2013 marked a pivotal and controversial year for Miley Cyrus as she boldly embraced a completely new persona. She transitioned from the Disney darling Hannah Montana to a provocative artist with her anthem We Can’t Stop. Cyrus definitively redefined herself, showcasing a striking transformation that captured the world’s attention.
Cyrus’ 2013 MTV VMA performance sparked controversy, with many accusing the singer of cultural appropriation and racism. The performance also included her infamous twerking. However, Cyrus remained unapologetic and defended her actions in a candid interview.
Miley Cyrus strongly defended her controversial 2013 MTV VMA performance and racism allegation
Pop star Miley Cyrus faced allegations of racism following her 2013 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) performance, where she was criticized for using Black dancers in a manner some perceived as objectifying. The performance, which included her infamous twerking with singer Robin Thicke, was heavily scrutinized for its perceived objectification.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cyrus vehemently rejected these claims, emphasizing that she didn’t keep her dancers around to make herself appear “cool”. “I don’t keep my producers or dancers around’ cause it makes me look cool,” she said. “Those aren’t my ‘accessories.’ They’re my homies.”
Cyrus also addressed accusations that she was appropriating black culture, explaining that her musical preferences were simply a reflection of mainstream pop culture at the time.
I’m from one of the wealthiest counties in America. I know what I am, But I also know what I like to listen to. Look at any 20-year-old white girl right now — that’s what they’re listening to at the club. It’s 2013. The gays are getting married, we’re all collaborating.
She further explained that she didn’t consider the race of her dancers when putting together the performance, stating, “I would never think about the color of my dancers, like, ‘Ooh, that might be controversial.’”
Additionally, Cyrus pointed out a double standard in the way her performance was criticized. While much attention was placed on her twerking with Robin Thicke, Cyrus remarked, “No one is talking about the man behind the ass,” calling out the unfair focus on her actions alone. “It was a lot of ‘Miley twerks on Robin Thicke,’ but never, ‘Robin Thicke grinds up on Miley.’”
Cyrus also made a tongue-in-cheek observation about MTV’s censorship policies. She was puzzled by the network’s decision to bleep out the word “molly” (a term for the drug MDMA) during her performance, and likened it to shows like Breaking Bad easily portraying crystal meth cooking but beeping the word “f*ck.”
Lady Gaga showed support for Miley Cyrus’ controversial performance while criticizing the negative remarks
While Cyrus faced public backlash, she found an ally in fellow pop star Lady Gaga, who publicly supported her. Gaga in the talk show Watch What Happens Live criticized the negative attention Cyrus received, saying,
I just think everyone needs to lighten up and leave her alone. It’s pop music. Everyone’s entitled to their own artistic expression, and if you have a problem with it, just change the channel.
lady gaga defending miley cyrus after her vma performance, 2013 pic.twitter.com/ZkVtQv5VXv
— popculture (@notgwendalupe) February 19, 2025
Gaga also acknowledged the pressure Cyrus faced, praising her for growing up in front of the world. “She’s 20 years old, and if anything I give her props. She’s growing up in front of the entire world.” However, Gaga did express her own opinion on the word twerk, humorously suggesting people should stop using it. On the topic of the drug, Gaga admitted to being a fan of Molly but advised caution and responsibility when partying.
As Cyrus and Gaga continue to navigate their own controversies, both stars have made it clear that they value artistic freedom and refuse to apologize for their bold choices. Whether it’s Cyrus’ controversial performance or Gaga’s boundary-pushing fashion, both artists continue to make waves in the world of pop culture with their fearless approach to self-expression.
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