Miley Cyrus says she feels "trauma" after scrutiny over her sexuality
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Miley Cyrus first rose to fame in her early teens when she took the leading role in Hannah Montana, a popular Disney Channel show.
Since then, Miley's released albums, starred in other TV shows and movies and was married to Liam Hemsworth until their separation last year.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Miley spoke about the intensity of the media coverage she got as a teenager and young adult and how it affected her.
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"In the past two years, I think, we've made some big progress, especially toward women and bodies. I don't even know if you really can slut-shame now. Is that even a thing?" she said.
"The media hasn't really slut-shamed me in a long time. At one point I was like, 'Yo, when I'm 16 and you're circling my boobs and sh** like that... I'm the bad guy?' I think people are starting to go, 'Wait, wait, wait. That was f****d up.' They're starting to know who the enemy and who the victim was there."
Miley also mentioned that the scrutiny she received about her body and her sexuality had a long-term impact on how she felt about herself. She said: "I think I knew who I was meant to be, but I'm sure there's something in there. Some trauma of feeling so criticised, I think, for what I felt was pretty average teenage, early [twenties] exploration."
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Something else she struggled with was trying to not worry about Hannah Montana overshadowing her as an artist. Miley explained: "I feel like I've outgrown that fear. I'm so settled in what I'm doing and who I am.
"All I've ever wanted is respect as an artist and to have pride in what I make. I think that comes with the dedication and diligence that I really put in the effort. I put in the work."
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
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