Trace Cyrus has publicly called out his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, claiming the country star has threatened legal action after family members raised concerns about the ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ star’s well-being following a controversial performance.
Earlier this week, Trace took to social media to publicly call upon his father to seek help following Billy Ray’s performance at President Donald Trump’s post-inauguration Liberty Ball.
The 63-year-old made headlines after taking to the stage for a rendition of ‘Achy Breaky Heart’, as well as his and Lil Nas X’s song, ‘Old Town Road’.
However, his show didn’t go without a few issues as he couldn’t hear his guitar and ended up singing a-cappella, begging the backstage crew: “I don’t hear it? Do ya’ll hear it? Is anyone back there? Can somebody turn my guitar back on? We’re going to sing a bit more.”
Viewers described the concerning moment as “an epic disaster”, and after witnessing the catastrophic show, Trace – the biological son of Billy Ray and ex-wife Tish Cyrus-Purcell – took to Instagram to urge his father to get “help”.
A Family Divided
In Trace’s initial post on the matter, he sent a heartfelt message to dad Billy Ray, expressing concern that was reportedly shared by his siblings, including Miley Cyrus.
“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 began.
But the tone quickly shifted.
“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.
Trace claimed the family had been worried about Billy Ray for years.
“Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away,” he wrote.
He also singled out Noah Cyrus, saying she “desperately” wanted a relationship with their father but felt neglected.
“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. Somehow just like me she still idolizes you though. We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns,” Trace wrote.
Alleged Legal Threat
Sadly, the Cyrus family matter didn’t end there, as The Metro Station guitarist took to Instagram on Saturday to once again voice his frustrations over his dad
“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, 35, wrote in the emotional post.
Trace went on to say that their late family patriarch, “Pappy,” was “looking down” on Billy Ray 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 concluded.
Braison Cyrus Offers Support for Billy Ray
While Trace voiced his frustrations, his brother Braison Cyrus shared a different perspective, defending their father via Instagram Stories.
“I’ve spent the last year getting to know my dad better than I ever have,” Braison wrote. “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 seemed undeterred by Braison’s defense, responding, “Braison I can help you too. Damn. Man up boys.”
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Trace has also shared personal family photos with his father, saying that the “last good day” he had with him was Father’s Day 2022.
Meanwhile, Billy Ray doesn’t seem too concerned with his performance earlier in the week.
The music legend took to Instagram following the show to say: “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.
“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!!!”
