Kelsea Ballerini is speaking out loud and clear. Just over a week after her breakup with actor Chase Stokes was confirmed, the country singer decided to address the chatter around her personal life.
Instead of staying quiet, she dropped a pointed TikTok message to the people she calls “speculators” and those following her every move.
The post, paired with Ariana Grande’s “Shut Up,” has now gone viral, showing that Kelsea is ready to set her own boundaries after the highly publicized split.
Article continues below advertisement
Kelsea Ballerini Claps Back At Speculation
On September 23, Ballerini posted a TikTok that seemed aimed directly at people who continue to gossip about her life after breakup.
She captioned it, “CC: speculators, ‘sources’, and hidden cameras outside the hair salon. Let us be. please.”
In the clip, Ballerini wore a simple white tank top with her hair in a slick bun.
She leaned against a couch, took a sip of energy drink, and nodded along to Ariana Grande’s “Shut Up.”
Right after the moment when the lyrics “Maybe you should shut up” played, she pointed straight at the camera.
It was a clear signal to fans and media outlets that she has no time for strangers scrutinizing her every move, even something as simple as leaving a hair salon in Nashville.
Article continues below advertisement
Fans React To Kelsea Ballerini’s Post
Not long after Ballerini shared the post, fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Some users revealed that the 32-year-old’s post was a confirmation of her breakup with Stokes, and offered encouraging words.
One person wrote, “This confirmed it. Thinking of you girl and I hope the media gives you both the privacy you both deserve. Virtual hugs.”
Another supportive fan shared, “I’ve been here since 2015 and will be here until the end! I’m proud of you and your heart every single day. Wish I could give you the biggest hug over a glass of wine Kels. Love you, mean it forever.”
Other fans slammed the people who waited to take pictures of Ballerini right after she walked out of the salon on Sunday.
Article continues below advertisement
“Your hair salon?! That’s like the one place you should have peach besides your house. I’m so sorry,” one user noted.
Another wrote, “Oh period! No one should be this evasive ever, you don’t owe the public anything about your private life.”
Article continues below advertisement
Breakup Confirmed After Months Of Rumors
The announcement, shared with E! News on September 14, didn’t include details, but it finally put an end to swirling speculation.
Breakup rumors first surfaced when fans noticed the “Cowboys Cry Too” crooner quietly deleting social media photos that featured Chase Stokes.
At the time, the “Outer Banks” star tried to calm the talk by posting a picture of Kelsea’s dog, Dibs, with a heart emoji.
That move temporarily eased concerns. Two days before the split was official, Stokes made things look even better when he posted a birthday tribute on Instagram for Ballerini’s 32nd birthday on September 12.
Article continues below advertisement
He wrote, “Although you keep saying you’re not excited for 32, I’d say I’m lookin’ forward to more of this. Happy birthday my love.”
Stokes Calls His Relationship With Ballerini Private
Kelsea Ballerini and her ex-boyfriend never tried to hide their romance.
From red carpets to cozy Instagram posts, they often gave fans a glimpse of their life together.
However, despite their openness, Stokes admitted last year that he wanted to keep parts of their relationship private.
“Sometimes it feels like maybe it’s an oversharing situation, or maybe there’s a lot of details,” he told E! News in March 2024. “But I truthfully believe that my personal life is really, really private. For the most part, I still feel like I have a really good grasp on my privacy.”
While Ballerini shared romantic updates and even let her fans into her world through music, the 33-year-old appeared more protective of their day-to-day lives.
Article continues below advertisement
Kelsea Ballerini And Chase Stokes’s Relationship Ended Due To Jealousy
Since the news of the pair’s split made the headlines, speculation about the possible reason for their breakup has made the rounds.
As The Blast reported, a source recently revealed that Ballerini and Stokes parted ways due to the latter’s jealousy over his partner’s independence.
“Chase started getting jealous over every little thing. Every time she would be doing her own thing, he’d think she was flirting or up to no good,” the insider reportedly shared.
The source added that, over time, Stokes’s jealousy and insecurities led to constant disagreements, and ultimately, they were forced to call it quits.
