Billy Ray Cyrus breaks silence on leaked audio, accuses Firerose of deception, career manipulation

Country star Billy Ray Cyrus has spoken out about a leaked audio recording of a heated argument with his estranged wife Firerose. In an Instagram story and a statement through his representative, Cyrus claimed he was "at his wit's end" due to Firerose's alleged deception and attempts to control his career.

Cyrus accused Firerose of being a "fraud" who lied about her identity and past relationships. He also alleged she was trying to "take over" his career and "usurp the Cyrus name for her own gain."
 

The leaked audio, obtained by PEOPLE, features a man who sounds like Cyrus berating Firerose for being late to an event, which a source close to Firerose claims was a Nicki Minaj concert Cyrus was invited to perform at.

Cyrus' attorneys called the leak "an apparent last-ditch effort to squeeze money out of Mr. Cyrus" and claimed Firerose recorded the conversation without his knowledge.

This development follows previous accusations of abuse from both sides. Firerose accused Cyrus of "extreme verbal, emotional and psychological abuse," while Cyrus claimed he was verbally, emotionally, and physically abused by Firerose.

A source close to Cyrus told PEOPLE that the split stemmed from Firerose not being who Cyrus thought she was and that he believes she married him for financial gain.

Firerose's representatives have not commented on the latest allegations.