Actress Sophia Bush is straight up setting the record ‘real’ on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, tackling the swirling rumors surrounding her relationship with Ashlyn Harris. During the October 21, 2026, episode, the 44-year-old *One Tree Hill* alum didn’t shy away from the intense public scrutiny, divorce drama, and accusations that have followed her romance with the prominent former U.S. women’s national soccer team goalkeeper. Sophia Bush made it clear that while she has regrets about the timing, she insists there was absolutely no overlap with their previous marriages, firmly denying any ‘cheating’ allegations, no cap.
Bush, who secretly married Harris in 2025, opened up about the emotional toll of being accused of having an affair, especially when it involved two former marriages and children. She explicitly stated that both she and Harris had already initiated divorce proceedings and were living separately from their ex-partners before they even went on their first date. Looking back, she confessed she wished they had waited a bit longer, specifically suggesting a six-week delay, to navigate the complex situation with less public heat. It’s a classic case of hindsight being 20/20, and she’s not about to rewrite her story just to satisfy the internet trolls, periodt.
The controversy first popped off in 2023, following the highly publicized marital separations of both women. Bush had filed for divorce from entrepreneur Grant Hughes in August 2023. Meanwhile, Harris’s divorce from fellow soccer star Ali Krieger became public in October 2023, shortly after Harris filed in September. Harris, a well-known figure from her time with the U.S. women’s national team, and Krieger, also a decorated player, had adopted two children, Sloane and Ocean, and their separation hit different for a lot of fans. Allegations and speculation about Bush and Harris’s relationship starting before these divorces were finalized went viral, especially after Krieger’s brother publicly referenced disloyalty and Krieger herself posted an Instagram story hinting at a ‘Beyoncé lemonade era,’ a cultural reference often associated with infidelity.
This candid podcast appearance comes just ahead of the October 27 release of Bush’s memoir, *And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress*. The book promises to delve deeper into her personal journey, relationships, and path to self-discovery, including her public declaration of queer identity in an April 2024 *Glamour* essay. For a star who’s been in the public eye since her *One Tree Hill* days, navigating such personal revelations under a microscope is intense, and this memoir is sure to give fans some real insights into her world and how she’s evolved over the years, from her early career to becoming a prominent voice in various social causes.
Bush emphasized the severe, real-world consequences of such public speculation, highlighting how it can negatively impact a person’s reputation, career prospects, and ability to support their family. She expressed frustration but maintained her choice not to escalate the conflict by revealing every single detail, particularly out of respect for the children involved. This stance showcases a desire for maturity and protection over sensationalism, proving she’s playing the long game when it comes to her family’s well-being. It’s giving ‘grown woman’ vibes, for real.
She also shared previously undisclosed details about how her friendship with Harris organically blossomed into a romance. The two initially connected on Instagram way back in 2015 and met in person in 2019, a friendship that deepened over time as they both navigated significant life changes. Bush recounted the nerve-racking moment when she finally admitted her romantic intentions after Harris directly asked if she was being invited on a date. This detailed account rejects the narrative of an impulsive affair, painting a picture of a thoughtful progression, a journey that’s been anything but straightforward.
Despite the initial storm, the couple has hit a major milestone, proving their connection is legit. Bush and Harris privately tied the knot in upstate New York during the summer of 2025, ensuring Harris’s children were a central part of their intimate celebration. They kept their union under wraps for over a year, deliberately choosing to savor their newlywed bliss away from the public gaze before confirming their marriage in September 2026. Bush even spilled that she was the one who popped the question, adding another sweet layer to their evolving love story, which is, honestly, pretty dope.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
