Miley Cyrus reflects on "brutal" backlash, says she was the first celebrity ever canceled

Miley Cyrus is looking back at her wild ride through the court of public opinion, and she's not holding back.

In her new preview from her CBS Sunday Morning tell-all, the Grammy winner opened up about being canceled, reflecting on her rumbunctious career evolution from Disney's darling to one of pop culture's most polarizing superstars.

"I was the first person to maybe ever be canceled, I guess."

The "Party in the U.S.A." hitmaker didn't elaborate on which hot-button moment she was referring to. Miley Cyrus has had flashpoints throughout her career, such as when she was caught smoking from a bong in 2010, and when she went scantily clad for her Bangerz comeback in 2013.

The image change was drastic, considering how the pop singer started as the eponymous Hannah Montana onscreen. The teen-oriented show premiered in March 2006 on Disney Channel, amassing 5.4 million viewers. She was only 13 at the time, starring as teenager Miley Stewart, who lives a double life.

But despite the backlash Miley Cyrus received during her career reconstruction, she said she enjoyed the experience.

"Well, you know, I didn’t know until I was older, actually, how brutal it really was, ‘cause it was very, I guess, you know, challenging for other people. But for me, it was a good time. It looked fun, and it was fun."

The "Flowers" hitmaker went on:

"It wasn’t until I was older that I realized how harsh [the criticism was] and, you know, it just — I would never now, being where I am, ever look at someone in their 20s from the view of who I am now. So, I think it was that. But at the time, it was awesome."

Miley Cyrus’ “first canceled person” remark sets social media ablaze

Following Miley Cyrus' CBS Sunday Morning interview preview, online users shared their comments on the singer's claims.

"I love you Miley forever, but we all know MADONNA was the first and most cancelled person ever in the music industry for supporting KGBRQ+ when nobody did, speaking up for women and their s**ual expression, talking about politics and opening the doors for women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s as a writer, composer and producer when no one else did!!!" one wrote.

"I think everyone here is just stating the obvious. She isn’t says she was the first celebrity to have scandal, face backlash or be ban from Hollywood. The term cancel or cancel culture started around 2014. If feel like she saying she was one of the first to be cancel in that sense. I’d probably still disagree with her but I get what she’s trying to say," another shared.

"Not so fast Miley. Love Miley, but has anyone heard of Elvis?! As I recall, he caused quite a stir and was considered controversial," an IG user commented.

"Not the first person. Let’s look at Janet Jackson. Michael Jackson is cancelled at mtv. There are so many. She sounds very out of touch," one argued.

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"Perhaps Miley is referring to being the “first” person cancelled online with social media creating a viral effect with it. I believe she understands that numerous people and mostly women who are outspoken have been cancelled before. Also glad to hear that Miley expressed authentic sentiments about that time for her. As she [100%] should enjoy that time in her life," a fan replied.

"She was the first one to get canceled when the term canceled was starting to become a cultural thing. The people y’all listened that came before her didn’t necessarily get canceled during cancel culture… it’s really a new thing," another one clarified.

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