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 known for her influential role in popular music and constant reinvention. She began her career as a child actress and rose to prominence as a teen idol, starring as Miley Stewart in Disney's 'Hannah Montana' (2006-2011). This role launched a successful franchise, including two number-one soundtracks on the Billboard 200, solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

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

April 2008: Image Leaks and Controversy

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

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2008: Vanity Fair Photo Scandal

In 2008, Miley Cyrus's fame increased dramatically in the wake of the Vanity Fair photo scandal, with photographs of her being sold to photo agencies for up to $2,000 per photo.

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2009: Teen Choice Awards 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.

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December 2010: Salvia Smoking Controversy

In December 2010, a video surfaced online showing Miley Cyrus, then eighteen, smoking salvia with a bong, leading to further controversy.

2010: Britain's Got Talent Performance of "Can't Be Tamed"

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, but she defended the performance.

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2010: Release of "Can't Be Tamed" Album and Image Transition

In 2010, with the release of her album Can't Be Tamed, Miley Cyrus officially attempted to distance herself from her teenage persona by releasing controversial music videos for her songs "Can't Be Tamed" and "Who Owns My Heart".

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March 5, 2011: Hosts Saturday Night Live

On March 5, 2011, Miley Cyrus hosted Saturday Night Live and poked fun at her recent controversies.

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2013: Release of comeback single and controversial performance

In 2013, Miley Cyrus released her comeback single "We Can't Stop", which topped charts worldwide. She also performed with Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards, resulting in media attention and public scrutiny due to her provocative performance. On the same day as the VMAs, she released "Wrecking Ball", which became her first US Hot 100 number-one single.

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2013: Cannabis Use

In 2013, Miley Cyrus told Rolling Stone that cannabis was "the best drug on earth" and appeared to smoke a joint onstage at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards, which was later removed from the US broadcast.

2013: Controversy and Impact of Bangerz Album

In 2013, Miley Cyrus's album Bangerz and its promotional events sparked significant controversy in popular culture and established her as a controversial figure of the decade. The album was recognized for its artistic evolution and impact on the music scene.

2013: MTV Video Music Awards Performance with Robin Thicke

In 2013, Miley Cyrus's performance of "We Can't Stop" and "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards received significant media and public scrutiny due to her suggestive attire and actions.

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2013: Controversies Sparked by Behavior

Miley Cyrus's behavior throughout 2013 sparked a substantial amount of controversy, although her godmother Dolly Parton defended her choices.

2014: Stoned Interview

In a 2014 interview with W magazine, Miley Cyrus stated "I love weed" and "I just love getting stoned," openly discussing her recreational use of cannabis.

2014: Continued Controversial Behavior

Miley Cyrus's behavior throughout 2014 sparked a substantial amount of controversy, although her godmother Dolly Parton defended her choices.

2015: Hosted MTV Video Music Awards and Surprise Album Release

In 2015, Miley Cyrus hosted the MTV Video Music Awards as its first openly pansexual host. She gave a surprise performance of "Dooo It!" and announced her fifth studio album, Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz, available for free streaming on SoundCloud.

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2015: Milky Milky Milk Tour

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

May 2018: Reiterates Love for Cannabis

In May 2018, Miley Cyrus told Jimmy Kimmel that cannabis is her "first and true love" but not right for her at that time in her life, indicating a complex relationship with the substance.