14 DAY TRIAL // Miley Cyrus is familiar with controversy, having already been in the middle of a scandal involving a series of leaked photos that got parents and fans alike outraged. This time is no exception, the backlash against the Disney star also being prompted by a picture in which she is apparently mocking people of Asian descent. Consequently, the OCA wants her to apologize.
The photo started making the rounds on the Internet the other day, and showed Miley and some of her friends “slanting their eyes” for the camera, while sitting next to an Asian boy. Once its existence was made known to OCA, an Asian American rights group, the young Disney star was branded as “racist” and publicly asked to issue an apology for her behavior. So far, she has failed to comply with the group’s entreaties.
“Not only has Miley Cyrus and the other individuals in the photograph encouraged and legitimized the taunting and mocking of people of Asian descent, she has also insulted her many Asian Pacific American fans. The inclusion of an Asian Pacific American individual in the photo does not make it acceptable. OCA hopes that Miley Cyrus will apologize to her fans and the APA community for this lapse in judgment and takes the opportunity to better understand why the gesture is offensive.” the OCA has said in a press statement just released.
The 16-year-old singer, actress and songwriter is the daughter of legendary country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. Her behavior when not on stage has often been criticized by the international media, as well as by parents whose children see in Miley a role model. Just last year, she was involved in a huge scandal and became the object of the media backlash, for making pictures of her in postures that were deemed not appropriate for her age public on the Internet.
An official response from Miley’s camp regarding the latest racist accusations is still pending. Keep your eyes on this space for more on this.