2015 did not kick off on a bright note for Selena Gomez, who reportedly sparked controversy with an Instagram photo taken in Abu Dhabi.

Billboard reports that the singer shared a picture of herself in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, only to remove it after receiving criticism. In the image, Selena is shown revealing her ankle, which is considered "intimate behavior" in the mosque, and therefore banned. (You can check out the now-deleted photo over on the Daily Mail.)

According to Us Weekly, before the photo was removed, it was filled with criticism for her perceived disrespect. Us Weekly reports that one comment read "I was just thinking, why purposely go to a sacred place and do something considered disrespectful?" Billboard says that other comments include:  "Just because you're not muslim doesn't mean you don't have to follow muslim tradition in a Muslim place" and "The thing is, whichever religion you are, respect others and their beliefs!"

However, 'The Heart Wants What It Wants' singer didn't delete a group shot from the mosque, which you can see below. She was traveling with friends such as Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Shay Mitchell and Cody Simpson.

See Selena Gomez + More Celebs Without Makeup

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