ET has new details in the MILEY CYRUS photo controversy. Sources very close to her father, BILLY RAY CYRUS, say that if he had been there he would never allow a shot of his daughter seemingly topless to be taken. Our source is adamant that he would never have agreed to that set up and that he only left the photo shoot that day because he had a prior commitment.

In addition, ET has learned that he was not shown those specific shots before they were selected for publication. Miley is currently at home in Nashville working on some pre-production for the ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie.’ Meanwhile, she’s scheduled to perform at Disney Channel’s DC Games in Orlando this Saturday.

She will also appear at the Wango Tango concert May 10.

ET

Miley Cyrus issued a statement exclusively to People on Sunday, apologizing for a series of playfully provocative photos that circulated on the Internet last week, as well as those from a racy, as-yet unreleased Vanity Fair photo shoot in which she appears to be nude.

The singer, 15, tells People: “My goal in my music and my acting is always to make people happy. For Vanity Fair, I was so honored and thrilled to work with Annie [Leibovitz]. 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.”

A source close to the singer tells People that Cyrus is clothed but shown by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz in such a way that that the teen appears to be topless.

In the photos that circulated on the Internet, Cyrus, her midriff exposed, is shown draped over the lap of her then-boyfriend, her producer’s son. In another image, a hint of a green bra is evident. (Those photos alone prompted criticism from conservative TV commentator Bill O’Reilly, as well as words of support from the Jonas Brothers and a fellow Disney star.)

Cyrus goes on to say: “The pictures of me on the Internet were silly, inappropriate shots. I appreciate all the support of my fans, and hope they understand that along the way I am going to make mistakes and I am not perfect. I never intended for any of this to happen and I am truly sorry if I have disappointed anyone.

“Most of all,” she says, “I have let myself down. I will learn from my mistakes and trust my support team. My family and my faith will guide me through my life’s journey.”

Disney Channel Statement
In its own statement about the Vanity Fair story, the Disney Channel, which broadcasts Cyrus’s series Hannah Montana, said: “Unfortunately, as the article suggests, a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines.”

Describing the photo session to People, a source close to Cyrus reiterated the teen’s excitement at working with Leibovitz, and also said of the shoot: “Her parents were there all day. [Father] Billy Ray shot, too.”

Though Cyrus’s parents left before the final shot, with Miley supposed to be appearing topless, the source said: “Miley’s grandmother and her teacher were there when she shot it. Annie convinced them it was going to be artistic. Her parents are mortified. They know this is a learning moment for Miley.

“The photo suggests that she is [naked], but she is not. She is covered by a sheet, and beneath the sheet she is clothed. Originally, she was in a flesh-colored tank top but was asked to remove it.”

People’s requests to Vanity Fair for comment were not answered on Sunday. In a statement to The New York Times, Beth Kseniak, a spokeswoman for both Vanity Fair and Leibovitz, said: “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.”

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WENN

Here are the pictures from Vanity Fair:

Imagine how much outrage Miley Cyrus is sparking with this picture.

Your thoughts?

Disney sensation Miley Cyrus is now officially the wealthiest child in the world - she is reportedly set to be a billionaire by the year’s end.

Raking in $18 million in 2007 alone, the 15-year-old singer/actress has climbed her way to the top of a list of Hollywood’s richest kids, with her Hannah Montana franchise estimated to be worth $1 billion by 2009.

A spokesperson for Disney says, “Kids are earning more and more and can command huge fees in Hollywood. But no one could have predicted how popular Miley would be. She’s a true star.”

Cyrus’ mother Leticia adds, “A lot goes into her investment fund, which she can’t touch until she’s 18.”

The teen hit the headlines earlier this week when it was announced she had signed a seven-figure deal with the Disney Book Group to write her autobiography, slated for a spring 2009 release.

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WENN

Outspoken U.S. newsman Bill O’Reilly has called for a media conference to discuss revealing new photos of teenage star Miley Cyrus that were recently leaked online.

The pictures, which show the 15-year-old Hannah Montana star posing in nothing but lingerie as she lounges on an unnamed boy’s lap, have caused outrage in America, where Cyrus is a teen role model. And Fox News anchor O’Reilly is keen to get to the bottom of the scandal - and find out why and how the photos were leaked online earlier this week.

He says, “We have so few role models, particularly for little girls in this country (and) she (Cyrus) is the main one. I hate to see this. Parents all over the country like this girl because she is clean-cut. Calling the photos a “teasy, peek-a-boo thing,” O’Reilly adds, “She’s 14 in these pictures - that is the problem.”

But Cyrus has her supporters too; on Tuesday former touring partner Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, came to the pop star’s defense, stating, “No one’s perfect and everybody makes their mistakes. I think it’s the way you handle it and come out of it the proper and respectful way.”

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WENN

Miley Cyrus has confirmed reports she’s set to pen an autobiography - at the age of 15.

The Hannah Montana star has reportedly signed a seven-figure deal with the Disney Book Group, and will write all about her upbringing in Tennessee and her rise to international stardom.

According to Disney, the book will feature never-before-seen photos, anecdotes and family stories.

In announcing the book news, Cyrus says, “I am so excited to let fans in on how important my relationship with my family is to me. I hope to motivate mothers and daughters to build lifetimes of memories together, and inspire kids around the world to live their dreams.”

The book is scheduled for a spring 2009 release.

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WENN

Miley Cyrus has discovered fame comes at a high price, she’s too busy to attend her high school prom.

The Hannah Montana star, who co-hosted the CMT Awards with her father Billy Ray on Monday, was hoping to make it to the big dance, but has recently learned she won’t be able to get there.

She says, “I am shooting my movie during prom days, so I won’t be there.”

But the 15-year-old singer admits she’s secretly relieved - because she doesn’t have a date: “I would be like the single loner at the back of the prom. That’s the worst! I am not going to do that.”

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