LOS ANGELES:

Miley Cyrus said she’s embarrassed by an apparently racy photo spread appearing in the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair.

“I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be ‘artistic’ and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologise to my fans who I care so deeply about,” Cyrus said through her publicist.

The photos, by Annie Leibovitz, were taken to accompany an interview with the 15-year-old pop star and her father. They include shots of the teen reportedly topless and wrapped in a blanket. In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Vanity Fair defended its position. “Miley’s parents and/or minders were on the set. Since it was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and thought it was a beautiful, natural portrait of Miley.” — AP