Sam Asghari

14 Aug 2024

Sam Asghari Hopes Britney Spears Biopic Will ‘Do Justice By Her Legacy’

Sam Asghari wants his ex-wife’s story to be told properly.

The actor discussed the potential Britney Spears biopic in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, while on the red carpet for his new Prime Video film, Jackpot. “I just hope that they have her approval and everything, and they do justice by her legacy, because it’s a really strong one,” he told the publication. When asked if he had an actor in mind to portray him in the film, Asghari replied, “I’m really just focusing on my craft.”

According to Variety, Universal Pictures landed the rights to the pop princess’ best-selling memoir The Woman in Me. The best-selling book chronicles Spears’ rise to fame, her relationship with fellow child star Justin Timberlake — which included her getting pregnant and having an abortion during their time together — as well as her life under a highly restrictive 13-year conservancy.

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Wicked director Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt are reportedly leading the film’s development. Spears also took to X earlier this month to reveal that she’s been working on a “secret project” with Platt. “Excited to share with my fans that I’ve been working on a secret project with #MarcPlatt. He’s always made my favorite movies … stay tuned,” she wrote.

Trending on Billboard

The “Hold Me Closer” singer and Asghari began dating after they met on the set of Spears’ “Slumber Party” music video in 2016. After dating for five years, the couple got engaged in September 2021 and soon tied the knot in a star-studded Los Angeles wedding ceremony in June 2022. Just a month before their wedding, Spears revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss.

In August 2023, Asghari filed for divorce from the pop star in Los Angeles Superior Court. The filing notes that the couple separated on July 28, with Asghari citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for divorce.

02 Aug 2024

Sam Asghari Says He ‘Learned’ From His Britney Spears Marriage: ‘I Only Celebrate the Past’

Sam Asghari is looking back at his past relationships with love.

The model and actor recently told Us Weekly that he’s “not really focusing on [dating] at the moment,” following his 2023 divorce from Britney Spears, adding, “When you’re in a relationship or any experiences that are major in your life, you learn so much. It’s definitely something that I learned so much from the past, and that’s something that was a college crash course on how cruel some people in Hollywood could be.”

He continued, “I only celebrate the past. I always like to appreciate the past, celebrate the past and that’s just a big part of me. I’m always going to be that type of person.”

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Asghari also joked about the only lady in his life at the moment. “Right now, I’m dating a very high-maintenance girl and, you know, I have to get her nails done and take her to the dog park and feed her good food and get her really nice treats. That is what I’m focused on at the moment,” he said of his pet dog. “And [a] career is something that’s going to require 100 percent of your time, and I’m really putting all that effort and putting all of my mindset towards acting … [and] producing career.”

Trending on Billboard

The “Hold Me Closer” singer and Asghari began dating after they met on the set of Spears’ “Slumber Party” music video in 2016. After dating for five years, the couple got engaged in September 2021 and soon tied the knot in a star-studded Los Angeles wedding ceremony in June 2022. Just a month before their wedding, Spears revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss.

In August 2023, Asghari filed for divorce from the pop star in Los Angeles Superior Court. The filing notes that the couple separated on July 28, with Asghari citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for divorce.

28 Sep 2023

Britney Spears’ Viral Knife Dance Video Spurs Police Wellness Check

Months after Britney Spears requested fans give her privacy after they reportedly called the cops to her residence, the police performed another wellness check on the “Toxic” singer after her recent social media post went viral for all the wrong reasons.

On Tuesday, the Grammy-winning pop star posted a video to Instagram that showed her dancing and twirling with what appeared to be a kitchen knife in each hand. A now-edited caption for the video reads: “I started playing in the kitchen with knives today !!! Don’t worry they are NOT real knives !!! Halloween is soon !!!” The post quickly went viral across social media platforms, with some users expressing concern for Britney’s well-being.

According to NBC News, authorities performed a wellness check on the star after fans’ concern gained steam. A source told the outlet that “this is overblown. [Spears] was expressing her freedom as she continues to do.” In all fairness to the “Gimme More” singer, these types of dancing videos have been commonplace on her Instagram feed for years. Nonetheless, the knives are a new addition. In the caption for an Instagram post on Wednesday — this time with knife-less dancing — Spears wrote, “Lighten up about the knives I’m copying Shakira !!!” Her comment was in reference to Shakira’s recent Video Vanguard performance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, during which she danced with knives.

Captain Dean Worthy of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office told Billboard: “The Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call from the Los Angeles Police Department SMART team — that’s their Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team — and they asked us if we would go to Ms. Spears’ residence and perform a check for well-being. This was on the heels of a tip they got not from a fan, but from an individual who is close to Miss Spears and knows her on a personal level that asks that we check her.”

