Sophia Bush recently gave an emotional interview to Glamour, in which she recounted the online abuse and bullying she has received since rumors began spreading that she was dating US soccer player Ashlyn Harris. The accusations emerged shortly after Harris and her husband, soccer player Ali Krieger, announced their divorce. Bush, 41, best known for her role on One Tree Hill, has been accused of being a home wrecker. Sophia discussed her experience with the awful threats she has received since October 2023, as well as the roots of her relationship with Harris.
Sophia Bush Addresses The Hate Comments She Received After Relationship News
Sophia Bush endured a backlash after rumors circulated that she was dating soccer star Ashlyn Harris. Several internet trolls accused the pair of cheating on their respective spouses, with some even labeling the actress a homewrecker. They made harsh allegations against her, such as dumping her partner to be with another woman. The internet abuse, which escalated into violent threats, followed soon after she realized how she felt.
“What felt like seconds after I started to see what was in front of me, the online rumor mill began to spit in the ugliest ways. There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were the accusations of being a home-wrecker.”
Sophia went through a difficult time, which had a negative influence on her mental health. She spent a lot of time analyzing herself while seeking support from her loved ones. It felt like she was in many therapy sessions. Sophia finally invited Ashlyn out for a meal, but this time it wasn’t a friend group gathering. She wanted to communicate her concerns. They interacted for about four hours, and Sophia described it as one of the most surreal experiences she’d ever had. Following that, the events progressed at its pace.
“I finally feel like I can breathe. I don’t think I can explain how profound that is. I feel like I was wearing a weighted vest for who knows how long. I hadn’t realized how heavy it was until I finally just put it down.”
Sophia Bush’s connection with Ashlyn Harris was received with criticism from internet trolls and her known ones. Sophia’s mother’s friend even reached out to her mother to express her disbelief that Sophia is gay. Despite the raised eyebrows at the announcement of their relationship, Sophia feels that she can finally breathe and is glad for the support she received from her family. She didn’t want to discuss this on social media, but she did admit that it was a lengthy and thoughtful process.
“In hindsight, maybe it all had to happen slowly and then suddenly all at once. Maybe it was all fated. Maybe it really is a version of invisible string theory.”
Sophia Bush Breaks Down Her Relationship Timeline To Address The Misunderstandings
Bush has admitted that her husband was aware of her sexual orientation. She added that it was a difficult decision after a year of intense contemplation and forced her to be vulnerable in front of the world despite her overwhelming dread. This incident was quite painful for her.
“The idea that I left my marriage based on some hysterical rendezvous—that, to be crystal-clear, never happened—rather than having taken over a year to do the most soul crushing work of my life? Rather than realizing I had to be the most vulnerable I’ve ever been, on a public stage, despite being terrified to my core? It feels brutal.”
Bush has conflicted views about coming out in 2024. While she despised the thought of having to do so, she acknowledged the present context, which sees an increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation being introduced. Over 500 similar laws were submitted to state legislatures in 2023.
Source: Glamour
