Country singer’s ex-wife alleges abuse in scathing video: ‘Control, isolation, rage, manipulation’

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 23: (L-R) FIREROSE and Billy Ray Cyrus perform onstage during the 16th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 23, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for ACM)Getty Images for ACM

Billy Ray Cyrus’ ex-wife, Firerose, recently shared a montage of old clips from their relationship — and the video was in no way endearing.

In a scathing Instagram video posted on Dec. 4, the Australian singer called out the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer for his behavior during their seven-month marriage.

“In your 20s, you’ll meet a 49-year-old man who convinces you you’re his soulmate,” Firerose, whose real name is Johanna Rose Hodge, wrote in the video.

Beginning with images of her in her 20s, the video then cuts to photos and clips of her and Cyrus holding each other, with text that read: “It’s very important that you don’t believe him.”

Other images followed that showed Firerose crying alone as her relationship with Cyrus progressed.

The video, which was cross-posted to YouTube, was set to a mashup of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs,” the latter of which Stevie Nicks famously wrote about the end of her relationship with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham.

In the caption, Firerose shared more details regarding what she experienced while with Cyrus.

“If you’ve survived narcissistic abuse, you’re not alone. It’s chilling how similar survivors’ experiences really are. Behind closed doors, it’s always the same playbook,” she began. “Control, isolation, rage, manipulation, walking on eggshells, cognitive dissonance, feeling like the only person in the world that can be experiencing what you are. But I promise, God sees everything and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

She included the hashtags #narcissisticabuse and #survivors.

Firerose, 37, married Cyrus, 64, in October 2023. They filed for divorce in June 2024, citing irreconcilable differences and alleging fraud. However, they first met on the set of “Hannah Montana” when Firerose was in her early 20s, and Cyrus was in his late 40s.

In the comment section of Firerose’s video, fans praised her for sharing her story. “I love that women are publicly calling out their abusers in the 2020s and posting their faces,” wrote one person.

Another said, “This took an immeasurable amount of courage. Sending you love and hugs.”

This isn’t the first time someone has publicly lambasted the country music star. In June, Cyrus’ son Trace Cyrus called the Disney Channel alum out for skipping his grandma’s funeral.

“This man is so hungry for fame it’s pathetic. 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,” Trace wrote.