Morgan Evans Says He Went Through ‘All the Stages of Grief’ While Dealing with Online ‘Vitriol’ amid Kelsea Ballerini Divorce

Morgan Evans, the acclaimed Australian country musician, is set to release his new album, *Steel Town*, later this month amidst a personal transition following his divorce from fellow singer Kelsea Ballerini. In a candid interview on *The BobbyCast*, hosted by Bobby Bones, Evans touched upon the emotional turbulence of the split and the external criticism he faced from fans and online commentators.

Evans and Ballerini, whose marriage lasted nearly five years, announced their separation in 2022. Although Evans has largely refrained from public commentary regarding their relationship, he took the opportunity during the March 3 podcast to express his feelings about the aftermath of their divorce. He described the online backlash he faced as “vitriol” that added to his struggles during the challenging period.

“Going through a divorce feels like navigating the stages of grief,” Evans remarked. “At first, it’s disbelief, followed by anger.” He emphasised the necessity of developing resilience in the face of online hostility, noting that adaptability is key. The negative remarks directed towards him frequently appeared to boil down to a misunderstanding of his character.

The musician shared that he channeled some of his emotions into his music, mentioning his song *Over for You*, which was released shortly after the split. The song is complemented by a docuseries that delves into his personal journey during this tumultuous chapter of his life. Meanwhile, Ballerini released her EP, *Rolling Up the Welcome Mat*, which offered her insights on their relationship, including reflections on marital challenges and therapy.

Evans also recalled an interview Ballerini participated in on the *Call Her Daddy* podcast, where she provided additional context regarding their marriage, detailing separation phases and therapy sessions. He commented on how, during this time, he felt he had become a scapegoat for many other men who might share similar experiences with failed relationships. “I think I was sort of cast as this archetype for any guy who has wronged a woman, which was frustrating,” he said. “Some of the accusations directed at me just didn’t fit, and it left me bewildered.”

Although the online comments hurt him, Evans revealed that he often sought solace in the profiles of those criticising him, sometimes discovering that they were struggling in their own lives. This perspective helped him process the situation with a degree of compassion, despite the hurtful nature of the comments.

In reflecting on advice from Bones, a close friend, Evans shared the two options he felt he had in the face of adversity. Bones advised him to either speak out openly and share his truth or to keep quiet and focus on living well. Ultimately, Evans chose the latter, asserting that while navigating divorce was “horrendous,” he preferred to maintain a level of privacy regarding his feelings.

Despite his decision to keep many of his thoughts private, Evans made a public statement following Ballerini’s podcast appearance, suggesting that some of what she conveyed was not entirely accurate and urging fans to extend kindness to both parties. This statement marked a rare moment of public discourse regarding their split, as he chose to protect his emotional space.

Now, as he prepares to enter a new chapter both personally and professionally, Evans is in a new relationship with singer Laci Kaye Booth. The upcoming album, *Steel Town*, features 11 tracks that he believes reflect his life experiences over the past three years. “Each song conveys significant elements of my journey,” he stated, clearly proud of the work he has created.

In a recent post on his Substack, published on March 2, Evans elucidated his reasons for participating in the interview with Bones, stating that addressing his divorce felt necessary to avoid evasive conversations in future engagements. “While the primary focus was my music, I felt it important to acknowledge the elephant in the room,” he revealed. “It’s an integral part of my story, and it has influenced this record.”

As Evans looks forward to the release of *Steel Town*, he remains optimistic about what lies ahead, carrying with him lessons learned from both love and loss. With a desire to share his truth through music, he demonstrates the healing potential that creativity can offer amidst life’s inevitable challenges.