Miley Cyrus criticizes the media for uncovering homeless Jesse Helt’s criminal past

During the VMAs on Sunday night, one of the most touching moments was when Miley Cyrus sent her new friend Jesse Helt up on stage to share the story of his struggle with homelessness.

“I am accepting this award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the United States who are starving and lost and scared for their lives,” he said while accepting Miley’s Moonman trophy as she sat nearby with tears in her eyes. “I know, because I am one of those people.”

Afterward, Miley’s new friend opted to only identify himself as Jesse — but it didn’t take long for some to figure out why he was being so elusive: 22-year-old Jesse Helt has a warrant out for his arrest in Oregon. (Find out about his relatively long list of charges in this post.)

On Tuesday, Miley responded to the revelations about Jesse’s personal life by admonishing us for overlooking the point she was trying to make.

The media never fails to disappoint. You've chosen to go after Jesse instead of covering the issue of youth homelessness 🙁

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 26, 2014

I hope that this can be the start of a national conversation about youth homelessness and how to end it.

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 26, 2014

Although she didn’t deny Jesse’s legal troubles, she said that’s often an unfortunate consequence faced by homeless people who are trying to survive.

People who are homeless have lived very hard lives. Jesse included.

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 26, 2014

Does looking down upon the homeless help people excuse their inaction?

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 26, 2014

She concluded her rant by again encouraging others to donate to My Friend’s Place. She’s also offering the added incentive of a chance to win a trip to Rio de Janeiro for her Sept. 28 Bangerz concert.

Meanwhile, Jesse appears to be evading police: Polk County Director of Community Corrections Martin Silbernagel said in Oregon on Tuesday, “He doesn’t make himself available to community supervision, and he takes off.”