#MileyVMAs documented Miley Cyrus’ shocking performance at the August 25, 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, where the former Disney star twerked with Robin Thicke while wearing a nude vinyl bikini, wielding a foam finger, and aggressively shedding her Hannah Montana image.
The performance was intentionally provocative—Miley grinding on Robin Thicke (who was married), sticking out her tongue constantly, and simulating sex acts with the foam finger while backup dancers in teddy bear costumes watched.
The internet exploded. Parents were horrified. Think pieces debated whether this was empowerment or exploitation. Will Smith’s shocked facial reaction became an instant meme. The performance generated 306,000 tweets per minute—a Twitter record at the time.
Critics accused Miley of appropriating Black culture (twerking), using Black women’s bodies as props, and trying too hard to distance herself from her Disney past. Others defended it as a young woman asserting sexual autonomy and artistic control.
Robin Thicke—19 years older, equally involved, wearing a striped suit—received minimal criticism compared to Miley, highlighting double standards in how male and female sexuality are policed.
The performance accomplished its goal: Miley successfully rebranded from child star to adult provocateur. Her Bangerz album debuted at #1.
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