Chase Stokes Launches Scathing Attack on Morgan Evans Over Divorce Comments
Outer Banks star Chase Stokes, 33, has unleashed a fiery verbal assault on musician Morgan Evans, 40, following Evans' recent podcast appearance where he discussed his divorce from country singer Kelsea Ballerini. The actor took to Instagram to brand Evans as "pathetic" in a since-deleted comment that has ignited a fresh celebrity controversy.
The Explosive Instagram Comment
Stokes did not hold back in his criticism of Evans, writing: "This is about the most pathetic excuse of masculinity ive ever seen. Get a f***ing life." The comment was posted in response to Evans' appearance on Bobby Bones' The BobbyCast podcast, where the musician opened up about his unexpected divorce from Ballerini in 2022.
During the emotional interview, Evans revealed he was completely blindsided when Ballerini initiated divorce proceedings. "I definitely wasn't [expecting it], and it took me by surprise," Evans told Bones, 45. "But yeah, that whole time is such a blur. It almost feels like somebody else, just from where I'm sitting now."
Evans Defends His Perspective
The Australian singer-songwriter argued that the public narrative surrounding his divorce had unfairly portrayed him as a villain. "In my case, it didn't feel like it necessarily had a lot to do with me," Evans explained. "I think maybe I was presented, or made out to be, or became an archetype for any guy that had done any woman wrong during that period of time."
Evans acknowledged the hurt caused by negative comments but maintained perspective, stating he would sometimes check the profiles of critics and think: "Oh, yeah, it's OK. That looks like somebody going through a tough time."
Podcast Host Responds to Stokes' Criticism
Bobby Bones, host of The BobbyCast, addressed Stokes' inflammatory comment in an Instagram video response. "If you're going to come that hard, maybe don't take it down," Bones remarked, referring to Stokes' decision to delete the comment.
The radio personality suggested that those who "project onto other people" might be "way less masculine and maybe insecure in their own masculinity." Bones questioned Stokes' approach, asking: "Why would you challenge someone's masculinity?" He also defended Evans' decision to discuss his divorce, noting that the experience inspired Evans' upcoming third studio album Steel Town, scheduled for release on March 20.
The Complicated Relationship Timeline
The drama stems from a complex web of relationships that has unfolded over several years:
- Morgan Evans and Kelsea Ballerini began dating in 2016 and married in 2017 during a ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- The couple announced their divorce in August 2022 after nearly five years of marriage
- Following her separation from Evans, Ballerini dated Chase Stokes on and off for three years
- In February, Ballerini and Stokes split for a third time just one month after reconciling
- Sources indicate Stokes "still wasn't ready to give up" while Ballerini was "done" with the relationship
- Evans is currently dating singer Laci Kaye Booth, 30
Musical Responses to the Divorce
The emotional fallout from the Evans-Ballerini divorce has been documented through their music. Evans first addressed the separation in his 2022 song Over for You, where he sang: "How many times did you say you loved me / When it wasn't true? / I'm just wondering / How long has it been over for you?"
Ballerini responded with her own track, Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay), which contained pointed lyrics questioning Evans' perspective: "I told you what I needed, didn't have to read my mind / So, were you blindsided or were you just blind?" The song continued with: "Years of sitting across from me in therapy / I know the truth is hard to hear, but it wasn't hard to find / Baby, were you blindsided or were you just blind?"
Ongoing Fallout and Public Reaction
The public exchange between Stokes and Evans has reignited interest in the complicated relationships between these celebrities. While Stokes' comment has been deleted, screenshots continue to circulate on social media, prompting discussions about:
- The appropriateness of public figures commenting on each other's personal lives
- The ongoing emotional impact of high-profile divorces
- The role of social media in escalating celebrity conflicts
- The different perspectives that emerge when relationships end publicly
The Daily Mail has reached out to Morgan Evans for comment regarding Stokes' Instagram remarks. As of publication, no response has been received from Evans or his representatives.
