Miley Cyrus took to the stage at the Video Music Awards show in a skimpy bikini and danced seductively, a performance which has drawn heavy criticism from the Parents Television Council in the US, which fights what it sees as inexcusably explicitly content on TV.

Scroll down to see a video of the performance – and judge for yourself.

“This much is absolutely clear: MTV marketed adults-only material to children while falsely manipulating the content rating to make parents think the content was safe for their children,” said PTC spokesman Dan Isett in a statement.

“MTV continues to sexually exploit young women by promoting acts that incorporate ‘twerking’ in a nude coloured bikini.

“How is this image of former child star Miley Cyrus appropriate for 14-year olds?”

Others though were more positive in their appraisal of Cyrus’ performance, saying that she stole the show on the night and that it was an eye catching performance that left the other performers in its wake.

Rolling Stone’s Mike Sheffield said: “Miley stole the night, which is why the nation is still in recovery today. Thanks, Miley – as Justin used to sing, back in the ‘NSync days, God must have spent a little more time on you.”

Photo: Getty.