Chase Stokes Defends Ex Kelsea Ballerini After Morgan Evans' Divorce Comments

The two country singers' exes engage in a public exchange over Ballerini's divorce from Evans.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Chase Stokes, the ex-boyfriend of country singer Kelsea Ballerini, has spoken up in defense of Ballerini after her ex-husband, Morgan Evans, discussed their divorce on a podcast. Stokes called Evans' comments a "pathetic excuse of masculinity," sparking a back-and-forth between the two men on social media. Ballerini has also weighed in, posting a meme asking for "a f---ing break" from the drama.

Why it matters

The public exchange between Ballerini's two exes highlights the ongoing personal and emotional fallout from her high-profile divorce. As a prominent country music artist, Ballerini's personal life has been closely followed by fans and the media, and this latest incident adds to the scrutiny she has faced.

The details

On the podcast "The BobbyCast," Evans discussed his unexpected reaction to Ballerini wanting a divorce, saying "It took me by surprise. That whole time is such a blur." Stokes then commented on an Instagram post about the podcast, calling Evans' comments a "pathetic excuse of masculinity" and telling him to "Get a f---ing life." Evans responded by posting photos of himself doing stereotypical "masculine" activities like carrying a fridge and chopping wood. Ballerini later posted a meme on her Instagram stories asking for "a f---ing break" from the drama.

  • Ballerini and Evans announced their divorce in August 2022 after nearly 5 years of marriage.
  • Ballerini released an EP titled "Rolling Up the Welcome Mat" in February 2023 that was confirmed to be about her split from Evans.
  • Ballerini began dating Chase Stokes shortly after her divorce, making their red carpet debut in April 2023.
  • Ballerini and Stokes briefly reconciled in December 2025 before calling it quits for good in early 2026.

The players

Chase Stokes

The ex-boyfriend of country singer Kelsea Ballerini, who has defended her in the public exchange with her ex-husband Morgan Evans.

Kelsea Ballerini

The 32-year-old country singer who recently divorced from her husband Morgan Evans and has been dating Chase Stokes.

Morgan Evans

The ex-husband of Kelsea Ballerini, who discussed their unexpected divorce on a podcast, sparking a response from Ballerini's ex-boyfriend Chase Stokes.

Bobby Bones

The host of the podcast "The BobbyCast" where Morgan Evans discussed his divorce from Kelsea Ballerini.

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What they’re saying

“This is about the most pathetic excuse of masculinity I've ever seen. Get a f---ing life.”

— Chase Stokes (Instagram)

“I thought he came off really well and that he was very kind in his description and his version of events.”

— Bobby Bones, Podcast Host (Instagram)

“Feeling pretty masculine today.”

— Morgan Evans (Instagram)

“And for the lady, perhaps a f---ing break?”

— Kelsea Ballerini (Instagram)

The takeaway

This public exchange between Kelsea Ballerini's two exes highlights the ongoing personal drama and scrutiny that high-profile celebrity divorces can generate, even long after the split. It serves as a reminder of the challenges famous couples face in maintaining privacy and moving on from relationships in the public eye.