Britney Spears has broken her silence on her separation from husband Sam Asghari after he filed for divorce, telling fans she “couldn’t take the pain anymore”.
The 41-year-old star posted a video on Instagram on Saturday, telling her 42 million followers she was “a little shocked” but had no intention of explaining the split and calling it “nobody’s business”.
Spears and Sam Asghari married in June 2022. Pic: AP
Court documents filed by Asghari in Los Angeles cite “irreconcilable differences,” and show that the pair actually separated around three weeks ago. Filings also show he is seeking financial support from Spears.
They married in June 2022, the same year Spears’ controversial conservatorship – a legal agreement which had controlled her life since 2008 – came to an end, putting her in charge of her estate, estimated at $60m (about £45m) at the time.
In her social media post, Spears wrote: “As everyone knows, Hesam and I are no longer together… Six years is a long time to be with someone so, I’m a little shocked but… I’m not here to explain why because it’s honestly nobody’s business.
“But, I couldn’t take the pain anymore honestly.
“In some sort of telepathic way I have been receiving so many messages that melt my heart from friends and I thank you.
“I’ve been playing it strong for way too long and my Instagram may seem perfect but it’s far from reality and I think we all know that.
“I would love to show my emotions and tears on how I really feel but [for] some reason I’ve always had to hide my weaknesses.”
She added: “I will be as strong as I can and do my best.
“And I’m actually doing pretty damn good. Anyways have a good day and don’t forget to smile.”
Plea for ‘kind and thoughtful’ response
On Friday, Asghari put out a statement on social media confirming their breakup, saying he and Spears had decided to “end our journey together“.
The 29-year-old Iranian-born actor and model also said: “Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will just ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful.”
Court filings show the value of Spears’ and Asghari’s assets, and those they own jointly, is yet to be determined.
Spears and Asghari first met on the set of her 2016 Slumber Party music video and got engaged in 2021.
Their star-studded LA wedding welcomed guests including Madonna, Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore and Paris Hilton.
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Spears has been married three times – her first being a 55-hour “spur-of-the-moment” marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander in January 2004.
The pair wed in Las Vegas, but a then 22-year-old Spears annulled the nuptials two days later, reportedly on the advice of her management team.
In September 2004, she married the rapper and dancer Kevin Federline in Los Angeles, after a two-month engagement.
The couple – who share sons Sean and Jayden together – split in 2006, with Spears citing “irreconcilable differences” in her divorce papers.