HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Miley Cyrus is opening up for a second time after a controversial photo sparked outrage with some members of the Asian community.
In the photo, which surfaced last week, the "Hannah Montana" star is seen pulling the corners of her eyes and squinting as she plays along with her friends, including boyfriend Justin Gaston.
Last week, she stopped short of issuing an apology, saying she was simply making a "goofy face." But in her latest comments, Cyrus said she is indeed "sorry."
"I want to thank all of my fans for their support not only this week, but always! I really wanted to stress how sorry I am if the photo of me with my friends offended anyone," she wrote Monday on her official Web site.
"I have learned a valuable lesson from this and know that sometimes my actions can be unintentionally hurtful," Cyrus continued. "I know everything is a part of GOD’s ultimate plan, and mistakes happen so that eventually I will become the woman he aspires me to be. Peace and love, Miles."
Shortly after the photo surfaced, the OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States, issued a statement slamming the Disney star and her friends.
"Not only has Miley Cyrus and the other individuals in the photograph encouraged and legitimized the taunting and mocking of people of Asian descent, she has also insulted her many Asian Pacific American fans," said George Wu, executive director of OCA. "The inclusion of an Asian Pacific American individual in the photo does not make it acceptable."
"OCA hopes that Miley Cyrus will apologize to her fans and the APA community for this lapse in judgment and takes the opportunity to better understand why the gesture is offensive."
Cyrus, however, stopped short of issuing an apology last week, instead questioning whether she’s become the newest celebrity target for the media.
"I definitely feel like the press is trying to make me out as the new ‘BAD GIRL!’ " she wrote on her Web site. "I feel like now that Britney [Spears] is back on top of her game again, they need someone to pick on! Lucky me!"
