Billy Ray Cyrus Directs Abuse Claims Back At Estranged Wife Firerose
By Afouda Bamidele on June 25, 2024 at 3:15 PM EDT
The drama surrounding Billy Ray Cyrus' third divorce continues to heat up with new abuse allegations.
The country music star recently slammed his estranged wife, Firerose, claiming she was the abusive one in their short-lived marriage. He backed up his accusations with a statement from his manager, who allegedly witnessed the latter's toxic behavior.
Billy Ray Cyrus' claims come at the heels of Firerose's "extreme verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse" allegations.
Billy Ray Cyrus Labels His Estranged Wife An Abuser After Fraud Claims
When Cyrus filed for divorce in May, he cited "irreconcilable differences" and "inappropriate marital conduct" as his reasons for the divorce. He also accused his estranged lover of fraud but changed his tune after Firerose dropped her abuse allegations.
In his latest filing, the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer stressed that Firerose was the abusive partner in their relationship. He claimed she made the unsavory allegations against him only to "sensationalize her false complaints by using the word 'abuse.'"
Cryus admitted that he was not an angel while dealing with Firerose in May 2024, noting that he was "certainly vocal, frustrated, and angry." However, the documents obtained by In Touch argued that his behavior did not change his victim status.
The 'Hannah Montana' Alum's Lawyer Slams Firerose's Alleged Behavior
The documents preached Cyrus' innocence in the abuse drama, stating, "It is the Plaintiff who, in fact, has been abused." The filing continued, "Not only verbally and emotionally by [Firerose], but also PHYSICALLY abused by [Firerose]."
Cyrus' attorney doubled down on his victim status in a statement arguing that if his client had been as abusive as Firerose claims, she wouldn't have dropped a handwritten note and a text message that read:
"'I am sorry' and 'please give me a chance to make this right. I can explain everything, but I need you on my side.'"
The country music singer's personal manager, Scott Adkins, echoed similar sentiments about his employer's innocence in a declaration attached to the lawsuit. He presented himself as a witness to Firerose's alleged abusive behavior.
Cyrus' Manager Backed Up His Claims About Firerose
Besides the abuse allegations, Cyrus also refuted the claims that he interfered with his estranged wife's music career following their breakup. He claimed that she had "absolutely no significant career in the music industry prior to meeting him."
As for the allegations that his reps dropped her after the divorce filing, Cyrus' manager explained he cut ties with the Australian singer because he "believed Firerose as a solo artist would be unmarketable."
Adkins also supported Cyrus' abuse claims, declaring that "During my time of representing both Mr. Cyrus and Firerose, I have personally witnessed Firerose speak disrespectfully and acting out of control towards Mr. Cyrus."
Firerose Refuted Her Estranged Husband's Narrative
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Following Cyrus' latest filing, a rep for Firerose disputed his claims. They slammed the 62-year-old for suddenly changing his tune, saying:
"[Billy Ray's] story keeps evolving, and this filing is simply another abusive tactic to distract away from the serious, true allegations brought against him and backed by an abundance of evidence."
The source added, "The only individuals backing his false claims are those on his payroll, whose credibility is questionable. The audacity to question a BRCA-positive woman's decision to undergo a preventative surgery further shows the kind of cruel manipulation Firerose was subjected to."
"What Billy Ray fails to recognize is when you have a decades-long history of emotional and psychological abuse, people start to take notice. The truth will come to light," they concluded their statement.
Billy Ray Cyrus Allegedly Feels 'Relieved' After Separating From Firerose
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Days before Cyrus' abuse allegations dropped, The Blast reported that a source had shed light on his feelings amid his divorce from Firerose. The insider claimed the 62-year-old was "more relieved every day that he's done with his marriage." They said:
"His instincts have been correct all along. He believes she only married him for financial and other reasons. He's convinced that she didn't marry him for love."
The source added that Cyrus has finally seen Firerose's "true colors" after her abuse allegations.
They noted the Country singer felt "beyond deceived" but "is ready to move on alone." Cyrus also fired back at Firerose's allegations with fraud complaints, claiming she spent over $96k by making 37 unauthorized charges on his credit cards.