Miley Cyrus, known for her powerful voice and acting talent, has also gained attention for her controversial behavior, which has occasionally annoyed or even angered various groups of people. From her radical transformation after her Disney days to bold statements and performances, Miley has never shied away from pushing boundaries. Here's a look at some of the key moments that sparked backlash and what led to her being a divisive figure for many.
Miley Cyrus initially became a household name as the lead in Disney’s Hannah Montana. She was viewed as a wholesome role model for young girls worldwide. However, as she transitioned into adulthood, Miley shed her innocent image in favor of a more rebellious persona. The drastic change in her public image—from squeaky clean to wild—caught many fans and parents off guard. This shift was particularly evident in her 2013 Bangerz album era, where she debuted a more provocative look and attitude, confusing or frustrating fans who had grown up with her Disney character.
Perhaps one of the most infamous moments in Miley’s career came during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Her performance with Robin Thicke caused a media storm. Miley twerked provocatively against Thicke, while wearing a nude latex outfit, leading many to accuse her of inappropriate behavior, especially given the young audience watching the awards. The performance became a cultural flashpoint, sparking debates on sexualization, race, and appropriateness in the entertainment industry.
Miley faced heavy criticism for cultural appropriation during her Bangerz era. In several performances and music videos, she used elements of Black culture, including twerking, hip-hop influences, and even hiring predominantly Black dancers. Critics accused her of using Black culture as a prop to advance her "edgy" image while not understanding or respecting the cultural significance behind it. Later, in 2017, she distanced herself from hip-hop in interviews, sparking further backlash from the Black community for allegedly using the genre when convenient and abandoning it afterward.
After her flirtation with hip-hop, Miley made controversial remarks about the genre in an interview with Billboard in 2017. She criticized some of the themes present in hip-hop music, such as excessive materialism and objectification of women, while conveniently forgetting that she herself had embraced these very themes during her Bangerz phase. Fans and artists alike saw this as hypocritical, and she faced accusations of disrespecting a culture that had played a significant role in her success just a few years earlier.
While Wrecking Ball became one of Miley's biggest hits, the music video also stirred a lot of controversy. The video featured Miley swinging naked on a wrecking ball, which was interpreted by some as overly sexualized and inappropriate. While Miley defended the video as a representation of vulnerability, others felt it was a step too far in her effort to shed her Disney image, causing discomfort among more conservative viewers.
Miley's personal life has also sparked public debates, particularly surrounding her high-profile breakup with actor Liam Hemsworth. After a decade-long on-and-off relationship, the pair announced their divorce in 2019. While breakups are common, some fans criticized Miley for her behavior post-split. She was seen vacationing with Kaitlynn Carter shortly after the announcement, sparking rumors and accusations that she had moved on too quickly, with many siding with Hemsworth.
Miley has been very candid about her experiences with drug use and her fluid sexuality, which has upset more conservative audiences. In numerous interviews, she has openly discussed experimenting with drugs like marijuana and Molly (MDMA). Additionally, she has proudly spoken about her pansexuality and queerness, which, while celebrated by many, has angered more traditional and conservative sections of society.
Miley Cyrus has never been one to conform to societal expectations, and her ability to provoke conversation—whether through her music, performances, or personal life—has earned her both fans and detractors. From her wild post-Disney transformation to controversial performances and comments on hip-hop, Miley has managed to annoy various groups along the way. While her actions have sparked significant backlash, they have also solidified her position as a fearless, unapologetic figure in the entertainment industry. Whether people love or hate her, there’s no denying that Miley Cyrus continues to be a subject of fascination and debate.
Miley Cyrus initially became a household name as the lead in Disney’s Hannah Montana. She was viewed as a wholesome role model for young girls worldwide. However, as she transitioned into adulthood, Miley shed her innocent image in favor of a more rebellious persona. The drastic change in her public image—from squeaky clean to wild—caught many fans and parents off guard. This shift was particularly evident in her 2013 Bangerz album era, where she debuted a more provocative look and attitude, confusing or frustrating fans who had grown up with her Disney character.
Perhaps one of the most infamous moments in Miley’s career came during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Her performance with Robin Thicke caused a media storm. Miley twerked provocatively against Thicke, while wearing a nude latex outfit, leading many to accuse her of inappropriate behavior, especially given the young audience watching the awards. The performance became a cultural flashpoint, sparking debates on sexualization, race, and appropriateness in the entertainment industry.
Miley faced heavy criticism for cultural appropriation during her Bangerz era. In several performances and music videos, she used elements of Black culture, including twerking, hip-hop influences, and even hiring predominantly Black dancers. Critics accused her of using Black culture as a prop to advance her "edgy" image while not understanding or respecting the cultural significance behind it. Later, in 2017, she distanced herself from hip-hop in interviews, sparking further backlash from the Black community for allegedly using the genre when convenient and abandoning it afterward.
After her flirtation with hip-hop, Miley made controversial remarks about the genre in an interview with Billboard in 2017. She criticized some of the themes present in hip-hop music, such as excessive materialism and objectification of women, while conveniently forgetting that she herself had embraced these very themes during her Bangerz phase. Fans and artists alike saw this as hypocritical, and she faced accusations of disrespecting a culture that had played a significant role in her success just a few years earlier.
While Wrecking Ball became one of Miley's biggest hits, the music video also stirred a lot of controversy. The video featured Miley swinging naked on a wrecking ball, which was interpreted by some as overly sexualized and inappropriate. While Miley defended the video as a representation of vulnerability, others felt it was a step too far in her effort to shed her Disney image, causing discomfort among more conservative viewers.
Miley's personal life has also sparked public debates, particularly surrounding her high-profile breakup with actor Liam Hemsworth. After a decade-long on-and-off relationship, the pair announced their divorce in 2019. While breakups are common, some fans criticized Miley for her behavior post-split. She was seen vacationing with Kaitlynn Carter shortly after the announcement, sparking rumors and accusations that she had moved on too quickly, with many siding with Hemsworth.
Miley has been very candid about her experiences with drug use and her fluid sexuality, which has upset more conservative audiences. In numerous interviews, she has openly discussed experimenting with drugs like marijuana and Molly (MDMA). Additionally, she has proudly spoken about her pansexuality and queerness, which, while celebrated by many, has angered more traditional and conservative sections of society.
Miley Cyrus has never been one to conform to societal expectations, and her ability to provoke conversation—whether through her music, performances, or personal life—has earned her both fans and detractors. From her wild post-Disney transformation to controversial performances and comments on hip-hop, Miley has managed to annoy various groups along the way. While her actions have sparked significant backlash, they have also solidified her position as a fearless, unapologetic figure in the entertainment industry. Whether people love or hate her, there’s no denying that Miley Cyrus continues to be a subject of fascination and debate.
