Disney Executives say the controversial photo is a far cry from the star’s usual squeaky-clean image
(ORLANDO, Fla.) - 15-year-old Miley Cyrus is a teen idol and star of the Disney Channel show Hannah Montana.
Amid a swirl of controversy, Miley has been photographed half-nude and topless, with only a satin sheet or blanket protecting her modesty for the June issue of Vanity Fair.
The posting of the risque photograph on the Internet has led to Miley being pulled from her first public appearance.
Disney confirmed to TMZ.com that Cyrus, who was set to walk the red carpet for the "Disney Channel Games" this coming Friday, will not be there.
Pop music superstar Madonna said in an interview with MTV.com that everyone should just leave the poor girl alone.
Cyrus said that she was happy with the shot, declaring it "really artsy". But she has had a change of heart now that the picture is in the public domain.
"I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about," she said in a statement.
Executives at the Disney Channel were furious about the photo, taken by famed celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz.
It is a far cry from the star’s usual squeaky-clean image.
A spokesman for the network said: "Unfortunately, as the article suggests, a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines."
But Vanity Fair defended the photo in this statement:
"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."
Miley's sister, 8-year-old Noah, was at the shoot, along with father multi-platinum recording artist Billy Ray Cyrus.
Disney Yanks Miley Cyrus From Red CarpetSalem-News.com