He continued, “We sent one of our sergeants named Sergeant McConville. He’s worked in that area for years. He knows Ms. Spears from prior encounters at the residence. He responded to the house, went through the first security gate. Upon arriving at the second security gate, he was contacted via the intercom system by [Spears’] head of security, who relayed to Sergeant McConville that that she was absolutely fine, that she did not wish to speak with the officer, or have him come in the house, but he was with her and there was absolutely nothing wrong. Her safety was not in jeopardy, from others or self-harm.”

Representatives for Spears did not immediately respond to Billboard‘s request for comment.

Captain Worthy also noted that Spears’ attorney said this was “an overreaction for her expressing herself on social media.” After confirming with “two independent people that closely know [Spears]” that she was of sound mind, “we did our due diligence to check her well-being and we did not believe that she was in any harm whatsoever,” Worthy concluded.

This ordeal is reminiscent of a similar situation in January. After Spears deleted her Instagram page, concerned fans called cops to her house, who then deduced that nothing was wrong. “This felt like I was being gaslit and bullied once the incident made it to the news and being portrayed once again in a poor and unfair light by the media,” she wrote in a note responding to the impromptu police visit. “During this time in my life, I truly hope the public and my fans who I care so much about can respect my privacy moving forward. All the love, B.”

This latest brush with law enforcement comes after Spears separated from husband Sam Asghari, who filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. In spite of all the drama, Spears has remained musically active this year. In July, she teamed up with will.i.am for “Mind Your Business,” which peaked at No. 8 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs. Her 2002 film Crossroads is also being re-released in theaters for two days only: Oct. 25 & 28.

19 Aug 2023

Britney Spears Breaks Silence Amid Sam Asghari Divorce: ‘I Couldn’t Take the Pain Anymore’

Britney Spears is opening up following her split from Sam Asghari.

On Friday night (Aug. 18), the 41-year-old pop superstar took to Instagram to break her silence after the fitness instructor and actor, 29, filed for divorce earlier in the week.

“As everyone knows, Hesam and I are no longer together … 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 !!!” Spears wrote alongside a video of herself dancing to Janet Jackson’s 1993 hit “If.”

“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 !!! 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 !!!”

Asghari filed for divorce from the pop star on Wednesday (Aug. 16) in Los Angeles Superior Court, per documents obtained by Billboard. The filing notes that the couple separated on July 28, with Asghari citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for divorce. He also seeks spousal support from Spears.

The “Hold Me Closer” singer and Asghari began dating after they met on the set of her “Slumber Party” music video in 2016. After dating for five years, the couple got engaged in September 2021 and soon tied the knot in a star-studded Los Angeles wedding ceremony in June 2022. Just a month before their wedding, Spears revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss.

“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 !!!!” Spears continued in her Instagram post. “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 !!!”

A day after filing for divorce, Asghari posted a statement on his Instagram Stories. “After six 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. S— happens. Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will just ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful.”

See Spears’ post on Instagram below.

17 Aug 2023

Sam Asghari Speaks Out Amid Britney Spears Divorce: ‘S— Happens’

A day after filing for divorce from Britney Spears, Sam Asghari took to his Instagram Stories on Thursday (Aug. 17) to release a statement.

“After six years of love and commitment to each other, my wife and I have decided to end our journey together,” he wrote in white text against a black screen. “We will hold onto the love and respect we have for each other and I wish her the best always. S— happens. Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will just ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful.”

See his Story before it disappears here.

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The 29-year-old model filed for divorce from the pop star on Wednesday (Aug. 16) in Los Angeles Superior Court, per documents obtained by Billboard. The filing notes that the couple separated on July 28, with Asghari citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for divorce. He also seeks spousal support from Spears. Billboard reached out to Spears’ rep for more information, but did not receive a response at press time. Her lawyer, Matthew Rosengart, declined to comment.

The “Hold Me Closer” singer and Asghari began dating after they met on the set of Spears’ “Slumber Party” music video in 2016. After dating for five years, the couple got engaged in September 2021 and soon tied the knot in a star-studded Los Angeles wedding ceremony in June 2022. Just a month before their wedding, Spears revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss.

“It was the humbleness that attracted me,” Asghari said of their relationship in a 2022 interview with GQ. “She was very humble and she had a beautiful soul.”

17 Aug 2023

Britney Spears’ Husband Sam Asghari Files for Divorce

Britney Spears‘ husband Sam Asghari has officially filed for divorce, according to documents obtained by Billboard.

The divorce filing, which was submitted on Wednesday (Aug. 16) in Los Angeles Superior Court, notes that the couple separated on July 28, with Asghari citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for divorce. He also seeks spousal support from Spears. Billboard reached out to Spears’ rep for more information, but did not receive a response at press time. Her lawyer, Matthew Rosengart, declined to comment.

The “Piece of Me” singer and Asghari began dating after they met on the set of Spears’ 2016 “Slumber Party” music video. The couple got engaged in September 2021, and soon tied the knot in a stunning, star-studded Los Angeles wedding ceremony in June 2022. Just a month before their wedding, Spears revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss.

