Miley Cyrus has said that a picture of her and pals seemingly mocking Asians has been taken out of context.
The snapshot, circulated over the internet, shows the teen star pulling the corners of her eyes back along with friends.
After widespread criticism, the Hannah Montana singer used her website to hit back at claims that the picture is racist.
She wrote: "I've been told there are some people upset about some pictures taken of me with friends making goofy faces!
"Well, I'm sorry if those people looked at those pics and took them wrong and out of context. In no way was I making fun of any ethnicity."
She blamed the media for hyping up the incident, coming on the back of a 'saucy picture' scandal involving the 16-years-old at the end of last year.
"I definitely feel like the press is trying to make me out as the new bad girl.
"I feel like now that Britney is back on top of her game again, they need someone to pick on - lucky me."