Kelsea Ballerini Claps Back at Speculation Following Breakup with Chase Stokes

Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes, who had been in a nearly three-year relationship, announced their breakup in mid-September 2025, a revelation that surprised fans given Stokes's recent affectionate birthday tribute to Ballerini. Since the announcement, Ballerini has publicly addressed the intense speculation and paparazzi attention surrounding their split, notably posting a TikTok video set to Ariana Grande's "Shut Up," urging speculators, sources, and paparazzi to respect their privacy and "let us be." Both Ballerini and Stokes have maintained a degree of privacy throughout their relationship, with Stokes previously expressing a desire to keep personal matters private despite their public appearances. The breakup was confirmed by Ballerini's representatives, who emphasized that the couple had tried their best to make it work but ultimately decided to part ways. Despite the public nature of their romance, Ballerini’s recent social media messages highlight her wish to grieve privately and avoid further public scrutiny. Fans and commentators continue to respect Ballerini's request for privacy amid ongoing media speculation.