Cyrus ignited a Twitter frenzy when she performed a racy version of her hit "We Can't Stop" and accompanied Robin Thicke on a duet of "Blurred Lines" at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. Wearing a furry bustier, Cyrus twerked, grinded, grabbed the rear end of one of her dancers, and touched herself and Thicke suggestively with a foam finger.
Getty ImagesMiley Cyrus has found one more supporter following her shocking Video Music Awards performance: Justin Timberlake.
Between the two of them, Cyrus and Timberlake provided the night’s most talked-about performances. And while response to Timberlake’s 15-minute set has been overwhelmingly positive, Cyrus has faced criticism for her racy spectacle.
PHOTOS: VMAs 2013: Best and Worst Moments
“It’s the VMAs,” Timberlake said during an interview on Fresh 102.7, “what did you guys expect?”
The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard honoree said that he liked the former Hannah Montana star “a lot” and attests that “she’s young. She’s letting everybody know that she’s growing up.”
Besides, Timberlake said, “I just think it’s the VMAs. It’s not like she did it at the Grammys. Let her do her thing, you know?”
Adam Lambert, who was also on hand for Sunday’s ceremony, has also come to Cyrus’ defense, tweeting: “Listen if it wasn’t ur cup of tea — all good but why is everyone spazzing?”
“Hey — she’s doin something right. We all talkin,” he added.
VIDEO: MTV VMAs: Miley Cyrus Performs Surreal, Teddy-Bear Filled Version of ‘We Can’t Stop’
Unsurprisingly, the 20-year-old’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, also rushed to his daughter’s defense, telling Entertainment Tonight that he’ll “always be here” for her.
“She’s still my little girl, and I’m still her dad, regardless of how this circus we call show business plays out,” he said. “I love her unconditionally, and that will never change.
In the hours following MTV’s Sunday night broadcast, the Parents Television Council blasted the program as selling sex to teens. The statement issued specifically referenced Cyrus’ routine in which she danced provocatively in a flesh-colored two-piece, touching herself and Robin Thicke suggestively with a foam finger.
“MTV has once again succeeded in marketing sexually charged messages to young children using former child stars and condom commercials — while falsely rating this program as appropriate for kids as young as 14. This is unacceptable,” PTC director of public policy Dan Isett said in a statement.
“MTV continues to sexually exploit young women by promoting acts that incorporate ‘twerking’ in a nude-colored bikini. How is this image of former child star Miley Cyrus appropriate for 14-year-olds?” the statement continued.
In a surprising twist: Cyrus’ father serves on the PTC’s advisory board.
Email: Sophie.Schillaci@THR.com
Twitter: @SophieSchillaci
