Britney Spears has told fans she “couldn’t take the pain anymore” but will remain strong in the face of adversity after her husband Sam Asghari filed for divorce.
Documents filed at a court in Los Angeles cite “irreconcilable differences” and reveal the couple separated almost three weeks ago.
On Saturday, pop star Spears publicly addressed the separation for the first time in a lengthy Instagram post attached to a video of her performing a dance.
“As everyone knows, Hesam and I are no longer together … six years is a long time to be with someone so, I’m a little shocked but … I’m not here to explain why because it’s (sic) honestly nobody’s business,” the singer said.
“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.”
The Toxic singer told her more than 42 million Instagram followers she had been “playing it strong for way too long”.
“My Instagram may seem perfect but it’s far from reality and I think we all know that,” she said.
“I would love to show my emotions and tears on how I really feel but (for) some reason I’ve always had to hide my weaknesses.
“I will be as strong as I can and do my best.”
Asghari took to social media to ask for kindness after filing for divorce, telling fans the couple would “hold onto the love and respect” they have for each other.
He acknowledged asking for privacy “seems ridiculous” but requested the media to be “kind and thoughtful”.
The divorce documents state Asghari intends to obtain financial support from Spears and have her pay for his lawyers.
The filing also says the value of Spears’ and Asghari’s assets and those they own jointly has yet to be determined.
The couple tied the knot at a star-studded ceremony — attended by high-profile celebrities including Madonna, Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore and Paris Hilton — at the US singer’s home in Los Angeles in June 2022.
It came after the couple met on the set of the Slumber Party music video in 2016, before becoming engaged in September 2021.
The marriage to Asghari is Spears’ third.
She divorced her second husband Kevin Federline, with whom she shares two children — Sean and Jayden — in 2007.
Spears was also married to Jason Alexander in 2004, but it was annulled after just 55 hours.