Celibate Celebs Reclaim Their Innocence
Several celebrities have taken pledges against pre-marital sex.
April 1, 2008 — -- They're young, they're hot and have the world at their fingertips – but there's one thing they say they're not interested in.
Sex.
The newest crop of teen celebrities – Disney's Miley Cyrus and boy band The Jonas Brothers – as well as slightly older stars such as Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima, are all toting the same accessory: their virginity.
In a September 2007 interview with Extra!, Cyrus, now 15, defended herself against rumors that she's pregnant, citing her vow to stay celibate until marriage.
"It's given me the street cred to say that would be impossible, because I'm living my life the way I believe is right and that is to stay pure," she said.
Lima, 26, told GQ magazine in April 2006 that she's saving herself for marriage, despite those who may raise their eyebrows at her sexy runway outfits and her nude photo shoots.
"Sex is for after marriage," she told GQ. "They [men] have to respect that this is my choice. If there's no respect, that means they don't want me."
And current teen heartthrobs, the Jonas brothers, aged 15 to 20, wear purity rings to signify their devotion to remaining virgins until they get hitched – and reminding them to resist the tempting hoards of teenage girls who show up wherever they go.
But celebrity insiders and sex experts told ABCNews.com that the branding of young celebrities as pure and innocent isn't exactly innovative and just how influential these teen role models may be to their younger fans is questionable.
"This is nothing new," said Joey Bartolomeo, a senior writer at celebrity magazine US Weekly. "We've seen stars in the past pledging their virginity – Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears back in the day – and so when we see Miley Cyrus and the Jonas brothers talk about it we just want them to actually stick to it."
While sexy and handsome certainly doesn't hurt when it comes to sales figures for celebrities – just look at once-pledged-virgin Britney Spears – those stars who take a more refined route also make big bank – capitalizing on parents who want their children admiring responsible celebrities.
