Billy Ray Cyrus at 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards

Braison Cyrus Breaks Silence On Family Feud And Billy Ray’s Alleged Legal Threats

Home / Entertainment / Braison Cyrus Breaks Silence On Family Feud And Billy Ray’s Alleged Legal Threats

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on January 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM EST

The Cyrus family’s internal tensions have taken a public turn, with Braison Cyrus addressing the strain in a new statement released Saturday.

Braison Cyrus' remarks come amid allegations from his brother, Trace Cyrus, accusing their father, country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus, of threatening legal action against him.

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Trace’s Open Letter Sparks Controversy

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

Trace shared an open letter on social media last week expressing deep concerns about Billy Ray’s well-being, following what he described as an “embarrassing” performance at President Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball. Trace claimed that he and his siblings, including Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus, have struggled to recognize the man their father has become.

However, after his initial message, Billy Ray allegedly threatened legal drama.

“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,” Trace wrote in a candid Instagram post. “But for you to threaten me with legal action for wanting you to get help is a disgrace.”

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Trace’s heartfelt yet stinging rebuke went further, invoking the memory of Billy Ray’s father. “Pappy is looking down on you with such disappointment. 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 added.

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Braison Cyrus Speaks On Alleged Rift

After Trace's second post, Billy Ray's other son, Braison, told PEOPLE Magazine that he harbors no ill will toward anyone in the family.

“I don’t have any bad feelings toward anyone in my family," he said.

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Billy Ray Cyrus Announces New Album Collaboration with Son Braison Amid Family Tensions

Billy Ray Cyrus at CMA Music Festival 2019
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The father-son duo has spent the past year in the studio, channeling their creativity and emotions into the project. Fans can look forward to the fruits of their labor this summer when the highly anticipated album is set to debut.

For Braison, this album has been more than just a professional opportunity—it’s been an emotional journey of connection and discovery. "I've spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have," Braison revealed in a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE.

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"I've heard stories, jokes, and songs that I don't think anyone else has," he shared. "It’s an opportunity to tell my dad’s story through music, and I’m fortunate to be able to take it. Music, stories, and family are the most important things to my dad, so to bring the two together is a full-circle endeavor."

Trace’s Emotional Plea

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

Earlier in the week, Trace penned another message to Billy Ray, reportedly co-signed by his siblings, including Miley. The letter expressed their collective concern for their father’s health and 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, referencing his adoption in 1993 when Billy Ray married Tish Cyrus.

However, Trace lamented the changes he’s witnessed over the years, saying, “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.”

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Trace also called attention to the strained relationships between Billy Ray and his other children, including Noah Cyrus. “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.

Billy Ray Cyrus’ Liberty Ball Performance Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid Technical Chaos

Billy Ray Cyrus performing
MAR/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Billy Ray’s highly anticipated performance at President Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball became a night to remember—but not for the reasons anyone expected. What was intended to be a celebratory event was marred by technical difficulties, improvisations, and moments that left the audience perplexed.

The country music legend kicked off his set with his iconic hit "Achy Breaky Heart." However, the performance quickly ran into trouble as technical glitches disrupted the audio. Issues with his guitar and microphone forced Billy Ray to pivot, ultimately delivering portions of the song a cappella. At one point, he removed the microphone from its stand and began speaking the lyrics rather than singing them, a move that left many in the audience scratching their heads.

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The challenges continued during his rendition of the chart-topping hit "Old Town Road," his collaboration with Lil Nas X. After completing his part of the song, Billy Ray began repeating the lyrics in a monotone voice, urging the crowd to join him. Without a backing track, the performance appeared disjointed, and Billy Ray wandered the stage in what many described as an awkward and uncomfortable display.

Despite the hiccups, Billy Ray expressed no regrets about his performance.

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