Cher has confirmed her romance with music producer Alexander "A.E." Edwards and hit out at critics of their 40-year age gap.

The 'Believe' hitmaker, 76, set tongues wagging over the weekend when she posted a photo of her 36-year-old beau - who has three-year-old son Slash with model Amber Rose - with a red heart emoji on Twitter at the weekend, days after the pair were spotted walking hand-in-hand on a date night at Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood on November 2.

Responding to those calling out their age difference, Cher snapped back: "I'm Not Defending us.

"Haters are Gonna Hate…Doesn' Matter That and Not Bothering Anyone. (sic)"

When another user questioned Alexander's "motives and intentions", she replied: "Haven't You Got Anything Else 2 Do!? Let Me Explain…I DONT GIVE A [plane emoji] FK WHAT ANYONE THINKS. (sic)"

Cher previously dated Tom Cruise, 60, with whom she had a 16-year age gap.

The music legend has been married twice before to Sonny Bono from 1964 to 1975 and Gregg Allman from 1975 to 1979.

The 'If I Could Turn Back Time' hitmaker's pal previously revealed what she looks for in a man.

They said: “He has to be self-assured and funny. She loves to laugh.

“Strength and independence are musts. She hates neediness, whining, complaining — that completely turns her off.”

Cher has also dated the likes of Warren Betty, 85, David Geffen, 79, Richie Sambora, 63, and 62-year-old Val Kilmer.