Trace Cyrus called his father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, “a washed up, delusional, evil person,” in a scathing statement he posted on Instagram on Tuesday (June 10).

Billy Ray, 63, shares Trace, 36, with ex-wife Tish Cyrus, 58. Billy Ray and Tish divorced in 2022 after nearly three decades of marriage (Tish previously said she “never wanted to be divorced,” but she “didn’t have a choice”). They also share Brandi Cyrus, 38 — the “Achy Breaky Heart” star adopted Brandi and Trace when he married their mother — Braison Cyrus, 31, and daughters Miley Cyrus, 32, and Noah Cyrus, 25. Billy Ray is also a father to son Christopher Cody Cyrus, 32, from a previous relationship. In part of Trace’s statement, he accused Billy Ray of skipping his grandmother’s funeral (Tish’s mother, who died in 2020, shortly before Tish and Billy Ray split up).

“This man is so hungry for fame it’s pathetic,” Trace wrote. “He really flew to Italy for a fashion show but wouldn’t come to LA for Mammie’s funeral while he was still married to my mom. Even after his daughter got him a 60K private jet like he demanded then he still didn’t come even after the plane was paid for. You’re the lamest man to ever walk planet earth. Honestly embarrassed to ever have considered you my idol,” he wrote with a clown emoji. “The best thing to come from your downfall is it made me go into beast mode. I refuse to be a washed up, delusional, evil person when I’m old like you. Christ is King. Get right with God. You need it.”

A representative for Billy Ray declined to comment when reached by multiple news outlets.

Trace also spoke out about Billy Ray after his Liberty Ball performance on President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day. Trace said at that time, in part, that he and others in the family had “been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away.” Days later, Trace alleged that Billy Ray “threaten[ed] me with legal action for warning you to get help.” Billy Ray shared a statement around that time saying that he was “praying for my family. …Let this moment be the start of healing.”

As of publication time on Wednesday (June 11), Billy Ray’s latest post on Instagram is a sneak peek of unreleased music. He wrote in his caption that he’s “been workin’ on somethin’ real close to my heart… A song that carries hope, history, and harmony — all in support of the @thenmaam National Museum of African American Music right here in Nashville.” The song will release on June 27.

Amy James

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