Sam Asghari Speaks Out on Britney Spears Divorce: “People Grow Apart and People Move On”

Sam Asghari is looking back fondly on his 14-month marriage to Britney Spears.

In new comments to People magazine ahead of his 30th birthday on Sunday, Asghari calls his time with the pop star, whom he met in 2016 before they dated for years ahead of a 2021 engagement and marriage the following year, a “blessing.”

“It was a blessing to be able to share life with someone for a long time. And people grow apart and people move on,” the actor, model and fitness trainer tells People.

Asghari and Spears were married at their Thousand Oaks home on June 9, 2022, but a little over a year later, Asghari filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences,” with the filing listing July 28, 2023 as their date of separation.

The news of the pair’s split came amid multiple reports of trouble in their marriage including an explosive fight and allegations of infidelity. The two had also been spotted separately before news of the divorce broke not wearing their wedding rings.

Despite the reportedly contentious dynamic between the two at the time Asghari filed for divorce, he tells People that he’ll “never” speak badly about Spears.

“I’ve always hated people leaving a certain relationship — and at some point they told each other they love each other and they sat at the same table and ate food [together] — so I never understood when people part ways [and] they talk badly about each other,” he says now. “That’s something I’m never going to do because I had nothing but an amazing experience and a great life, and that’s always going to be part of my life, a chapter of my life.”

Speaking more generally as he looks back ahead of his birthday, Asghari adds, “I always have the most positive mindset about life. My experiences in life have shaped me into the man I am today. I will continue growing. I come from a place where we celebrate our past,” he says. “I look back fondly. My past was a blessing and beautiful.”

At the time of his and Spears’ split, Asghari shared a statement on his Instagram stories in which he indicated he had no ill will towards his ex-wife. “After 6 years of love and commitment to each other my wife and I have decided to end our journey together,” he wrote. “We will hold onto the love and respect we have for each other and I wish her the best always. Shit happens. Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will just ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful.”

Spears took to her own Instagram account the next day to address the split. She wrote, “6 years is a long time to be with someone so, I’m a little shocked but…I’m not here to explain why because its 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!!!”

She continued, “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 some reason I’ve always had to hide my weaknesses!!! If I wasn’t my dad’s strong soldier, I would be sent away to places to get fixed by doctors!!! But that’s when I needed family the most!!! You’re supposed to be loved unconditionally…not under conditions!!!! So 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!!!”

Spears released a headline–making memoir, The Woman in Me, last fall after her high-profile conservatorship ended following a Los Angeles judge’s ruling in November 2021 to terminate the arrangement.