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Miley Cyrus apologises over controversial comments about hip hop: 'I am deeply sorry'

Pop star was accused of exploiting hip hop culture then abandoning it when it no longer served her

Charley Ross
Wednesday 12 June 2019 09:49 BST
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Miley Cyrus has spoken out to apologise for problematic comments she made about the hip hop scene.

In a 2017 cover interview with Billboard, Cyrus discussed her 2013 album Bangerz and its clear hip-hop influences, later claiming that its materialistic and sex-driven messages had put her off the genre.

Mentioning that she “loved” Kendrick Lamar's track “Humble”, Cyrus argued that the genre’s aesthetic included “too much ‘Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my cock’ -- I am so not that.” She suggested ”that’s what pushed me out of the hip-hop scene a little”.

Her words ignited a widespread backlash, with the artist being accused of appropriating and exploiting hip hop culture and then dismissing it when it no longer served her.

Referring to comments by the fan behind a YouTube video named “Miley Cyrus Is My Problematic Fav...Sorry”, she left an apology for her actions.

“I want to start with saying I am sorry. I own the fact that saying ‘this pushed me out of the hip hop scene a little’ was insensitive, as it is a privilege to have the ability to dip in and out of ‘the scene.’

“There are decades of inequality that I am aware of, but still have alot [to] learn about,” her comment continued. “Silence is apart of the problem and I refuse to be quiet anymore. My words became a divider in a time where togetherness and unity is crucial.

“I can not change what I said at that time, but I can say I am deeply sorry for the disconnect my words caused.

“Simply said; I f***ed up and I sincerely apologise. I’m committed to using my voice for healing, change, and standing up for what’s right.”

Cyrus stars in the latest series of Black Mirror and also appears on Mark Ronson’s forthcoming album Late Night Feelings, on the hit single “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”.

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