Trace Cyrus Says Dad Billy Ray Cyrus Threatened Legal Action Following a Plea for Him to Get Help – Hollywood Reporter
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Billy Ray Cyrus performs during the Liberty Inaugural Ball where President Donald Trump is expected later in the evening on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump attends some of the inaugural balls after taking the oath as the 47th president. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterSubscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter”Everyone close to you is terrified to tell you how they really feel,” Trace wrote on social media.
By
Zoe G. Phillips
Trace Cyrus, brother of Miley Cyrus and son of Bill Ray Cyrus, wrote on social media Saturday that his father threatened legal action against him following a plea for Billy Ray to get help.
“Dad my message was beyond loving,” Trace wrote in reference to his Jan. 22 post regarding Billy Ray’s health. “I could have been extremely honest about a lot more but I don’t want to put your business out there like that.”
The 63-year-old “Achy Breaky Heart” singer’s appearance, gruff voice and hostile reaction to enduring several audio technical mishaps had fans worried for the country star, with some dubbing the performance a “disaster” and “train wreck.”
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In the original open letter, Trace addressed his father’s viral Trump inauguration performance, which left some fans worried after videos surfaced of the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer’s gruff voice and hostile reaction to enduring several audio technical mishaps. “I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help,” Trace wrote.
On Saturday, the 35-year-old son wrote that his father had threatened him with legal action “for wanting you to get help,” calling the move “a disgrace.”
The note continued, “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.”
Trace is not the only member of Billy Ray’s family to have expressed concern over the incident. His ex-wife, Firerose, told the New York Post “what’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” and that “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.”
Billy Ray hasn’t publicly responded to his family’s comments, but did acknowledge the viral performance in his own social media note.
“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,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!” Added Cyrus: “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.”Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every daySign up for THR news straight to your inbox every daySubscribe for full access to The Hollywood ReporterSend us a tip using our anonymous form.
