Guide Note

Teen pop sensation Miley Cyrus was photographed semi-nude by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz for a spread in Vanity Fair magazine. After the shoot, Cyrus, 15, claimed to be upset and "embarrassed" by how the images turned out. On July 22, 2008, Cyrus appeared on Good Morning America and discussed her Vanity Fair photos for the first time. She stated that the provocative photos were a "mistake" and defended herself by explaining that she's young and "anyone who was 15 years old can't say they haven't made a mistake."¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: Nov 23, 1992
2. Birthplace: Franklin, Tennessee
3. Birth Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus
4. Had an interest in acting at the age of nine
5. Daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus & Leticia Cyrus
6. Goddaughter to Dolly Parton
7. Plays the character "Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana" on Hannah Montana
8. Given nickname "Miley" when she was a girl because she smiled all of the time

The Vanity Fair site crashed because of high traffic on Monday, April 28, 2008, the day the photos were published online. The image at the center of the spread shows Cyrus topless, with a satin sheet covering the front of her body.

Soon after the images were released Cyrus pulled out of a red-carpet media event at Disney World in Florida. She restricted herself to an autograph signing session for children at the resort.

1. First acting role: Guest spot on television series Doc
2. 2003: Role in Tim Burton's film Big Fish

In April 2008, racy photos of Miley Cyrus leaked onto the Internet. In one photo, Cyrus pulls her white tank top down and reveals a green bra. Cyrus apologized, saying the photos were silly and inappropriate.² Another picture appeared in December 2007 of Cyrus sharing a piece of candy on the floor with a female friend.

"I think I was just in a stage where I was just trying to get things done, and maybe look for an older audience. I was working with a big magazine just trying to go with what they were saying." - Miley Cyrus told "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts"¹