PhD take two

A few years ago I mastered out of a PhD in molecular genetics due to a falling out with my PI. I ended up with a great job in industry but I'd like to go back for my doctorate so I can pursue more advanced research positions.

My concern is how to address my previous experience in academia. I was essentially forced out by my PI after months of verbal abuse, and while I've moved on from the past experience I don't want it to affect my future applications. Should I be honest about the issue or just say that I did not want to study the field the lab focused on, which is a tangential truth? I will not be able to receive a recommendation from my masters but I will from my current job.