Sophia Bush has recently addressed speculation regarding the commencement of her relationship with former soccer player Ashlyn Harris, affirming that their romance took off only after both had formally filed for divorce from their previous spouses. The actress, well-known for her role in “One Tree Hill,” shared her insights during an appearance on the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alex Cooper. The episode premiered on 21 October, coinciding with the promotional campaign for Bush’s upcoming memoir, “And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress,” which is set to be released on 27 October.
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During the interview, the 44-year-old actress asserted that there was no overlap between her relationship with Harris, aged 41, and their respective marriages. Bush had previously been married to entrepreneur Grant Hughes from June 2022 until their separation in August 2023. Meanwhile, Harris had been wed to soccer star Ali Krieger from December 2019 until her divorce filing in September of this year.
Confronting the persistent rumours about potential overlap in their relationships, Cooper asked Bush to clarify the situation. She responded by explaining, “Two people who had filed for divorce and lived in separate residences from their exes went to dinner.” This statement emphasises that their bond began only after both had taken necessary steps towards ending their previous relationships.
Bush elaborated on her feelings surrounding the timeline, expressing regret over not having started her relationship with Harris sooner. “Everyone wishes they could’ve done a million things differently at the time,” she reflected. Bush stated that she wished she could have waited six weeks before going out with Harris, but she acknowledged that she could not change the course of events, stating, “I can’t change my reality for anyone else.”
Throughout her discussion, Bush also touched on the challenges of navigating public scrutiny. She articulately pointed out that while some may hold onto preconceived notions regarding her relationship, she is unwilling to alter her truth to appease others. “I’m never gonna change anybody’s mind who made it up,” she asserted, adding that she has undertaken significant personal development work to avoid contributing to further hurt, especially when families are involved.
The actress shared additional thoughts on handling negativity, noting the quietness they experienced during what she referred to as “strike season.” Moreover, she reminisced about their initial interactions, recalling how she met Harris on Instagram in 2015, eventually connecting in person at an event in 2019. As their friendship developed, Bush realised her romantic feelings, but she admitted to feeling nervous about expressing them.
In a light-hearted moment, Bush recounted her apprehension when she finally broached the topic with Harris. “I was terrified,” Bush confided, explaining how the experience of asking Harris out felt nerve-wracking, saying, “She literally was like, ‘Are you asking me on a date?’ and I was like, ‘Yes.’”
In a previous essay published in April 2024, Bush conveyed her reflections on the public’s perceptions of her relationship choices, highlighting the essential time and effort she dedicated to navigating personal transitions. She pointed out the misunderstandings surrounding her decisions and emphasised the emotional labor required during such changes.
The couple, who have also been advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, tied the knot in a quiet ceremony in upstate New York last year. Bush expressed her joy in referring to Harris as her wife, sharing with Vogue that the experience had been truly fulfilling.
Sophia Bush’s memoir, “And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress,” is now available for pre-order ahead of its official release. It promises to provide further insight into her journey and perspectives on love, relationships, and personal growth.