"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," she says. "I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about.'"

The Disney Channel is also defending its beloved starlet, telling E! News "a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines."

Vanity Fair editors respond: "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. In fact, when BRUCE HANDY interviewed Miley, he asked her about the photo and she was very cheerful about it and thought it was perfectly fine."