American actress Miley Cyrus, who was in the news recently for her provocative photos, has apologized to her fans and well-wishers for the same.
The apology, issued in an exclusive statement to People on Sunday Apr 27, was for the playfully provocative photos that circulated on the Internet last week as well for the as-yet unreleased Vanity Fair photo shoot in which she appears to be nude.
"My goal in my music and my acting is always to make people happy. For Vanity Fair, I was so honoured and thrilled to work with Annie [Leibovitz]. 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," People quoted her, as saying.
Regarding the shot taken by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, a source revealed that Cyrus had her clothes on, but the shot was taken in such a way that it made her appear topless.
With the photos that were circulated on the Internet, Cyrus was seen with her midriff exposed and with her draped over the lap of her then-boyfriend, her producer's son.
Another image, which hinted at indecent exposure, was one where her green bra was evident.
Those photos alone prompted criticism from conservative TV commentator Bill O'Reilly, as well as words of support from the Jonas Brothers and a fellow Disney star.
"The pictures of me on the Internet were silly, inappropriate shots. I appreciate all the support of my fans, and hope they understand that along the way I am going to make mistakes and I am not perfect. I never intended for any of this to happen and I am truly sorry if I have disappointed anyone," Cyrus said.
"Most of all I have let myself down. I will learn from my mistakes and trust my support team. My family and my faith will guide me through my life's journey," she added.
The Disney Channel, which broadcasts Cyrus's series Hannah Montana, also issued its own statement about the Vanity Fair story.
"Unfortunately, as the article suggests, a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines," it said.
Cyrus was very excited to be working with Leibovitz a source close to her said.
"Her parents were there all day. [Father] Billy Ray shot, too," the source stated.
However, her parents were not there for the final shot, in which Cyrus was said to have appeared topless, but her grandmother and teacher were.
"Miley's grandmother and her teacher were there when she shot it. Annie convinced them it was going to be artistic. Her parents are mortified. They know this is a learning moment for Miley," the source said.
"The photo suggests that she is [naked], but she is not. She is covered by a sheet, and beneath the sheet she is clothed. Originally, she was in a flesh-coloured tank top but was asked to remove it," the source added.
Beth Kseniak, a spokeswoman for both Vanity Fair and Leibovitz, is said to have made a statement to The New York Times.
"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," she said.