Britney Spears and Sam Asghari are getting divorced after just over a year of marriage, and unfortunately their split appears to be heading in a slightly messy direction—with reports of cheating allegations, explosive arguments, and unverified claims that Sam is threatening to expose embarrassing info about Britney if she doesn’t renegotiate the terms of their prenup.
Britney has reportedly hired celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, so hopefully things between her and Sam won’t become too acrimonious—but with news breaking literally every five minutes, we’re keeping track of updates in one place (with the latest up top).
August 17, 2023
5:22 pm
Sam has broken his silence on the reports with a written statement on his Instagram Stories. The model confirms his marriage with Britney is coming to an end, writing:
7:53 am
Meanwhile, E! News reports Britney’s sister Jamie Lynn Spears was caught liking this Instagram post about the divorce:
August 16, 2023
11:28 pm
Britney posts on social media for the first time since news of the split, announcing that she’s buying a horse soon.
10:06 pm
Sam cited “irreconcilable differences” in his divorce filing. According to the Associated Press, the docs also say “[Sam] has yet to determine the full nature and extent of the separate property assets and obligations of each party” and “there are various items of community and quasi-community assets and debts, the full nature and extent of which are unknown to [Sam] at this time.”
9:33 pm
Entertainment Tonight reports Sam has formally filed for divorce. The outlet speaks to several sources, who have this to say:
- “Britney and Sam have split. She’s adamant she didn’t cheat. The two haven’t got along for a while, and it finally came to an end after a major blowup.”
- “She has been trying to get back on her feet and be healthy emotionally, physically, and mentally. Britney has people by her side and her immediate circle is there for her. They are rallying around her.”
- “Sometimes they feel as though each other’s needs aren’t being completely met. Recently, things took a bad turn and their arguments became more serious and real.”
- “Britney has the tendency to feel like she isn’t being prioritized by Sam at times. Their arguments have led them to become unhappy at times in their relationship. They are also on different pages when it comes to their future as a couple, which has been a point of contention.”
7:00 pm
Page Six speaks to a source who says Sam is “attempting to negotiate concessions beyond his prenup and threatening to go public with extraordinarily embarrassing information about Britney unless he gets paid. So that’s what Sam is focused on.”
But another insider tells the outlet that Britney’s team “protected” her and the “parting will be respectful,” adding, “It’s blackmail and it’ll never happen.”
FYI: Sam made reference to their prenup on Insta after their engagement, writing, “Thank you for your concern about the prenup! Of course we’re getting ironclad prenup to protect my Jeep and shoe collection in case she dumps me one day. 😂😂.”
Page Six also reports that Britney has hired celeb divorce attorney Laura Wasser.
3:53 pm
TMZ reports Britney and Sam have “separated after a nuclear argument,” and that—per their sources—Sam “confronted Britney” over “rumors” she “stepped out on him.” The outlet also reports there’s been “deep trouble” in Sam and Britney’s marriage for several months and they’ve had “blowout fights.” One insider claims, “It’s only a matter of time before Sam files for divorce,” and another says that—while Britney and Sam have a prenup—she could end up settling things with him financially.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm, She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.