Davide's best-known shot in his short career. The 20-year-old died in 1997 reportedly from a kidney ailment caused by excessive heroin use. Then-girlfriend and drug addict Jamie checked into rehab after Davide's death and has been sober since.

"When you lose someone like that, you can turn it into a tragedy and live with it for the rest of your life," Jamie has said of his death. "I realised I was so fortunate just to have been able to have loved him for that short time."

Former Vogue and Harpers' Bazaar cover-girl Jaime is now married to Kyle Newman and the pair have a nine-month-old son, James Knight. She is currently appearing on Rachel Bilson's hit show, Hart of Dixie.

Jamie can also be seen regularly by the side of BFF Taylor Swift... check out the video below.

In pics: BFF hoarder! Who isn't Taylor Swift friends with?

Author: Adam Bub. Follow on Twitter. Approved by Amy Nelmes.