Cyrus fumes over double standards

Miley Cyrus is fuming over recent criticism of her raunchy new image - insisting there is a double-standard in Hollywood which allows young male stars such as Zac Efron to strip off onscreen but condemns women who flaunt their assets.

The 17 year old has been stung by the negative reaction to her saucy new stage costumes and provocative dance routines in recent weeks as she promotes her latest single, Can't Be Tamed.

She garnered particular criticism for faking a same-sex kiss with a female dancer during her shows.

But Cyrus is convinced the reaction is unfair - because stars such as High School Musical heart-throb Efron also use their sexy image to win over fans.

She tells Access Hollywood's The Billy Bush Show, "Girls are immediately going to say, 'Oh, she's trying to sell sex.'" Well, I love Zac Efron, but what's he selling? He's gorgeous, he's hot, I don't go see his movie because I'm like, 'He's such a fantastic actor.' He's a great actor, but he's hot. He's just not in a leotard with his legs out. He has his shirt off. So what's the difference?

"In High School Musical... he's in basketball shorts and his cutoff tank top and all the girls are dying.

"It just isn't as obvious when guys do it. I was on tour with the Jonas Brothers my first year and boy bands get away with a lot. For girls, it's always going to be harder. That's not an excuse, it just means we have to work harder."