Miley Cyrus, the extremely popular 15-year-old star of Disney’s Hannah Montana, became the focus of a national controversy this week after photos of her appearing topless and covered only in a bed sheet were published in Vanity Fair magazine.

Although the release of the photos brought immediate condemnation on the emerging star that many assumed to be a good role model for their children, others criticized the magazine for what they said was “manipulation” of the young star into an act amounting to sexual exploitation.

In a tearful apology to her fans, Miley – who has often spoken openly about the importance of her Christian faith and beliefs – said that she felt duped by the magazine into an uncomfortable situation.

“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. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about,” she said in a statement.