“I Am So Incredibly Sorry I Ruined It”: The Night Teenage Miley Cyrus Spilled Wine on Fergie’s Vintage Dress
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Long before she was accepting Grammys for “Flowers” and redefining pop stardom, Miley Cyrus was a teenager learning to navigate fame — and sometimes, its more awkward moments. One such incident from her early career has resurfaced as a surprisingly endearing story of humility, grace, and the lessons learned in the glittering chaos of celebrity life.
The Accidental Spill
The year was around 2008. Miley Cyrus, then best known as the Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, was attending a major industry event — one of her earliest introductions to the high-pressure world of Hollywood soirées. Among the many stars in attendance was Fergie, the chart-topping Black Eyed Peas singer celebrated for her bold style and collection of vintage couture.
As the story goes, a momentary slip of the hand turned into a fashion nightmare. Cyrus, holding a glass of red wine, accidentally bumped into Fergie, spilling the drink onto the singer’s delicate vintage dress. The liquid soaked through the rare silk fabric, leaving an unmistakable stain — a small accident, but one that carried enormous weight in a world where such garments are irreplaceable.
Witnesses recalled that Miley was immediately distraught, visibly shaken by what she had done. The idea of damaging something of such sentimental and historical value horrified the teenage star, who was still new to the elite circles of fame.
The 15-Word Apology
Rather than letting embarrassment fester, Cyrus did what few might have expected from a young celebrity at the time: she reached out directly and apologized with sincerity. Her message, just 15 words long, has since become part of pop culture lore:
“I am so incredibly sorry I ruined it. I promise I will buy you another one.”
Of course, vintage couture cannot be replaced — that was part of what made the note so heartfelt. Fergie reportedly appreciated the gesture, later confirming that Miley was genuinely remorseful and that all was forgiven. The moment never escalated into a tabloid feud; instead, it became an example of how a small act of accountability can diffuse even the most high-profile mishap.
The Price of Vintage — and the Lesson Learned
High-end vintage pieces often hold both artistic and monetary value, with some gowns priced in the tens of thousands of dollars. But for collectors and fashion icons like Fergie, the emotional connection to such garments often outweighs their cost. The spill, then, wasn’t just a matter of money — it was a reminder of how easily history can be lost in a single accidental moment.
For Cyrus, who would go on to make fashion a central part of her evolving public identity, the incident may have left a lasting impression.
From Fashion Faux Pas to Fashion Icon
Years later, Miley Cyrus’s style evolution has become one of the defining elements of her career. What began with a teenage accident at an industry party has since transformed into a relationship with fashion built on confidence, boldness, and authenticity:
- 2013 MTV VMAs: Her provocative performance outfit signaled the end of her Disney image and the start of her adult artistry.
- 2024 Grammys: Cyrus embraced vintage once again, performing “Flowers” in a glittering 1991 Bob Mackie dress, this time fully aware of the craftsmanship and legacy such garments represent.
A Small Mistake, A Lasting Lesson
The “wine incident” remains a charming and very human anecdote in the story of Miley Cyrus — a reminder that even global stars make mistakes, and that how they handle them matters most.
In just 15 words, teenage Miley showed humility beyond her years, while Fergie’s grace turned a potential headline into a quiet lesson in forgiveness. Years later, both artists continue to inspire — one through her evolving artistry, the other through her enduring influence on music and style.



