Annie Leibovitz Talks About Miley Controversy

Acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz has spoken out about her controversial ‘Vanity Fair’ photoshoot with Miley Cyrus – in which the 15-year-old appears to have been photographed topless – with the famed celebrity snapper saying that she is “sorry that my portrait has been misinterpreted”.

Leibovitz issued a statement on Monday (April 28) following the furore created by the photo’s leak to the internet, and a subsequent statement issued by Cyrus, in which the teenage singer and actress admitted to feeling “so embarrassed” about the photo, in which she appears to be nude, but is actually clothed.

"Miley and I looked at fashion photographs together and we discussed the picture in that context before we shot it,” Leibovitz said.

“The photograph is a simple, classic portrait, shot with very little makeup, and I think it is very beautiful."

Cyrus's parents were at the shoot, including her dad Billy Ray, who also posed for photographs with his daughter. Although they left before the controversial photograph was taken, Cyrus’ grandmother and her teacher were still present.

’Vanity Fair' spokeswoman Beth Kseniak released a statement, saying, “Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day. Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley."