Trace Cyrus has said that his father Billy Ray Cyrus is “taking legal action” against him after he implored his father to “get help”.
Earlier this week (January 22), the Metro Station guitarist, who is also the elder brother of Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus, took to Instagram to share an open letter to his father amid the fallout of his widely criticised performance at Trump’s inauguration.
The country star had experienced a wave of technical hitches and was accused of lip-syncing at the Liberty Ball event, while some online viewers also questioned his current state.
“Sadly, the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognise now,” Trace wrote. “It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you.”
Billy Ray Cyrus performs during the Liberty Inaugural Ball. CREDIT: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
“You may be upset with me for posting this, but I really could care less at this point. Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away.”
Adding that he was “over a year and a half clean from alcohol,” he spoke directly to Billy Ray, saying: “I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly, but I think I have a pretty good idea, and I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
Now, Trace has provided an update on Instagram, in which he addresses his father and says his message was “beyond loving”.
“I could have been extremely honest about a lot more but I don’t want to put your business out there like that,” he said. “But for you to threaten me with legal action for wanting you to get help is a disgrace. Pappy is looking down at you with such disappointment I can assure you. You should be ashamed of yourself. I will always love you but I no longer respect you as a man. Everyone close to you is terrified to tell you how they really feel. I’m not. Get help.”
Billy Ray himself has spoken about the inauguration performance, telling People: “I wouldn’t have missed the honour of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar, and monitors worked or not. That’s called rock and roll!”
His ex-wife Firerose also added her thoughts on the situation, saying she was “glad the truth is coming to light”.
“What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” Firerose told People. “It’s very sad to see those same struggles continue for him, but I’m glad the truth is coming to light – for his potential good because healing is only possible when you confront the truth and accept there’s a problem. For me, I remain focused on my faith, my music, my healing and using my story to encourage others to find strength and hope.”
Cyrus and Firerose married in October 2023 and separated last May, with the divorce documents citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct. Cyrus then “vehemently” denied allegations of abuse from Firerose, alleging that he was in fact ”physically, verbally and emotionally” abused by her during the marriage.
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