Miley Cyrus took a moment to reflect on her controversial post-Disney years as she accepted the prestigious Disney Legend honor at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, on Sunday. The “Flowers” singer, who is now the youngest recipient of this distinguished title, offered a heartfelt apology for her rebellious phase following her tenure as the beloved character Hannah Montana.
During her emotional acceptance speech, Cyrus revisited her journey from a childhood TV star to a daring pop icon, acknowledging the stark contrast between her early Disney persona and her later provocative image.
Cyrus reminisced about her beginnings with Disney, saying, “In 2005, Disney was on a mission to rebuild and reimagine the company. That’s why they hired Bob Iger, and me.” She humorously reflected on her audition for “Hannah Montana,” noting the excitement at the Disney office and adding, “There was a buzz in that Burbank Disney office where it’s rumored that they create all of us Disney Kids.”
The singer playfully addressed her transformation during the 2013 to 2016 period, quipping, “There must’ve been a bug in the system which caused me to malfunction somewhere between the years of 2013 and ’16. Sorry, Mickey.”
Cyrus’s shift from the wholesome Hannah Montana to a more edgy image, notably her controversial performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, drew widespread attention and criticism. The provocative display, featuring Cyrus grinding on singer Robin Thicke and donning a revealing nude-tone bikini, was met with shock and derision, leading The Hollywood Reporter to label her as “a Disney star gone bad.”
Reflecting on this period, Cyrus has previously shared how the VMAs performance was a turning point in her life and career. In a 2018 interview with Wonderland magazine, she said, “Not only was culture changed, but my life and career were changed forever. It inspired me to use my platform for something much bigger.”
Since then, Cyrus has channeled her energy into advocacy through her Happy Hippie Foundation, supporting the LGBTQ community and unhoused individuals. “If the world is going to focus on me and what I am doing, then what I am doing should be impactful and it should be great,” she added.
Miley Cyrus’s acceptance of the Disney Legend honor marks a reflective moment in her career, blending acknowledgment of her past controversies with a commitment to using her influence for positive change.
