Trace Cyrus, son of Billy Ray Cyrus, says that his father is threatening him with “legal action.”
In a heartfelt message addressed to his father last week, 35-year-old Trace expressed concerns over 63-year-old Billy Ray’s well-being, urging him to seek help following a rough performance at President Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball on Jan. 20.
“Sadly the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now," Trace Cyrus, also a musician, wrote on Instagram. "It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you. 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."
“I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly but I think I have a pretty good idea & I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help," he continued. "You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
In a follow-up message posted on Saturday, Cyrus addressed his father once again and expressed disappointment for not addressing the situation directly.
“Dad my 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. But for you to threaten me with legal action for wanting you to get help is a disgrace,” Trace wrote.
“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,” he concluded.
Billy Ray Cyrus has not publicly responded to his son's claims but defended his performance at the Liberty Ball, which he said was plagued with technical issues.
“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,” Cyrus wrote on Tuesday. “I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night and I’ve learned through all these years when the producer says 'you’re on,' you go entertain the folks even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!”
Cyrus adopted Trace along with now 37-year-old Brandi following his marriage to his ex-wife, Tish, in 1993. They share six children including Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, and Braison Cyrus. The couple divorced in 2022.
Cyrus married Australian singer Joanna "Firerose" Hodges in 2023 before they called it quits the following year.
“What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” 36-year-old Hodges told People about her ex-husband. “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.”