Additional Coverage:
- Firerose Accuses Estranged Husband Billy Ray Cyrus of Domestic Abuse in Her Own Divorce Filing (newsbreak.com)
Singer Firerose has brought forth allegations of domestic abuse against her soon-to-be ex-husband, Billy Ray Cyrus, in her divorce response. Legal papers seen by People magazine reveal that on June 18, Firerose, whose legal name is Johanna Rose Hodges, lodged a counterclaim in a Tennessee court, asserting that throughout their marriage, Cyrus, aged 62, exhibited “unpredictable and volatile” behavior, attributing it to his struggles with substance abuse.
Firerose’s legal representation state in the court documents that she endured “extreme verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse,” blaming Cyrus’s “continuous drug use and marijuana consumption” for his erratic and aggressive behavior towards her.
In a counteraction, Cyrus’s legal team, consisting of Rose Palermo and Jason Talley from Cheatham Palermo and Garrett, has disputed Firerose’s claims. They regret that Firerose opted to take their short-lived seven-month marriage issues to the press, forcing Cyrus to clarify the situation. They released a statement accompanied by Cyrus’s legal plea for an annulment and divorce on the grounds of fraud, countering Firerose’s accusations.
Additionally, documents provided by Cyrus’s lawyers include a handwritten note from Firerose, appealing to Cyrus to reconsider their relationship, discovered after she was legally ordered to vacate Cyrus’s home. They also shared a text message where Firerose expressed her wish not to live without Cyrus and hoped for their reconciliation.
Cyrus’s lawyers argue the inconsistency in Firerose’s claims, questioning why she would seek to return to Cyrus if the allegations of abuse were valid.
Us magazine, which has reached out for comments from Firerose’s representatives, previously reported that Cyrus initiated the annulment proceedings, citing irreconcilable differences and allegations of fraudulent behavior on Firerose’s part for their breakup. Cyrus also accused her of infidelity, which marked a significant turning point in their turbulent relationship.
Legal documents revealed by TMZ disclosed that following their separation on May 22, Cyrus provided Firerose with temporary financial assistance for housing, further allegedly discovering fraudulent charges made by Firerose on his credit card, leading to Cyrus seeking a temporary restraining order and reimbursement for the unauthorized expenses.
Billy Ray and Firerose, who began their relationship collaborating on music in 2021, got engaged six months after Cyrus’s divorce from Tish Cyrus, his wife of 57 years and mother of his five children, including pop star Miley Cyrus.
For anyone facing domestic violence issues, there is confidential support available at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, reachable at 1-800-799-7233.