Billy Ray Cyrus’ ex-wife has described an “unthinkable” pattern of “abuse” within their relationship.
Firerose opened up about her former relationship, describing it as a “hostage” situation in an interview with the Herald Sun.
The 38-year-old singer, who grew up as Johanna Rosie Hodges, was married to Billy Ray, 64, from October 2023 until he filed for divorce the following May, and claimed he had manipulated her into the romance.
“His persistence and charms worked and before I knew it I was in a relationship with him and in love with him,” she told the Australian outlet.
“That’s when the abuse really started in a way that’s unthinkable.”
Firerose said while she did not experience physical assault, she felt “trapped” and threatened during their relationship.
“Did I have doors slammed in my face constantly? Was I threatened to be run over? Yes. Just because someone is not leaving bruises on your skin does not mean they are not leaving bruises all over your life,” she said.
“I was physically trapped and psychologically trapped. I was raged at if I just went to go to the doctors. My life became so small. I became a version of myself that I just feel so sad thinking about.”
The musician claimed she was “terrified” of what her ex might do if she didn’t do what he wanted.
“I was so terrified of the repercussions,” she said. “You are essentially being held hostage. That is not love. That is abuse. Nobody ever deserves to live like that.”
The country singer added she didn’t think everyone in her ex-husband’s life would have experienced the same treatment she claimed to have encountered.
“All I will say is I think every person in a narcissist’s life is going to be treated differently. I think it’s important to know that abusers don’t abuse 24/7, because they don’t,” she reflected. “They choose who to abuse because it is a choice. It’s not something out of their control, in fact it is very calculated.”
Billy Raty is currently dating actress and swimsuit entrepreneur Elizabeth Hurley, 60.
