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Billy Ray Cyrus has pushed back hard against a surprising legal claim that surfaced this year, calling the allegations that a woman is Miley Cyrus’ birth mother unfounded and implausible. The dispute, which touched on adoption, alleged misrepresentation and requests for DNA testing, moved quickly through filings and was dismissed by a court in early December.
Details of the complaint: what the plaintiff says
A woman identified as Jayme Lee filed papers this spring asserting she gave birth to Miley Cyrus when she was a child. Her amended complaint says:
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- She was 12 when she delivered the child, according to her account.
- Lee claims she entered a “private adoption agreement” with Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus.
- The agreement allegedly allowed her to name the baby and work as a nanny and piano teacher.
- She accused the Cyruses of cutting off contact and threatening police action after the birth.
- Lee listed causes of action including breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, emotional distress and unlawful interference with parental rights.
What Lee asked the court to do
Her filings sought several specific remedies and investigations.
- A supervised DNA maternity and paternity test for Miley and her parents.
- Re-examination of the adoption’s legality if the DNA results supported Lee’s claim.
- Compensation for alleged emotional harm and legal relief tied to the agreement.
How the case moved through court
The suit was filed in May and amended the following month. A judge denied a request for a trial in October.
Billy Ray’s legal team acted quickly after learning of the claims. Key filings and rulings included:
- Nov. 20: Cyrus filed a motion to dismiss all claims, saying the suit was aimed at harassing his family.
- Dec. 1: He formally opposed the amended complaint and said he had only recently been alerted to the lawsuit.
- Dec. 5: The court dismissed the case with prejudice and ordered the plaintiff to pay Cyrus’ reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Billy Ray’s public and legal response
The country star described the accusations as “false and absurd.” His lawyers argued the suit lacked merit and pursued dismissal.
- They maintained the filing was a harassment tactic rather than a legitimate claim.
- The court’s dismissal with prejudice prevents the same claim from being refiled.
- The judge also awarded Cyrus legal costs, an uncommon outcome in routine civil disputes.
Family background and public context
The allegations involved more than one member of the Cyrus family. Tish Cyrus is Miley’s mother and was named in the complaint.
- Billy Ray and Tish were married for nearly 28 years before separating in 2022.
- The couple share three children: Miley, Braison and Noah.
- Billy Ray also adopted Tish’s children from her prior relationship, Brandi and Trace.
Recent public notes about Miley
Billy Ray has recently been visible in the family story again. He publicly congratulated Miley on her engagement to musician Maxx Morando.
On Instagram he wrote, “So happy you and Maxx found each other!!!! Congratulations! Happy to see you both so happy!!! love Dad.”
Legal takeaways and next steps that were sought
Although Lee asked for DNA testing to settle maternity and paternity questions, the court’s dismissal halted that plan.
- Supervised DNA testing would have been a straightforward route to confirm biological relationships.
- With the case dismissed with prejudice, courts have effectively closed this dispute for now.
- Any appeal or new filing would face significant legal obstacles given the dismissal and fee award.