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Rumors of marital trouble began swirling back earlier this year, when Asghari was seen in March without his wedding ring. His rep told People, however, that he removed it because he was filming a movie. Spears last posted Asghari on her Instagram page earlier this summer, sharing a series of smiling selfies with her husband captioned with a red shoe emoji.

Spears and Asghari have yet to speak out publicly about the divorce, but the pop superstar took to Instagram on Wednesday night amid reports of the couple’s separation to reveal that she is hoping to “soon” buy a horse. “So many options it’s kinda hard,” she wrote. “A horse called Sophie and another called Roar. I can’t make up my mind. Should I join the camaraderie and put a pink cowboy hat on. Either way I think I found my sweet spot with Roar.”

16 Aug 2023

Britney Spears & Sam Asghari Separated: Report

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari are separating after one year of marriage, according to People.

TMZ was the first to share the news, but neither Spears nor Asghari have publicly confirmed the current status of their relationship. Billboard has reached out to Spears’ reps for more information, but did not receive a response at press time.

The “Piece of Me” singer and Asghari have been romantically linked since meeting on the set of Spears’ 2016 “Slumber Party” music video. The couple got engaged in September 2021, and soon tied the knot in a stunning, star-studded Los Angeles wedding ceremony in June 2022.

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“It was the humbleness that attracted me,” Asghari recently said of their relationship in a 2022 interview with GQ. “She was very humble and she had a beautiful soul.”

Rumors of marital trouble began swirling back in March, when Asghari was seen without his wedding ring. His rep told People, however, that he simply removed it because he was filming a movie. The 29-year-old actor supported Spears through her grueling legal battle to end her 13-year conservatorship that controlled her personal and professional life.

Spears last posted Asghari on her Instagram page earlier this summer, sharing a series of smiling selfies with her husband captioned with a red shoe emoji.

15 May 2023

Sam Asghari Slams Media for Putting Britney Spears ‘Under a Microscope’: ‘Absolutely Disgusting’

Sam Asghari went off on a strongly worded diatribe defending Britney Spears over the weekend.

In a since-expired Instagram Story, the fitness trainer spoke out about people trying to capitalize on her life story and referenced the nearly 15-year legal conservatorship she was placed under for much of the 2000s.

“The last thing I wanna do is speak on my wife’s behalf, I will never do that. I respect her privacy, that’s why I don’t talk as much. And I found it absolutely disgusting for the people that were in her life at the time, when she didn’t have a voice, they went and told her story like it was theirs,” Asghari said. “It was absolutely disgusting.”

“And how are you gonna take the most influential person of our generation, the Princess of Pop, America’s sweetheart, and put her in prison?” he continued. “Where her father tells her what to do, what water to drink, who to see, and use her as a money-making machine. And then all the sudden after fifteen years, when she’s free after all those gaslighting and after all those things that went down, now you’re gonna put her under a microscope and tell her story? No. That’s also disgusting, so don’t do that.”

The model, who first met his future wife on the set of the music video for her Glory-era single “Slumber Party,” then went on to decry coverage of Spears online and cautioned fans not to believe everything they read about the star’s personal life. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, those are all clickbaits for you to click and for them to make money, and that time is over,” he said. “Not gonna allow that, and that should stop. That should stop, absolutely, the gaslighting and all that s–t? Gotta stop.”

While he didn’t mention the project directly, Asghari’s impassioned defense of Spears comes shortly after TMZ announced it would be premiering its new special, TMZ Investigates: Britney Spears: The Price of Freedom, Monday night (May 15) on FOX.

10 Feb 2023

Sam Asghari Denies Reports of Britney Spears Intervention, Says Pop Star Is ‘In Full Control of Her Life’

Following reports that Britney Spears‘ inner circle was concerned about her health and planned an intervention, the pop superstar’s husband Sam Asghari is clearing the air.

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“An intervention did not occur. My wife is in full control of her life and will continue to make all decisions involving her care regardless of circumstances. Speculation on her health is inappropriate and should end immediately,” Asghari told Access Hollywood on Friday (Feb. 10).

Outlets including TMZ and People reported earlier this week that Spears’ friends were so concerned about her health that they planned an intervention for the singer that was canceled at the last minute.

Spears herself also seemingly responded to the situation via Instagram, writing, “It makes me sick to my stomach that it’s even legal for people to make up stories that I almost died … I mean at some point enough is enough !!! I’m probably going to have to stop posting on Instagram because even though I enjoy doing it, there’s obviously a lot of people who don’t wish me well !!!”

Though the “Piece of Me” singer did not directly address the intervention rumors in her post on Thursday (Feb. 9) — which included a slide that read “A state of gratitude will shift you to a higher frequency” — she did say that the stories did not surprise her “at all. Again doing the best I can !!! Again, the conservatorship has been over for almost a year … No folks, it’s not 2007 … it’s 2023 and I’m making my first homemade lasagna at home !!!”