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Pop sensation Miley Cyrus has made a candid and emotional revelation about how her explosive fame once became a source of embarrassment for her family—particularly her siblings. Speaking on the Reclaiming podcast hosted by Monica Lewinsky, Cyrus delved into the emotional toll her public persona took on her personal relationships during the peak of her post-Disney career transformation.
“My Siblings Were Humiliated”: A Moment of Regret
In the wide-ranging podcast interview, as reported by People magazine, Cyrus revisited the chaotic aftermath of her now-infamous 2013 MTV Video Music Awards performance. The performance, where she danced provocatively in a nearly nude outfit, stirred global headlines and redefined her public image—but at a deep personal cost.
“That was the time where I just got hit so hard and I was so embarrassed,” she recalled. “There was even a time where my brother and sister didn’t want to go to school because of how humiliated they were to be related to me.”
Cyrus continued with heartfelt honesty: “I remember my brother at one point saying, ‘I don’t judge you, but you could understand how hard it is for me to go to school and you be my sister.’ I was a hard sibling to have as a little girl, so I was like, ‘All right—we’re even.’”
Growing Up in the Public Eye
Miley Cyrus, born into the well-known Cyrus family with her father Billy Ray Cyrus being a country music star, has five siblings. She rocketed to fame in her early teens through the Disney Channel hit show Hannah Montana, but her transition into adulthood was marked by dramatic attempts to shed her squeaky-clean image. The 2013 VMAs performance—featuring a foam finger, a latex bikini, and a controversial twerking routine with Robin Thicke—became a defining moment in her career transformation.
However, the bold attempt to reclaim her identity from the confines of child stardom had unintended consequences—especially for her family. The pressure and scrutiny extended beyond Cyrus herself, affecting those closest to her in deeply personal ways.
“I Lost Everything in My Personal Life”
Reflecting on the period, Cyrus admitted that the public choices she made professionally had devastating effects on her personal life. “I lost everything during that time in my personal life because of the choices I was making professionally,” she said, noting that even her dating life suffered.
“If I kept dressing or acting a certain way, my relationships fell apart. No one wanted to date me because they didn’t want to be with a woman [whose] sexual expression part was not for them. It was like shared with the world,” the Flowers singer added.
Her reflection underscores the double standards women in the entertainment industry often face, especially when it comes to self-expression and sexuality. Her decision to publicly own her identity and body came with both liberation and loss.
Monica Lewinsky and the Power of Reclaiming Narratives
The podcast Reclaiming, hosted by Monica Lewinsky, aims to provide a space where women can share stories of public shame, personal growth, and resilience. Lewinsky—herself a cultural figure who has spent years reclaiming her own narrative—offered a platform where Cyrus could reflect on her choices without judgment.
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The setting proved fitting for such a raw confession. Both women, in different decades, have faced immense public scrutiny and have had to rebuild their identities in the public eye.
The Ongoing Journey of Healing and Reconnection
While Cyrus has since found massive success with her music—including recent hits like Flowers, which became an anthem of self-empowerment—her podcast appearance suggests that the scars of earlier years still linger. The distance and discomfort that developed between her and her siblings during that turbulent period remain an emotional touchpoint.
Still, by openly sharing these stories, Cyrus offers not just a glimpse into the high cost of fame, but also a path toward healing and understanding. It’s a narrative of redemption, responsibility, and reclaiming one’s story on their own terms.
Looking Forward: Miley Cyrus Today
Now in her 30s, Miley Cyrus has evolved into a respected artist with a unique voice in pop culture. Her journey has included reinvention, self-reflection, and renewed public admiration. Beyond the headlines, Cyrus has become a symbol of resilience and authenticity in an industry often marked by superficiality.
Her appearance on Reclaiming is more than just a moment of confession—it’s a testament to growth, and a message to others navigating fame, identity, and family: being real comes with pain, but also with power.
