Miley Cyrus, photographed by famous photographer Annie Leibovitz, graces the cover of the new Vanity Fair magazine. Cyrus might consider this an honor, a privilege, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Mostly, though, the 15-year-old singing and acting sensation considers it an embarrassment.

Appearing to be topless, covered in only a blanket, Cyrus says of the photo: "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."

Defending the star is The Disney Channel, home of Cyrus' Hannah Montana show. Disney folks say a situation was created to deliberately manipulate this young girl in order to sell magazines. Vanity Fair spokespeople say this isn't so and report that parents were on the set all day and everyone saw the digital photo before it was published. A source close to the Cyrus family says "nope," the parents left before the photograph was taken.

What's your take on the Cyrus cover shot?