While seeing young actresses and models in revealing pictorials might not be anything new, apparently many have argued that Cyrus’ photos were “horribly tacky,” and “distasteful.” Such negative comments might have been provoked by the fact that Cyrus is, presently, underage—sixteen to be exact—, and also being the rising star of Disney’s ever so popular television series Hannah Montana, Cyrus’ role model status for teenage girls the world over might not look so untarnished by now. Others, such as Disney Channel representatives, point the finger to the magazine, and Annie Leibovitz—the photographer who did the shoot--saying that both Leibovitz and Vanity Fair had “manipulated” a fifteen year old girl “in order to sell magazines.”
Though in answer to Disney Channel representatives, Vanity Fair stated, “Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day. Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley.”
Cyrus has reportedly apologized to her fans regarding the photos, saying that she is “embarrassed” the photos yielded to such an undesirable and “racy” outcome. Cyrus added, “I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be artistic,” and that she “couldn’t say no to her (Leibovitz)…with her puppy dog eyes.”
Her father, country music sensation and actor, Billy Ray Cyrus said to have furiously commented that “if he had been there (at the photo shoot) he would never allow a shot of his daughter seemingly topless to be taken.” To back this statement, according to Entertainment Tonight, father Billy Ray did not see the photos of her daughter prior to their publication.
At present, despite Disney officials decisions to “keep her contained” for the mean time, Miley Ray Cyrus is still scheduled to shoot for an upcoming Hollywood movie of Hannah Montana, as well as a performance at the Wango Tango concert this coming May 10.
Only time will tell whether this teenage starlet’s controversial photo shoot will prove to be her downfall or a risky move that would benefit her in the long run. Just as the Zen master would say, “we’ll see.” Nevertheless, exposure sure has, without a doubt, skyrocketed for the young Miley Ray.