Billy Ray Cyrus breaks silence over brutally public feud with his son following inauguration performance
Until recently, the rumoured feud that Billy Ray Cyrus has with his son Trace had only been discussed publicly by the latter.
This week, however, the 63-year-old country musician has broken his silence on the matter, after he was branded 'not healthy' by his child and advised to get 'help' following his controversial inauguration performance.
Trace's first plea
Following the backlash his father received for his performance as President Trump was sworn into office, 35-year-old Trace Cyrus took to Instagram where he wrote a lengthy note of concern claiming 'the world has beaten' Billy Ray down.
"You may be upset with me for posting this, but I really could care less at this point," the Metro Station guitarist continued, adding that his sisters Miley and Noah Cyrus were also 'genuinely worried' about their dad's antics, but that he'd 'pushed all of' them away.
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"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," he went on, adding that his father is 'not healthy' and that 'everyone is noticing it'.
Trace concluded his initial statement by discussing his own previous battle with addiction, adding that though he doesn't know exactly what his father is 'struggling with', he has 'a pretty good idea', and would 'love to help' if Billy Ray would 'open up'.
"You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you."
Billy Ray's latest response
On 26 Jan, Billy Ray shared a YouTube Short video which alluded to tensions behind the scenes among his family.
Though he didn't address Trace's comments directly, in the caption of one clip, he wrote: "Praying for my family.
"For my children … sons and daughters…and their mother."
In his latest statement, he added: "Let this moment be the start of healing for us all. 'The past does not equal the future.' Amen."
Threats of 'legal action'
The clip comes as Trace claimed his father had attempted to file a lawsuit against him, writing: "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."
Telling Billy Ray he 'should be ashamed' of himself, he added: "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."
Controversial inauguration concert
'Achy Breaky Heart' singer Billy Ray was among several musicians - including the likes of Carrie Underwood, Nelly and Rascal Flatts - to perform at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration last week.
However, a number of technical difficulties meant that both his microphone and guitar failed to work, leading him to yell at his team backstage: "Check? Is anybody awake? Y'all want me to sing more or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?"
The father-of-six went on to tell the crowds: "In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going, or as President Trump would say, 'You gotta fight'."
The technical blunder hit home with several viewers watching the concert, with one later writing on X: "Watching Billy Ray Cyrus tonight was heartbreaking."
Billy Ray adopted ex-wife Tish's two sons Brandi, now 37, and Trace, 35, when they were children.
The couple then went on to welcome Miley, now 32, Braison, now 30, and Noah, now 25.
The country star is also father to son Christopher Cody, 32, from his previous relationship with Kristin Luckey.
Rhianna Benson