Bobby Bones Stands Up for Morgan Evans Following Chase Stokes’ Comments

Bobby Bones stepped in to support Morgan Evans following an interview that referenced the musician’s ex-wife, Kelsea Ballerini, which received criticism from Chase Stokes.

“If you’re going to come down that hard, then maybe don’t take it down. Also, I have nothing negative to say about this person,” Bones, 45, stated in an Instagram video on Wednesday, March 4, responding to Stokes’ aggressive remark.

Bones made it clear that he doesn’t know Stokes, 33, personally, adding, “I’m sure he’s probably a good guy. Mostly, in my heart, I just wonder why some people can discuss certain topics while others can’t.”

Stokes criticized Evans, 40, after the singer made a rare mention of his divorce from Ballerini, 32, during “The BobbyCast” podcast. In the episode released on Tuesday, March 3, Evans shared, “I definitely wasn’t [expecting our divorce], and it took me by surprise. But yeah, that whole time is such a blur. It almost feels like someone else, just from where I’m sitting now. I just look back and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God.’ … Yeah, it was just kind of a whirlwind, life-changing moment.”

Evans also expressed feeling misrepresented after the split.

“In my case, it didn’t feel like it necessarily had a lot to do with me,” Evans remarked. “I think maybe I was portrayed, or became an archetype for any guy that had wronged a woman during that time. Like, some of the things were just like … ‘What? What are you even talking about?”

He concluded: “It doesn’t not hurt … especially if it was real vicious or something. Then I’d click on whoever said it and just take a look and just be like, ‘Oh, yeah, it’s OK. That looks like someone going through a tough time.’”

Stokes, for his part, posted a since-deleted comment in reply to Evans’ interview, stating, “This is about the most pathetic excuse of masculinity I’ve ever seen. Get a f***ing life.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Ballerini for a comment.

“The only people saying ‘you’re less masculine’ are those who may be insecure in their own masculinity,” Bones added on Wednesday while defending Evans’ right to discuss his personal experiences. “He wrote a record about his life, and part of that record — just a small part — is about a divorce he went through. The entire record isn’t centered around that. Most of it focuses on his travels around the world and his new relationship, which is wonderful — among many other positive elements.”

Ballerini announced in August 2022 that she and Evans had ended their nearly five-year marriage.

“Friends, I’ve always tried my best to share my life with you in an open and vulnerable manner while also protecting certain layers of my personal life as they develop,” she shared via her Instagram Story at the time. “This is now public record, so I wanted you to hear from me directly that I am going through a divorce.”

Ballerini concluded: “This deeply difficult decision results from a journey of love, growth, and effort that ultimately has come to an end. It’s hard to find the words here … but I feel extremely grateful for the years of marriage to Morgan and hopeful for the upcoming seasons. With very busy schedules ahead, please understand that we are both fragile, actively healing, and doing our best.”

Following their split, Ballerini found love with Stokes, and the couple had an on-and-off relationship since January 2023 before officially breaking up last month.

Meanwhile, Evans has moved on with fellow country singer Laci Kaye Booth.