Miley Cyrus VMAs 2013 Performance Called 'Desperate' by Former Co-Star Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields knows a thing or two about growing up in the spotlight and spoke out about TV-daughter Miley Cyrus' performance at the MTV Video Awards last night. Shields called her dance with Robin Thicke "desperate" and added that it was not appropriate for children.
"I was 'Hannah Montana's mother!" Shields said on the "Today" show this morning. "Where did I go wrong?" she joked. Then Shields turned serious and expressed sincere concern for her young co-star.
"I just want to know who's advising her, and why [the racy display] is necessary … [Our children] can't watch that. I feel like it's a bit desperate," Shields said.
Shields grew up in the spotlight as a child model and then, at age 13, gained fame for playing a child prostitute in "Pretty Baby." The young model then went back and forth between the two careers and has become one of the most well-known actresses and models in the nation. She has been outspoken about her beliefs and offered her opinions on a number of sensitive issues.
While on the "Today" show, Shields also spoke about the difference between young performers like Cyrus and more seasoned professionals like Lady Gaga, who is also known for her lewd performances and outrageous behavior.
"Gaga has a genius behind all of it; it's not just display," Shields noted. She added that Cyrus was likely rebelling against her squeaky-clean, Disney Channel image that has been with her since she was on "Hannah Montana."
"You could see her trying so hard to go against that," Shields said. "She can sing beautifully, and I feel like if she lets that lead, rather than let her bottom lead … She's trying so, so hard."
Child stars have famously rebelled against their younger, purer images. Amanda Bynes and Britney Spears both became famous at young ages and went on to struggle with mental illness, drugs, and alcohol abuse.