The Five Biggest Billy Ray Cyrus Controversies That Rocked 2024: From Narcissistic Abuse Claims To The Cyrus Family Feud

The "Achy Breaky Heart" singer, Billy Ray Cyrus, has spent more time in the headlines for family drama and contentious divorces than for his music in recent years. As of December 2025, the country music star is embroiled in a fresh wave of controversy following a stunningly brief marriage and an explosive divorce that has brought allegations of emotional turmoil and 'narcissistic abuse' into the public eye. The latest chapter in the Cyrus family saga is arguably the most complex and public yet, cementing his reputation as a figure whose personal life often overshadows his decades-long career.

The core of the current drama stems from his seven-month marriage to Australian singer Firerose, which ended in May 2024, and the deep, public rift with his superstar daughter, Miley Cyrus. This article dives into the five most significant and recent controversies that have defined Billy Ray Cyrus's tumultuous public image, providing a fresh, in-depth look at the events that have captured global attention.

Billy Ray Cyrus: A Quick Profile and Biography

William "Billy" Ray Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actor whose career spans over three decades. His life has been a blend of massive professional success and equally massive personal turbulence.

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• Birth Name: William Ray Cyrus
• Born: August 25, 1961
• Birth Place: Flatwoods, Kentucky, U.S.
• Profession: Country Music Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Producer
• Best Known For: The 1992 global smash hit "Achy Breaky Heart," and co-starring with his daughter Miley Cyrus in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana.
• Notable Spouses: Cindy Smith (m. 1986; div. 1991), Tish Cyrus (m. 1993; div. 2022), Firerose (m. 2023; div. 2024).
• Children: Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Braison Cyrus, Trace Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus, and Christopher Cody Cyrus.

The Explosive Firerose Divorce and Narcissistic Abuse Allegations

The most immediate and damaging controversy for Billy Ray Cyrus in 2024 was the swift and venomous breakdown of his marriage to Australian singer Firerose (real name: Johanna Rosie Hodges). The pair married in October 2023, only for Cyrus to file for divorce a mere seven months later in May 2024, citing irreconcilable differences and "inappropriate marital conduct."

The 'Inappropriate Marital Conduct' Claim

The initial divorce filing, which included a request for an annulment based on fraud, was already a scandalous move. However, the situation escalated when Firerose filed her own documents, pushing back against Cyrus's claims and making counter-allegations that painted a troubling picture of their short-lived union.

The 'Narcissistic Abuse' Allegations

Firerose's legal response included a shocking claim that she had been subjected to "extreme verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse" by Cyrus. She specifically used the term 'narcissistic abuse,' which immediately sparked an online frenzy and shifted public perception, turning the divorce from a simple split into a high-profile abuse case.

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Leaked Audio and Insults to Miley Cyrus

Further fueling the fire was the emergence of a leaked audio recording, allegedly featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. In the expletive-filled tirade, the voice—purportedly Cyrus’s—is heard belittling and insulting Firerose. More controversially, the audio allegedly included the voice slamming his estranged daughter, Miley Cyrus, referring to her as a "devil" and a "skank." The release of this audio provided what many saw as concrete evidence of the volatile environment Firerose described, significantly damaging Cyrus's public image.

The Deepening Estrangement from Miley and the Cyrus Family Feud

The drama with Firerose is inextricably linked to the ongoing, complex rift between Billy Ray and his famous children, particularly Miley and Noah Cyrus. This family feud has been a source of public fascination and speculation since his 2022 divorce from Tish Cyrus.

Miley Cyrus's 2024 Grammys Snub

The most public signal of the estrangement came in February 2024 at the Grammy Awards. While accepting her first-ever Record of the Year award for "Flowers," Miley Cyrus gave a lengthy and emotional speech, but notably omitted any mention of her father. She specifically thanked her mother, Tish Cyrus, and sister, Brandi Cyrus, who were in attendance, a clear and painful snub that dominated headlines and confirmed the persistent rumors of a falling out.

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The Tish Cyrus Divorce and 'Psychological Breakdown'

The foundation for the current family drama was the third and final divorce filing by Tish Cyrus in April 2022, after nearly 30 years of a tumultuous, on-again, off-again marriage. In a later interview, Tish described the emotional toll of the split, stating that the divorce caused a "psychological breakdown" and acknowledging the challenge of ending a three-decade relationship.

The Noah Cyrus and Tish's New Husband Subplot

A further layer of shocking complexity emerged regarding the relationship between Billy Ray's daughter, Noah Cyrus, and Tish Cyrus's new husband, actor Dominic Purcell. Reports indicated that Purcell was previously in a relationship with Noah before becoming romantically involved with Tish. This bizarre entanglement reportedly caused a massive rift between the Cyrus siblings and their mother, further fracturing the already complicated family dynamic and pulling Billy Ray into the gossip cycle as an indirect consequence of his own divorce.

The 'Achy Breaky' Legacy and Public Perception

Billy Ray Cyrus's career has been defined by his breakout hit, "Achy Breaky Heart," and his association with *Hannah Montana*. However, the persistent cycle of high-profile personal controversies threatens to overshadow his musical legacy. The constant family drama, the rapid-fire marriages, and the serious allegations of abuse from a former spouse have led to a significant shift in public perception.

The intense media scrutiny surrounding the Firerose divorce, including the 'narcissistic abuse' claims and the leaked audio, has positioned him as a controversial figure whose personal life is characterized by instability and conflict. While he has attempted to pivot back to his music career—even releasing new singles like "Ask" that reflect on his troubled past—the noise from his personal life continues to dominate the narrative.

As the legal battles with Firerose proceed, and the estrangement from his A-list children remains unresolved, the "Billy Ray Cyrus controversy" is not a single event but a continuous, unfolding saga. The public eagerly watches for the next development in the life of the country star who can't seem to escape the drama.