Morrissey fired back on Friday at claims that Miley Cyrus asked to be taken off their unreleased collaboration “I Am Veronica” over their political differences.
“I am aware that the ludicrous 'Morrissey is Far Right' attributions have very recently wiggled back into minor vogue on all of the usual gossip sites,” the singer wrote in a message to fans on his official website. “This rush is, I am assured, in view of Miley Cyrus wanting to be removed from 'I Am Veronica', and suddenly the very dated rehash of ‘This is because of Morrissey's political views’ wobbles out – delighting those for whom I am a book that under no circumstances can they stop reading.”
Last month, Morrissey revealed that Cyrus asked to be removed from his unreleased album Bonfire of Teenagers after he parted ways with Capitol Records.
In his new missive, the 63-year-old singer took aim at “Cancel Vultures” ("they only attack those of whom they are most jealous") for not being interested in getting the facts.
“In truth, Miley has backed off for reasons unconnected to me, having had a major clash with a key figure in ‘the circle.’ I cannot give any details about the private fight because … it is private, after all,” Morrissey explained.
“Miley knew everything about me when she arrived to sing ‘I Am Veronica’ almost two years ago; she walked into the studio already singing the song. She volunteered. I did not ask her to get involved.”
The former Smiths frontman added: “Her professionalism was astounding, her vocals a joy to behold. Every minute that I spent with Miley was loving and funny. She asked if she could be in the ‘Veronica’ video. I was very honoured. She told me that Morrissey songs are on 24-hour rotation in her house, and she had frequently been photographed in Morrissey t-shirts. Miley came into my world; I did not venture towards hers. I was eternally thankful, and even now, I remain so.”
Morrissey insisted he is not on the Far Right. “My politics are straightforward: I recognize realities. Some realities horrify me, and some do not, but I accept that I was not created so that others might gratify me and delight me with all that they think and do – what a turgid life that would be.
“I've been offended all of my life, and it has strengthened me, and I am glad. I wouldn't have the journey any other way. Only by hearing the opinions of others can we form truly rational views, and therefore we must never accept a beehive society that refuses to reflect a variety of views.”
Cyrus has not publicly commented.
Morrissey’s “Cancel Vultures” rant comes 16 years after he vowed to never perform in Canada again in protest of the annual east coast seal hunt. At the time, he said: ”I fully realize that the absence of any Morrissey concerts in Canada is unlikely to bring the Canadian economy to its knees but it is our small protest against this horrific slaughter.”
He described Canada as “the cruellest and most self-serving nation" and urged fans to "please boycott Canadian goods. It will make a difference.”
The singer renewed his objection to Canada’s commercial seal hunt in March 2008 after turning down offers to perform in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.
“There is something especially menacing about Canada’s seal-kill,” he said, calling Canada “a place that people such as I couldn’t bear to visit.” (In 2019, Morrissey announced he was doing a Canadian tour.)
On Friday, Morrissey was singing a different tune. “If you join forces with the Cancel Vultures, your only aim is to numb time, and your eyes are dead.”