Ioan Gruffudd secured a major legal victory on Wednesday in his ongoing court dispute with ex-wife Alice Evans after a Los Angeles judge ruled that the domestic violence restraining order against her would be extended for another five years.
Evans, 57, reportedly remained composed as Judge Michael Convey delivered the ruling, while Gruffudd, 52, sat quietly at the opposite end of the courtroom. Neither spoke to reporters following the decision.
During the trial, which began last week, the Fantastic Four actor described what he said was a prolonged campaign of online harassment by Evans directed at him and his new wife, Australian actress Bianca Wallace. The couple previously obtained a three-year restraining order against Evans in 2022.
While testifying in court, Evans acknowledged posting negative and misleading comments about Gruffudd and Wallace on social media and offered apologies to both. She said she felt “ashamed and regretful” about her actions and told the judge that the online attacks were now in the past.
However, Judge Convey said he was not convinced by her expressions of remorse, pointing to several violations of the existing restraining order. The original order required Evans to stay at least 100 feet away from Gruffudd and Wallace and refrain from making disparaging comments about them online.
In a lengthy summary of the evidence presented during the seven-day hearing, the judge concluded that Evans had carried out what he described as a “concerted and intentional campaign of denigration” against the actor and his wife. He said her actions, which included threats and intimidation, caused Gruffudd to fear for the safety of both himself and Wallace. The judge also said her behavior had contributed to a rift between Gruffudd and his children.
Gruffudd and Evans separated in early 2021 and finalized their divorce in 2023 after more than two decades together. They share two daughters, Ella, 16, and Elsie, 12. In April last year, Gruffudd married Wallace, and the couple welcomed their daughter Mila in November.
Judge Convey also referenced incidents that occurred in front of the couple’s children, including one where Evans allegedly shouted at Gruffudd and threatened to “Amber Heard” him. The judge also criticized her for publicly revealing Wallace’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis online, calling it emotional abuse and coercive behavior.
Although Evans expressed regret during her testimony, the judge said he was not persuaded that her remorse was genuine. While he acknowledged that her online criticism had decreased in recent months, he said she had not taken enough responsibility for her actions.
The judge said he had even considered making the restraining order permanent before deciding on a five-year extension. He advised Evans to seek therapy and warned that any future violations could result in criminal charges.
He also encouraged both parties to work toward co-parenting so Gruffudd could potentially rebuild a relationship with his daughters, whom Evans claims he has not seen in two years.
Following the ruling, Evans declined to comment. Gruffudd also remained silent, but his attorney, Joseph Langlois, told reporters that the decision could be a turning point. He said the judge’s guidance offered Evans an opportunity to improve her situation and move forward.
The ruling marks the conclusion of the first stage of a trial expected to last nine days. The next phase will address financial disputes between the former couple, including child and spousal support.
Evans has argued that she is struggling financially and is seeking an increase to the $1,500 per month in spousal support and $3,000 in child support that Gruffudd currently pays. Meanwhile, Gruffudd claims their daughters have been turned against him and is asking the court to end spousal support payments altogether, arguing that Evans’ repeated violations of the restraining order amount to ongoing abuse.
