Sophia Bush Details the Moment She Fell in Love With Girlfriend Ashlyn Harris

Sophia Bush revealed the moment she fell in love with soccer player Ashlyn Harris amid her divorce with ex Grant Hughes.

By Olivia Evans Apr 25, 2024 2:43 PM
| Updated Apr 25, 2024 5:26 PM
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Sophia Bush is happier than ever. 

Months after going public with U.S. soccer star Ashlyn Harris, the One Tree Hill alum shared how the duo fell in love while going through their respective divorces. 

In fact, Sophia, who filed for divorce from Grant Hughes last August, divulged that she and Ashlyn, who filed for divorce from Ali Krieger in September, first sparked a romance via a community of women who were supporting each other through relationship changes. 

"I didn't expect to find love in this support system," she explained in a Glamour essay published April 25. "I don't know how else to say it other than: I didn't see it until I saw it. And I think it's very easy not to see something that's been in front of your face for a long time when you'd never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option."

Sophia, who shared that she and Ashlyn began dating after one, four-hour long dinner to discuss their feelings and many other "painful conversations," shut down that any infidelity occurred through their relationship.

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Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris' Cutest Mom Moments

"I don't believe it's my place to discuss details of Ashlyn's circumstances or her children, but I will say that I am absolutely in awe of her relentless integrity," the 41-year-old continued. "Falling in love with her has sutured some of my own childhood wounds, and made me so much closer to my own mother. Seeing Ashlyn choose to not simply survive, but thrive, for her babies has been the most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed a friend do. And now I get to love her. How lucky am I?"

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

And while Sophia resisted the act of formally "coming out" amid her first public romance with a woman, she noted that she wanted to do so to give the LGBT community the "honor and respect it deserves."

"I've experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home," she continued. "I think I've always known my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the best word that defines it is queer. I can't say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great."

Read on to see Sophia and Ashlyn's cutest pics.

Pride Month Selfie

The two marked the end of their first Pride Month as a couple in June 2024 with this adorable selfie shared by the soccer star.

Cannes Selfie

While attending the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the soccer star posted this selfie with the One Tree Hill alum and basketball player Sue Bird.

Summer Celebration

In July 2023, the pair attended a watch party in Los Angeles for the FIFA Women's World Cup. 

Cheers

The duo was photographed cheering alongside Michelle Akers and Linda Gancitano.

Art Basel Beauties

While attending Art Basel in December 2023, Michelle Tillou shared this Instagram photo with Ashlyn and Sophia.

Award Season Style

The duo struck a pose with Eric McCormack at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in March 2024.

Group Shot

The pair also spent time with Stephanie Nguyen and Bobby Berk at the star-studded gathering.

Red Carpet Debut

Ashlyn and Sophia made their red carpet debut at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April 2024.

Late Night

Following the dinner, the couple cozied up at an after-party at the Swiss ambassador's residence.

City of Love

Sophia and Ashlyn enjoyed a romantic trip to Paris in May 2024.

Say Oui

The Chicago P.D. actress captioned this cozy-looking snapshot from a May 2024 Paris trip, "Happiness looks goo on you, baby."

J'Adore Paris

Sophia also shared this group pic from their trip to Paris in May 2024.

Holiday Travels

In fact, Ashlyn and Sophia love Paris so much they said bonjour to the city once again in December 2024.

Celebrating the Oscars

The athlete and the actress watched the 2025 Oscars at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 2025 Academy Awards viewing party.

Romantic Getaway

The couple enjoyed a trip to the mountains in May 2025.

A Night at the Gala

Dance on over to see this photo Ashlyn and Sophia took at the American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala in May 2025.

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