Miley Cyrus withdraws apology for a 'near-nude' photo that caused controversy 10 years ago

May 2024 · 3 minute read

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Miley Cyrus has no regrets about posing nearly nude for Annie Leibovitz in 2008. The singer tweeted a photo of a New York Post cover from 10 years ago, on which the headline read "MILEY'S SHAME."

On the cover, Cyrus is quoted apologizing for a photoshoot she did with Leibovitz and Vanity Fair Magazine. 

"I feel so embarrassed," Cyrus' Post apology says. "I never intended for this to happen."

But now Cyrus has more direct sentiment to share: "IM [sic] NOT SORRY. F--- YOU."

—Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) April 29, 2018

Cyrus was 15 years old when she posed for the photo. You can see the section from Cyrus' Vanity Fair feature below, where the photo by Leibovitz appeared. 

The interviewer, Bruce Handy, asked Cyrus if this pose made her "anxious." Here's what the image caption says:

"Um, was Cyrus — or Disney — at all anxious about this shot? 'No, I mean I had the big blanket on. And I thought, this looks pretty, and really natural. I think it's artsy.'"

The feature can still be seen on Vanity Fair's website. Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair

The photo sparked some backlash among her younger fanbase (and their parents). At the time, Cyrus was best known for her Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana."

As reported by Mashable, Cyrus issued a full apology at the time:

"I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about."

Cyrus has since come a long way in her career. On the same day she took back her apology for the above photo, the singer tweeted more throwback photos.

—Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) April 29, 2018—Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) April 29, 2018

Cyrus, now 25 years old, released her sixth studio album last fall. She's engaged to actor Liam Hemsworth (some fans even think they're already married). She has also embraced activism after seeing how her large platform can affect many young people. 

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