Los Angeles (eCanadaNow) - Miley Cyrus has thanked her fans for their support over the Vanity Fair photo scandal.

The 15-year-old singer - who appears on the cover of the current issue of the US magazine draped in nothing but a sheet - praised everyone who has stuck by her during a Disney Channel Games concert in Florida at the weekend.

After spotting a fan holding a placard which read, 'I'm praying for you', Miley told the crowd: "I can't be more appreciative of that."

Meanwhile, Justin Timberlake has defended Miley's decision to pose for the provocative shoot.

He said: "Of course they're going to pick on a wholesome young female American at the first sign of anything. It's the way the world is. I'm going to make 'Leave Miley Alone' T-shirts."

Last week, Miley issued a statement apologising for the controversial pictures, which were taken by world famous photographer Annie Leibovitz.

She said: '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. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologise to my fans who I care so deeply about.'

(C) BANG Media International