Billy Ray Cyrus (left) Trace Cyrus (right)

Billy Ray Cyrus Allegedly Threatens Son Trace With Lawsuit In Heated Family Dispute

Home / Entertainment / Billy Ray Cyrus Allegedly Threatens Son Trace With Lawsuit In Heated Family Dispute

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on January 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM EST

Trace Cyrus has made shocking claims about his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, accusing the country music legend of threatening legal action against him.

This comes after Trace Cyrus and other family members reportedly expressed concerns about Billy Ray’s health following what the Metro Station band member described as an “embarrassing” performance at President Donald Trump’s post-inauguration Liberty Ball earlier this week.

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Billy Ray Cyrus Reportedly Threatens Son Trace With Legal Action in Ongoing Feud

Trace Cyrus' message to Billy Ray Cyrus
Instagram | Trace Cyrus

In a candid Instagram post on Saturday, the 35-year-old didn’t hold back, addressing his father 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.

The 35-year-old went on to deliver a stinging rebuke, invoking the memory of Billy Ray’s father. “Pappy is looking down on you with such disappointment,” he claimed. “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.”

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Trace Cyrus Begs Billy Ray To Get Help

Trace Cyrus and Miley Cyrus at Tom Ford: Autumn/Winter 2020 Fashion Show
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Earlier in the week, Trace had sent his father a heartfelt message, reportedly co-signed by his siblings, including Miley Cyrus, expressing their collective concern for Billy Ray’s well-being. “Since my earliest memories, all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life,” Trace wrote.

However, he lamented the changes he’s seen in his father over the years. “Sadly, the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down, and it’s become obvious to everyone but you,” he continued.

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Trace also highlighted the toll this has taken on their family, mentioning his sisters’ struggles to maintain a relationship with their father. “Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life, and you haven’t even been there for her. That’s your baby girl. She deserves better,” he wrote.

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Miley Cyrus Reportedly Has No Interest In Making Amends With Her Dad

Miley Cyrus performing with Billy Ray Cyrus at Glastonbury Festival 2019
MAR/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Miley Cyrus reportedly watched her father, Billy Ray Cyrus’ performance at the Liberty Ball earlier this week, and her reaction aligned with what Trace said.

Sources close to the family say Miley has not maintained a relationship with Billy Ray for some time and is not interested in mending their strained bond, and per Page Six, she found his performance at the post-inauguration Liberty Ball “concerning.”

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Braison Cyrus Gets Involved In The Family Drama

Billy Ray Cyrus performing
MAR/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Despite the family’s unified message, not all the Cyrus siblings are on the same page. Braison Cyrus, Trace’s younger brother, defended their father on Instagram Stories, portraying Billy Ray as “happy” and “healthy.”

Braison, who is currently producing Billy Ray’s forthcoming album, said, “I’ve spent the last year getting to know my dad better than I ever have. After he spent a week in the hospital in the fall, I’m grateful that my dad is happy, healthy, and ready to make this record.”

Trace appeared unfazed by Braison’s defense, responding with another pointed comment. “Braison, I can help you too. Damn. Man up boys,” he wrote.

What Went Wrong With Billy Ray Cyrus' Liberty Ball Performance?

Billy Ray Cyrus at CMA Music Festival 2019
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

As reported by The Blast, the country music icon took the stage at President Donald Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball on January 20 to perform his classic hit, "Achy Breaky Heart." However, the performance was overshadowed by a series of technical difficulties that put the seasoned performer’s resilience and adaptability to the test.

At one point, he removed the microphone from its stand and recited the lyrics instead of singing them, but the challenges didn’t end there.

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During his performance of the chart-topping collaboration with Lil Nas X, "Old Town Road," Billy Ray sparked further concern. After delivering his portion of the song, he shifted to repeating the lyrics in a monotone voice, encouraging the audience to sing along. However, without a backing track, the performance felt disjointed, leaving Billy Ray to wander the stage in what many attendees described as an awkward and uncomfortable display.

The ongoing drama within the Cyrus family has left fans divided, with many expressing concern for the family’s dynamic and hoping they can resolve their issues privately.

Meanwhile, Billy Ray Cyrus has yet to publicly address the allegations or his son’s comments.

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