Teen idol Miley Cyrus, star of Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" series issued an apology after being subjected to criticism and speculation regarding her behavior following the release of several racy pictures of her, including a photo spread for the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair magazine which features her wearing only what appears to be a satin sheet.

"My goal in my music and my acting is always to make people happy. For Vanity Fair, I was so honored and thrilled to work with Annie [Leibovitz]. 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," the 15-year-old singer/actress was quoted by People magazine as saying in a statement released on Sunday, "I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about."

In one of the pictures set to be published in the June issue of Vanity Fair, Cyrus is shown with most of her back bare, clutching a piece of fabric.

A small controversy sparked over the weekend after television program "Entertainment Tonight" began showing commercials promoting a scoop: Ms. Cyrus, the star of the wholesome Disney Channel blockbuster "Hannah Montana," posed topless, albeit with her chest covered, for the Vanity Fair photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

According to a source, Cyrus' father, country music singer Billy Ray and her mother were with her on the set when the pictures were taken, and she was clothed but shown by Leibovitz in such a way that that she appeared to be topless.

The Disney Channel backed up the rising star saying in a statement that "a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines."

Regarding the other set of photos which the internet last week featuring the teen in compromising circumstances while exposing her belly and revealing her bra, Cyrus said they were "silly, inappropriate shots."

"I appreciate all the support of my fans, and hope they understand that along the way I am going to make mistakes and I am not perfect. I never intended for any of this to happen and I am truly sorry if I have disappointed anyone," her statement added.

"Most of all," she said, "I have let myself down. I will learn from my mistakes and trust my support team. My family and my faith will guide me through my life's journey."