Ashlyn Harris Breaks Silence on Ali Krieger Divorce Amid Sophia Bush Dating Rumors: Denies Cheating & Addresses Public Scrutiny

Soccer icon Ashlyn Harris has candidly addressed the “darkness” surrounding her ongoing divorce from fellow athlete Ali Krieger, emphatically denying any allegations of infidelity. The star’s personal life became a subject of intense public and media scrutiny following her divorce filing and subsequent rumors linking her romantically to actress Sophia Bush, who is also navigating her own divorce.

On Saturday, November 18, Ashlyn Harris, 38, took to Instagram to issue a lengthy and heartfelt statement, directly confronting the swirling rumors and speculation. Her message aimed to set the record straight regarding her separation from Ali Krieger, 39, with whom she shares two young children. The former Orlando Pride and Gotham FC goalkeeper made it unequivocally clear: “Let me be clear: I did not step out on my marriage. I was always faithful in my marriage, if not always totally happy.” This declaration served as a powerful rebuttal to the accusations that had gained traction online since the news of her divorce first broke.

The timeline of events has certainly fueled public interest and speculation. Harris filed for divorce from Krieger in September, marking the end of nearly four years of marriage between the celebrated athletes. Their union, often highlighted as a beacon for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports, had been a significant part of their public identities. Together, they are parents to their adopted children, Sloane, 2, and Ocean, 15 months, whose well-being Harris emphasized as her utmost priority throughout this challenging period.

Shortly after Harris’s divorce filing became public, reports emerged suggesting a new romantic connection. Multiple sources, including People, confirmed that Harris had gone on a “first date” with actress Sophia Bush. Adding another layer of complexity to the narrative, Bush herself had filed for divorce from her husband, Grant Hughes, in August, just a month prior to Harris’s filing. This striking coincidence in timing — two prominent public figures, both recently separated, reportedly embarking on a new relationship – naturally raised many eyebrows and amplified the chatter across social media and entertainment news outlets.

The perceived swiftness of Harris and Bush’s romantic entanglement fueled widespread speculation, with many fans and observers drawing their own conclusions about the origins of Harris’s divorce. These rumors gained further momentum after Ali Krieger posted a cryptic message on her own Instagram on October 19. Her post, which read, “Preparing for playoffs while in my Beyoncé lemonade era,” was widely interpreted as a subtle, yet poignant, allusion to Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed album “Lemonade,” which famously explores themes of infidelity, betrayal, and resilience. This post, coming from Krieger, seemed to validate the public’s suspicions for many, intensifying the narrative of an unfaithful spouse.

In her comprehensive statement, Harris delved deeper into the dynamics of her relationship with Krieger, offering fans a glimpse into the complexities that led to their separation and their current approach to co-parenting. She articulated the gravity of their decision, emphasizing that ending their long-standing bond was not taken lightly. “Ending a relationship after almost 13 years of friendship, teammate-ship, marriage, and co-parenting (many of them good years) is a decision that was not made lightly,” she wrote, highlighting the extensive history and shared life between them.

Harris stressed that the focus for both her and Krieger remains squarely on their children’s well-being. “We agreed to center our children, continue therapy, separate, and to move forward with our lives. Two happy families are always better than one unhappy one. This process is never easy, but we were making our way through.” This statement underscores a shared commitment to navigating their separation constructively, aiming for a peaceful and healthy environment for Sloane and Ocean, even if it means individual happiness for each parent in separate households. The emphasis on therapy also suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach to managing the emotional complexities of divorce for all involved.

The athlete further affirmed that her primary “priority” is to be an exceptional parent to her children. She acknowledged the emotional toll of the divorce, both on herself and her family, stating, “Despite this current darkness, there have been years of love between us. And our kids are the best part of it all. They deserve two healthy and happy parents, and that’s what matters most. We are all in pain.” This acknowledgment of mutual pain and the enduring love that once defined their relationship resonated with many, providing a more nuanced perspective than the simplified narratives often seen in public divorces.

Beyond clarifying the nature of her separation and her fidelity, Harris also used her platform to address the considerable volume of online hate and bullying she has endured since the news broke. Public figures, especially women, often face disproportionate criticism and judgment during personal crises, and Harris’s experience is a stark reminder of this reality. She expressed her distress at the vitriol directed her way, particularly when it was based on what she asserted were false premises.

“I share all of this to remind people that bullying anyone about a personal decision, especially when that bullying is rooted in lies, really hurts,” her post passionately read. “I’m hoping that instead of continuing this cruelty you can remember the simple truth that I’m a human being, a mom, and a good person just trying my best. I’d appreciate if you could take a breath and treat me and my family with some humanity.” Her plea for empathy and understanding highlights the often-overlooked human cost of public speculation and social media commentary. It serves as a powerful call for compassion, urging the public to remember that celebrities, despite their public personas, are individuals with feelings and families who are directly impacted by online narratives.

The ongoing saga involving Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger, and Sophia Bush continues to captivate the public, not just because of their celebrity status, but also due to the deeply personal nature of their intertwined lives. Harris’s statement provides a crucial voice amidst the cacophony of rumors, offering a direct account from the person at the center of the storm. As these athletes and actors navigate their new realities, their commitment to their children and their appeal for respect offer valuable lessons on how public figures manage intensely personal transitions under the unforgiving glare of the spotlight.