Miley Cyrus MTV Joint Lighting CUT From American Broadcast

MTV censors have spoken reports Deadline, as the EMAs aired on the East Coast sans the portion of Miley Cyrus’ acceptance speech where she lights up what looks like a joint.

The bit was cut. In the edited version that aired in the U.S., Cyrus barely says one line before the camera cuts to an ultra wide shot of the audience and comes back to her for an awkward good-bye. (you can watch and compare the unedited and cut versions below.) Had MTV opted to leave the smoking by 20-year-old Cyrus in, the network most certainly would’ve gotten into hot water with watchdogs and the FCC.

The ceremony was held in Amsterdam where marijuana is sold in coffee shops. But promoting smoking and likely illegal substances to minors who make up a big portion of the MTV audience in the U.S. is sure to stir controversy and strong reaction from advocacy group. MTV has yet to respond to requests for comment whether the smoking incident will be aired in the U.S.