New York, Nov 27 : After being slammed for clicking the photograph featuring Hollywood actress Miley Cyrus topless and looking over her shoulder, photographer Annie Leibovitz has defended the picture by calling it beautiful.

Although the ‘Hannah Montana’ actress was only 15 when the picture was taken, Leibovitz insisted that the picture was not vulgar but simple.

"The Miley picture was a beautiful, strong, simple picture. I think it''s actually sort of innocent on some level. She loved taking that picture, and she was ready to take that picture. It''s just that her audience wasn''t ready,” The New York Post quoted Annie as telling Time magazine.

Recently, Annie was also in news for being sued over ‘unpaid wages’ claims. (ANI)