Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

18 Years Ago, Underage Miley Cyrus Sparked Public Outrage After Posing Nearly Nude for a Magazine Cover

Vanity Fair readers wrote in to the magazine to complain about the “suggestive” nature of the cover image.

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

On April 27, 2008, an issue of Vanity Fair magazine sparked outrage when Miley Cyrus appeared on the cover. The image, taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, featured 15-year-old Cyrus nearly nude but covered with a sheet. The image was intended to express artistry rather than titillation, but Cyrus’ age fueled the controversy.

At the time, Cyrus attempted to distance herself from the magazine cover. She said in a statement that the photoshoot was supposed to be “artistic.” But, after seeing the images and reading the cover story, she felt “so embarrassed” with the results. “I am truly sorry if I have disappointed anyone,” she said.

Annie Leibovitz felt that her image of Miley Cyrus was........

© Vice