Was Billy Ray Cyrus Jealous of Miley's Success?

After making the controversial statement that fame and Hannah Montana destroyed his family, some readers are beginning to wonder if Bill Ray Cyrus' comments about his daughter, Miley, were rooted in jealousy rather than fatherly concern.

Billy Ray had told GQ magazine that Miley Cyrus' antics, including the salvia bong video and the infamous pole dance, were cause for concern. He said he was scared that Miley could potentially flame out like Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain and Anna Nicole Smith.

Yet an insider told Us Weekly that Mr. Cyrus had pushed Miley into being a star. The source also suggested Billy Ray was making those comments out of jealousy.

"He was always upset he didn't get as much as attention as Miley. This is his way of stealing the spotlight."

Yet not everyone is willing to dismiss Billy Ray's comments. Michael Lohan had recent written a letter to Mr. Cyrus, telling him he understood the struggles of having a troubled famous daughter.

As for criticisms against parents like Mr. Lohan and Mr. Cyrus, Michael suggested readers were unwilling to put themselves in their shoes and to ask themselves, "How would I feel if this was happening to me?"

Still, it's difficult to sympathize with Billy Ray on this one. If he had truly been coming from a place of concern, then he would have spoken to Miley herself and intervened in private. It seems a bit inappropriate that he would humiliate his daughter to the tabloids for the sake of limelight and a few bucks.

And if Billy Ray truly felt Miley was growing up to fast and making imprudent life choices, he had several years to step in as a father. I'm sure he knew that he was benefiting from Miley's success. Hannah Montana had not only catapulted his daughter to fame, but it also revived his own career.

Surely, Mr. Cyrus must have realized that trashing his own daughter in public would not help him get through to her.

Miley Cyrus may be a controversial figure sometimes, but at least she seems to be a straight-shooter who doesn't pretend to be anything other than herself. And given her recent struggles, she could use a positive role model in her life. Billy Ray obviously isn't stepping up in that respect.