In the wake of the tragic passing of Irish music legend Sinead O’Connor at the age of 56, an open letter she had written to Miley Cyrus a decade ago has resurfaced and gone viral. The letter was a response to a feud between the two artists that occurred in 2013 when Cyrus, then 20 years old, mentioned in Rolling Stone magazine that her music video for “Wrecking Ball” was inspired by O’Connor’s iconic song “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
O’Connor was displeased with the comparison and Cyrus’s video, which featured nudity and emotional scenes reminiscent of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” In her public letter to Cyrus, O’Connor expressed concern about the dangers of the music industry and warned Cyrus about allowing herself to be exploited. She emphasized that it is not empowering for young women to prioritize sexual appeal over their talent.
O’Connor highlighted the exploitative nature of the music business and its tendency to use artists for profit, leaving them vulnerable and alone in the aftermath. She urged Cyrus to be cautious about the messages she sends to her fans, as female artists are role models and should promote values beyond sexuality.
Cyrus did not take the letter well and reacted negatively, making comparisons to troubled star Amanda Bynes. The feud escalated, and O’Connor penned follow-up letters, even considering legal action against Cyrus. However, in the same year, Cyrus appeared to call for a truce, stating that the dispute didn’t matter, and everything was “all good.”
In a recent interview, Cyrus opened up about carrying guilt and shame due to controversies surrounding the “Wrecking Ball” music video and her twerking performance at the VMAs.
As the world mourns Sinead O’Connor’s death, her powerful letter to Miley Cyrus resurfaces, reminding fans of her advocacy for artists’ well-being and the importance of responsible role modeling in the industry.