Miley Cyrus Finally Explains Why She Toned Down Image: ‘I Felt Sexualized’

Miley Cyrus went from adorable Disney child star to sexy pop star after her sudden change in image several years ago.

In 2013, Cyrus shocked the world when she released “Wrecking Ball” from her “Bangerz” album. The song did not only talk about the pain of a broken heart in the most cryptic way possible, but the music video for “Wrecking Ball” also saw Cyrus wearing skimpy attire while hanging from a wrecking ball and hitting the walls with a hammer. The track was released during a difficult time in the singer’s life and just after her engagement to Liam Hemsworth was called off.

Read: Miley Cyrus’ dad Billy Ray Cyrus shares Liam Hemsworth’s surprise that won him over instantly

Years passed and Cyrus continued projecting the same image to her fans. But the “Adore You” actress recently toned her image down and released more emotional yet wholesome songs. During a recent interview with Harpers Bazaar (via FOX News), Cyrus revealed that she decided to tone down her image prior to releasing the song, “Malibu,” which is an ode to Hemsworth.

In the August issue of the magazine, Cyrus explained, “I didn’t want to show up to photo shoots and be the girl who would get my [breasts] out and stick out my tongue. In the beginning, it was kind of like saying, ‘[Expletive] you. Girls should be able to have this freedom or whatever.’ But it got to a point where I did feel sexualized.”

Cyrus also acknowledged the fact that a lot of people criticized her bold changes following her split from Hemsworth. But she insisted that fans and critics should have been more concerned when she was put in full hair and makeup when she was only 11 or 12 years old for her “Hannah Montana” role. “I was put in full hair and makeup, and wig, and told what to wear by a group of mostly older men. I didn’t want to become any sort of man hater because I love all humans; I am a humanitarian,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cyrus shared some photos from her recent photo shoot with the publication via her Instagram account. It is very evident that her clothing and body positions are more wholesome compared to past shoots.