Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Miley Cyrus

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Miley Cyrus.

Miley Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actress recognized for her significant influence in popular music and her ability to reinvent her artistic image. She gained initial fame as a child actress before transitioning to a successful adult career. Cyrus achieved teen idol status through her role as Miley Stewart in the Disney Channel's 'Hannah Montana' (2006–2011), which spawned a profitable franchise and two chart-topping soundtracks on the Billboard 200, establishing her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

April 2008: Photo Leak Controversy

In April 2008, several pictures of Miley Cyrus in her underwear and swimsuit were leaked online after her Gmail account was hacked. Further controversy erupted when it was reported that she had posed topless during a photo shoot for Vanity Fair.

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2008: Vanity Fair photo scandal and increasing fame

In 2008, Miley Cyrus's fame increased dramatically in the wake of the Vanity Fair photo scandal. Photographs of Cyrus could be sold to photo agencies for up to $2,000 per photo. Donny Osmond commented on her imminent transition to adulthood and image change.

2009: Controversy over performance of "Party in the U.S.A."

In 2009, Miley Cyrus's performance of "Party in the U.S.A." at the Teen Choice Awards sparked a "national uproar" because of her outfit and perceived pole dancing.

December 2010: Smoking Salvia Controversy

In December 2010, a video posted online showed Miley Cyrus, then aged eighteen, smoking salvia with a bong.

2010: Controversy over performance of "Can't Be Tamed" on Britain's Got Talent

In 2010, Miley Cyrus faced controversy over her performance of "Can't Be Tamed" on Britain's Got Talent, where she pretended to kiss one of her female backup dancers onstage.

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March 5, 2011: Hosting Saturday Night Live

On March 5, 2011, Miley Cyrus hosted Saturday Night Live, where she made fun of her recent controversies.

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February 2012: Dropped from Hotel Transylvania

In February 2012, Miley Cyrus was dropped from the animated film Hotel Transylvania, where she was going to voice Mavis, and was replaced with Selena Gomez. Cyrus stated she left to focus on music, but it was later revealed she bought Liam Hemsworth a penis-shaped birthday cake and licked it.

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2013: Controversy over performance at MTV Video Music Awards

In 2013, Miley Cyrus became the subject of media and public scrutiny following her performance of "We Can't Stop" and "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards. Her actions, including touching Thicke's crotch area with a giant foam finger and twerking against his crotch, resulted in a media frenzy.

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2013: Release of "We Can't Stop", VMA performance, and "Wrecking Ball" release

In 2013, Miley Cyrus released "We Can't Stop" as her comeback single, achieving global success and breaking Vevo records. Her MTV Video Music Awards performance with Robin Thicke drew significant media attention, and she released "Wrecking Ball" as the second single from Bangerz. The "Wrecking Ball" music video generated controversy but the single topped the Hot 100 chart for three weeks, selling over two million copies.

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2013: Cannabis Use

In 2013, Miley Cyrus told Rolling Stone that cannabis was "the best drug on earth" and called it, along with MDMA, a "happy drug". She also appeared to smoke a joint onstage at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards, though this was removed from the delayed broadcast of the show in the United States.

2013: Controversy and Influence of "Bangerz" Album

Miley Cyrus's album Bangerz (2013), along with its promotional events, is considered to be one of the most controversial moments in the 2010s wider popular culture and established Cyrus among the decade's most controversial figures. Billboard listed Bangerz as one of the greatest and most influential albums of the 2010s noting that "with this pivotal album release, Cyrus took control of her public persona, surprising less with her provocative antics than with her constant artistic evolution".

2013: Controversy and Dolly Parton's defense

Miley Cyrus's behavior throughout 2013 sparked a substantial amount of controversy. However, her godmother Dolly Parton defended her, acknowledging Cyrus's talent as a writer and singer and respecting her choices.

2014: Controversial performances on Bangerz Tour

In 2014, Miley Cyrus's controversial musical performances during her Bangerz Tour received significant media attention.

2014: Controversy surrounding Miley Cyrus's image and behavior

In 2014, the controversy surrounding Miley Cyrus's image and behavior continued, although her godmother Dolly Parton supported her choices.

2015: Controversial performances on Milky Milky Milk Tour

In 2015, Miley Cyrus's controversial musical performances during her Milky Milky Milk Tour received significant media attention.

2020: Switch to Pescatarian Diet

In 2020, Miley Cyrus said on The Joe Rogan Experience that she had to switch to a pescatarian diet after suffering from omega-3 deficiency, sparking backlash from people in the vegan and vegetarian community.