Alice Evans Breaks Down in Court Over Gruffudd Divorce Shock
Actress Alice Evans wept openly in a Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday as she recounted the devastating moment she learned from a lawyer that her husband, Fantastic Four star Ioan Gruffudd, was divorcing her. The 57-year-old described feeling "terrified, alone, and utterly shocked" upon hearing the news, which Gruffudd had never communicated to her directly.
Instagram Discovery Adds to Heartbreak
Several months after the initial divorce filing, Evans suffered a second crushing blow when she discovered on Instagram that Gruffudd was romantically involved with Australian actress Bianca Wallace. "It was the biggest shock I have ever had in my life," Evans testified, using tissues to wipe away tears during the fourth day of a trial where Gruffudd seeks to renew a domestic violence restraining order against her.
The couple split in early 2021 and finalized a messy divorce in 2023, but have since been locked in a bitter feud over finances and custody of their daughters, Ella, 16, and Elsie, 12. Welsh actor Gruffudd, 52, accuses his ex-wife of a "relentless five-year campaign of harassment and abuse" against him and Wallace, whom he married in April last year and who gave birth to their daughter Mila in November.
Financial and Custody Disputes Intensify
Evans denies any ongoing harassment and has asked Judge Michael Convey to dismiss Gruffudd's request for a new restraining order. She claims to be financially destitute and is seeking increased spousal support beyond the current $1,500 per month, as well as higher child support payments from the $3,000 monthly sum Gruffudd provides for their two daughters. Gruffudd contends that the girls have been "poisoned and alienated" against him by their mother.
In response, Gruffudd aims to cease spousal support entirely, citing Evans's "persistent domestic abuse" and multiple violations of a previous restraining order. He maintains that he has already overpaid Evans by more than $300,000.
Hopes for Reconciliation Dashed
Dressed in a plaid jacket over a black blouse and long orange skirt, Evans told the court that when Gruffudd left their Los Angeles home in January 2021, she believed he merely needed space. "I thought we were just taking a break. I just wanted to keep the family together for the sake of the children," she explained, clinging to hopes of reconciliation.
Those hopes were shattered when, in October 2021, Gruffudd allowed her to follow him on Instagram, where she immediately saw an announcement of his romantic relationship with Wallace. Hurt by this revelation, Evans admitted to posting derogatory messages about Gruffudd and Wallace online—actions she now "very much regrets."
Public Apologies and Regrets
Looking directly at Gruffudd, who sat less than 20 feet away in court, Evans expressed remorse: "I now can say I'm sorry... I was posting way too much. Now I feel ashamed and humiliated. I'm mortified and hugely regretful and apologetic to Bianca too."
Evans did not attend the August 2022 hearing where Gruffudd and Wallace were granted a three-year restraining order due to her online behavior, stating, "I was terrified of seeing them together. I could not go. I stayed home. It was stupid."
Regarding Wallace's accusation that Evans publicly disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in a November 2021 post, Evans claimed she believed it was already public knowledge but is now "deeply apologetic." She also addressed Gruffudd's complaint about disturbing emails sent to his mother, attributing it to desperation as her family fell apart.
"I thought she could help us somehow keep our family together. It was terribly stupid. I feel a huge sense of shame and embarrassment. I don't recognize that person—she lost her mind," Evans concluded, her voice trembling with emotion.
