Justin Timberlake has spoken out to defend Miley Cyrus, following her provocative and controversial performance at the VMAs on Sunday night.Speaking in an interview with radio host Jim Douglas two days after the awards show, the Suit & Tie singer said, "Listen, man, you know, it's the VMAs. What did you guys expect?"I like Miley. I like her a lot. I think, you know, she's young. She's letting everybody know that she's growing up."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe pop star also pointed out that the VMAs have been historically provocative. "I just think it's the VMAs. It's not like she did it at the Grammys. Let her do her thing, you know?"He then went on to note several other "scandalous" moments in the show's past.Justin, who scooped the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and united with former 'N Sync band mates for a "one night only" on stage performance, added: "My favorite part of the Miley Cyrus performance is the Smith family reaction," referring to the snap of the Smith family caught in a moment of shock.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe photo – which has gone viral – is actually of Will Smith and his brood watching Lady Gaga perform.Miley's dad Billy Ray Cyrus has also publicly defended his daughter since the racy performance with Blurred Lines singer Robin Thicke, telling Entertainment Tonight that he'll "always be here" for her. "She's still my little girl, and I'm still her dad, regardless of how this circus we call show business plays out," he said. "I love her unconditionally and that will never change."
© Photo: Getty ImagesHe also asked for "more love, less hate" when criticism hit the Twittersphere after his daughter's performance, which saw her gyrate on stage in latex underwear.
In what appeared an effort to suggest he thought there were more important topics to talk about, Billy Ray posted tweets about the conflict in Syria. "Continue to pray for world peace," one read. "More love… less hate."
