The pop icon discusses overcoming media scrutiny, self-perception, and empowerment in her adult life.
Miley Cyrus has opened up about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, revealing how harshly she was judged as a child and how those experiences shaped her adulthood. Now 30, the US pop star shared that she carried feelings of guilt and shame for years due to media controversies and the backlash she faced during her early career.
Rising to stardom on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, Cyrus, the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and goddaughter of Dolly Parton, transitioned from her teen-friendly persona to a bold, rock-inspired artist known for her provocative performances.
In an interview with British Vogue, Cyrus reflected, “I carried guilt and shame for years because of how much controversy I caused. Now, as an adult, I realise how harshly I was judged as a child by adults. I could never imagine judging a child so severely now.”
Despite her reputation for grabbing attention, Cyrus clarified that she is not an “attention-seeking” person but intentionally distanced herself from the character she once played. However, she rejected framing her journey as a story of gender-based struggles in the entertainment industry. “I don’t need this to be a women’s empowerment narrative. I wear my empowerment every day—I don’t need to announce it,” she said.
Cyrus’ eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation, released on 10 March 2023, features the hit single Flowers, which became her third UK number-one track upon its release in January.
The singer is the cover star of British Vogue’s June issue, where the full interview is available. The magazine hits newsstands on 23 May and is also accessible via digital download.
