Chase Stokes has publicly demonstrated his journey of moving forward following his second separation from country singer Kelsea Ballerini by acquiring a deeply symbolic new tattoo. The 33-year-old actor, best known for his role in the hit Netflix series Outer Banks, sought out the expertise of Los Angeles fine-line tattoo artist Daniel 'Winterstone' Winter to permanently ink the phrase 'they will judge us by our fruit' just below the nape of his neck.
Biblical Inspiration and Personal Significance
The tattoo's design draws direct inspiration from the Bible verse Matthew 7:16, which states: 'Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?' This New Testament scripture represents a warning from Jesus about identifying false prophets through their actions and behavior, metaphorically described as 'bad fruit.' For Stokes, the phrase appears to carry personal resonance as he navigates life after his highly publicized relationship with Ballerini.
Artist Insights and Multiple Tattoos
Winterstone revealed to TMZ on Tuesday that Stokes was in positive spirits during the tattooing session, describing him as 'feeling good and enlightened about where things are currently.' The artist further disclosed that the actor actually received multiple tattoos during their appointment but has chosen to publicly showcase only the one positioned on his back. Winterstone's impressive client roster includes numerous celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Jessica Alba, Matt Damon, and many other high-profile figures from the entertainment industry.
Relationship History and Matching Tattoos
Stokes and Ballerini's on-again, off-again three-year relationship featured matching Virgo constellation tattoos that became symbolic of their connection. Their romance ultimately concluded for the second time in early February of this year. Ballerini appeared to reference these matching tattoos in her single 587, with lyrics that suggest: 'I heard you covered up your tattoo / It's probably time I covered mine too / I guess it isn't just a break between us / It's a little more space between us.'
The six-time Grammy nominee further connected her artistic work to their relationship by naming her six-track EP Mount Pleasant after the South Carolina town where Stokes filmed Outer Banks. This geographical reference adds another layer to their intertwined personal and professional lives.
Relationship Timeline and Public Dynamics
Stokes and Ballerini initially connected virtually on December 1, 2022, mere weeks after she finalized her divorce from fellow country singer Morgan Evans following four years of marriage. Their relationship experienced its first separation last September, during which Ballerini temporarily blocked Stokes on Instagram before they reconciled and rekindled their romance on New Year's Eve.
In February, Ballerini reflected on their relationship dynamics, telling ET: 'I feel like outwardly, it looked a lot more dramatic than it was. And that was quite the learning lesson for us. But I love him so much. We've been together for quite a while now and done a lot of life together.'
Public Feud and Social Media Exchanges
The post-breakup period has included public tension between Stokes and Ballerini's ex-husband Morgan Evans. On March 4, Stokes took to Instagram to accuse Evans of being a 'pathetic excuse of masculinity,' prompting the 40-year-old Australian singer to respond by demonstrating his physical strength through videos showing him lifting a mini-fridge and chopping wood with his muscular arms.
Current Activities and Professional Endeavors
While Stokes processes this relationship chapter through body art, Ballerini has been spending time in Midtown Manhattan bonding with friends like actress Leslie Bibb ahead of her scheduled Carnegie Hall concert. Meanwhile, Stokes prepares to conclude his role as Pogues ringleader John B. Routledge in the fifth and final season of Outer Banks, set to premiere later this year.
The Maryland-born actor, who boasts an impressive 13.3 million social media followers, has also established himself as an influential figure through paid partnerships with prominent brands including Omega watches and Zenni glasses. His previous relationship history includes a 17-month romance with Outer Banks co-star Madelyn Cline that ended in 2021.
As both artists move forward in their respective careers and personal lives, Stokes' new tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of growth, reflection, and the biblical wisdom that one's actions ultimately define how they are judged by others.
