Chase Stokes’ Cryptic Notes Hint Kelsea Ballerini Split Is Final

For fans hoping recent sightings meant a reconciliation was underway, Chase Stokes’ latest social media activity has sparked the opposite reaction.

The actor ignited fresh breakup speculation after sharing cryptic Instagram Stories that hinted his relationship with Kelsea Ballerini may be officially over.

With emotional statements, unfollows, and timing that raised eyebrows, the posts sent the internet into overdrive about what really happened between the former couple.

Stokes surprised fans when he took to Instagram on November 20 to share two posts that immediately set off alarms about his relationship with Ballerini.

Previous reports confirmed in September that the pair had ended their nearly three-year romance, though reconciliation rumors resurfaced after they were seen holding hands earlier this month.

The message Stokes posted left little room for interpretation. “Don’t believe the media. I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong,” he wrote. Both he and Ballerini no longer follow each other on Instagram, adding fuel to growing speculation. He followed the statement with another message: “Sorry I tried.”

A second Story made the implication even clearer when he wrote, “I’m sorry for those who believed in us.” He closed the note with, “It is what it is. Onwards and upwards.”

Neither Stokes nor Ballerini has publicly commented, though her emotionally charged CMA performance of “I Sit in Parks” the night before added its own layer of intrigue.

Just days before his cryptic Instagram Stories, Stokes jumped into the comments section of one of Ballerini’s TikTok video promoting her new EP, “Mount Pleasant.”

In the clip, she teased a new song, and the comments quickly filled with mentions of both Stokes and his ex-girlfriend and former “Outer Banks” costar, Madelyn Cline.

The actor didn’t hold back as he defended Ballerini, writing, “These comments are f-cking weird. Grow up.”

His reaction appeared directed at fans bringing up past relationships and stirring drama in her comment section.

The EP itself includes tracks where Ballerini explores raw emotions like insecurity and jealousy, especially regarding a partner’s ex, themes fans immediately connected back to the on-and-off couple.

Stoke and Ballerini’s breakup became public in September when a rep for Ballerini confirmed the pair had parted ways. A source at the time described the split simply, telling PEOPLE, “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t. It happens.”

However, hopes for a reunion rose again when the duo was spotted together in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on November 7. An onlooker described the outing, saying they were seen “holding hands at the table and talking closely.” The witness added, “After they got up, they walked together hand in hand towards Old Town. They looked very cute.”

The sweet moment suggested a possible rekindling until Stokes’ recent posts cast doubt on where they stand now.

Ballerini and Stokes were first seen together on January 9, 2023, at the Georgia vs. TCU game in California.

A few days later, Stokes fueled dating rumors by sharing a photo of them cuddled up at the stadium, prompting Ballerini to comment, “go vols.”

When DeuxMoi speculation followed, she addressed it on TikTok, saying, “But what is happening you guys? What? What? No. Let’s not do this, you know?”

Their outings continued when they were spotted holding hands during a Nashville date night later that month. Shortly after, Stokes told PEOPLE they had “just been spending some time together,” adding, “Kelsea is a lovely, lovely girl. She’s great. We’re having a good time.”

Meanwhile, Ballerini shared a TikTok from her bed, revealing his tattooed arm. Stokes publicly supported her on Valentine’s Day, writing, “SO proud of you, your heart & your beautiful soul. Congrats kels.”

In February 2023, Ballerini confirmed she wasn’t single on “Call Her Daddy” and revealed she slid into Stokes’ DMs first.

The pair continued appearing together, with Stokes posting a photo of her kissing him on the cheek. By March 2023, he said, “Absolutely, I’m a fan,” when asked about her music before cheering her on at SNL.

Throughout spring 2023, Stokes joined Ballerini on tour and supported her during performances. In April of that year, they made their red carpet debut at the CMT Awards.

Over the following months, Ballerini shared moments from their dates, surprises, and travels, while Stokes embraced being labeled her “golden retriever” boyfriend, saying, “I’ll take the job.”

They celebrated their one-year anniversary in January 2024 before later confirming they had moved in together.