At the time, Miley described Justin Gaston as a “great Christian guy” and revealed that both of their families had no concerns about their controversial age gap: “Our family is just like, whatever happens, happens.”

Back in 2008, Miley Cyrus — then 15 — was romantically linked to 20-year-old Justin Gaston, who was a contestant on the competitive reality show “Nashville Star,” which was hosted by Miley’s dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, among others.

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While Justin denied being Miley’s boyfriend, the pair were pictured closely together numerous times, sometimes holding hands.

Multiple sources claimed that the pair were an item and that they eventually split up in June 2009.

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On one notable occasion, Miley discussed her apparent relationship with Justin on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, after the host asked the Disney star about the speculation.

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“I keep seeing you walking around with a guy that I think is too old for you,” Ryan told Miley, who retorted: “Well…I think you’re too old!”

To this, Ryan replied, “I am too old! I guarantee you, I’m too old.”

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Ryan later asked Miley, “Are you going out with Justin?” to which she replied, “Why do you want to know?

Do you have a crush on me?” Ryan said, “I can’t have a crush on you.

I have a crush on your mother,” and Miley hit back, “Ew! Stop it!”

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Ryan continued to ask Miley about the romance rumors, to which she said, “Maybe, maybe not.”

Still, the host didn’t drop the subject. “Let’s just talk about rules,” he said.

“You’re 15, gonna be 16 in a second.

And this guy’s 20, right?

So, are you allowed to date him? If you are?”