Miley Cyrus recently revealed the reason behind her departure from the "Hotel Transylvania" franchise, a role that ultimately went to Selena Gomez. In a candid conversation on Monica Lewinsky's "Reclaiming" podcast on June 10, 2025, Cyrus recounted the events that led to her being replaced as the voice of Mavis Dracula in the animated film.

According to Cyrus, the incident stemmed from a joke she made for her then-boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth's birthday. She purchased a penis-shaped cake, and a photo of her with the cake was leaked online. While Cyrus, who was 18 at the time, considered it a harmless prank, Sony Pictures, the studio behind "Hotel Transylvania," did not share her sentiment. The "Wrecking Ball" singer was subsequently fired from the project, with Selena Gomez stepping in to voice Mavis across the four "Hotel Transylvania" films.

Cyrus expressed her frustration with the situation, highlighting what she felt was a double standard. She pointed out that such jokes and cakes are commonplace at bachelorette parties and are generally considered lighthearted. She felt it was "ridiculous" to be fired for something that many young women her age were doing without facing professional repercussions.

The "Hannah Montana" star also emphasized that the photo was never intended for public consumption. Her camera and backpack were stolen at a private party, leading to the leak of the image. Cyrus stated that she didn't post it and considered it a violation of her privacy.

The decision to replace Cyrus with Gomez sparked debate among fans. Some argued that Sony Pictures was justified in protecting the family-friendly image of the "Hotel Transylvania" franchise, while others felt that Cyrus was unfairly penalized for a private matter. Some fans also expressed that Selena Gomez was a better fit for the role.

This incident occurred during a period when Cyrus was transitioning from her Disney Channel persona to a more mature and edgy image. The entertainment industry, and the public, often struggled to accept former child stars embracing their adulthood, and Cyrus's actions were seen as controversial by some.

Looking back, Cyrus believes that she was held to a different standard than her peers due to her past as a Disney star. She felt that she wasn't allowed to partake in normal, early adult activities without it affecting her career. Cyrus questioned whether Disney kids were put on a pedestal more so in the past than they are today.

Ultimately, the "Hotel Transylvania" incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by young stars navigating the transition to adulthood in the public eye. It also raises questions about the boundaries between public image and private life, and the extent to which celebrities should be held accountable for their personal choices.