In a candid essay for Glamour magazine, Sophia Bush, star of “One Tree Hill,” opened up about her recent divorce, her journey to self-discovery, and her new relationship with retired U.S. Women’s National Team soccer player Ashlyn Harris. Bush’s heartfelt revelation about her sexuality and her relationship with Harris marks a significant moment in her personal and public life.
A Marriage Reevaluated
Bush married entrepreneur Grant Hughes in July 2022, but doubts lingered. In her essay, she shared the struggles she faced leading up to the wedding and throughout their brief marriage. By April 2022, she was on the verge of calling off the wedding but chose to persevere.
Despite her efforts, the emotional toll of the fertility process led her to reevaluate her marriage. Six months into the journey, she realized she had made a mistake, a realization that took time to fully comprehend.
The End of a Marriage
Bush filed for divorce from Hughes in August 2023, after just over a year of marriage. Around the same time, Harris filed for divorce from her then-wife, Ali Krieger. The news of their divorces soon sparked rumors of a relationship between Bush and Harris. These rumors were confirmed by Bush herself in her Glamour essay, where she discussed the support and understanding she found in Harris.
Finding Love in an Unexpected Place
Bush and Harris met in 2019, but their relationship began to deepen during a difficult period in both their lives. Bush described how their bond grew slowly but unmistakably. Harris became a confidante during a shared weekend of speaking engagements, providing Bush with a much-needed support system. This unexpected connection blossomed into a romantic relationship, surprising even them.
Facing Public Scrutiny
The relationship between Bush and Harris was not without its challenges. Social media was quick to label their love as an affair, with rumors and accusations swirling. Bush addressed these rumors head-on, denying any infidelity and emphasizing the lengthy and painful process she underwent before deciding to end her marriage. She expressed her frustration with the public’s quick judgment and the violent threats she received online.
Coming Out as Queer
In her essay, Bush also addressed her sexuality, identifying as queer. She expressed her discomfort with the need to come out in 2024, particularly in a year marked by aggressive attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community.
However, she felt it was important to honor the act of coming out and to acknowledge the love and acceptance she found within the queer community. Bush described her sexuality as existing on a spectrum, with the label “queer” resonating most with her at the moment.
A New Chapter with Ashlyn Harris
Bush and Harris’s relationship timeline includes several public appearances and milestones. In July 2023, they were photographed together at a World Cup watch party. By March 2024, they made their first red carpet appearance together at Elton John’s annual Oscars party.
In April 2024, Bush opened up about their relationship for the first time in her Glamour essay, expressing the profound connection and support they found in each other.
Public Support and Affirmation
Following the publication of Bush’s essay, both she and Harris received an outpouring of support from friends, fans, and the broader community. Harris publicly expressed her pride in Bush, and the couple continued to make public appearances, including the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April 2024. Bush shared her journey on social media, receiving encouraging messages from loved ones and fans alike.
Conclusion
Sophia Bush’s journey to self-discovery and her relationship with Ashlyn Harris highlight the importance of authenticity and support in personal growth. Despite facing public scrutiny and personal challenges, Bush’s story is one of resilience, love, and finding one’s true self. As she navigates this new chapter in her life, Bush remains an inspiring figure for many, embracing her identity and her love for Harris with courage and grace.