Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris, who have been dating since fall 2023, made their red carpet debut as a couple at an afterparty for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The couple wore black Harbison Studio outfits with matching gold embellishments and were photographed cuddling up close and laughing together. Earlier that day, they walked the red carpet separately for the 31st annual White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch. Prior to dating Harris, Bush had filed for divorce from Grant Hughes, while Harris had done the same from Ali Krieger.
Bush publicly came out as queer in a self-written Glamour cover story published on April 25, where she addressed her sexuality and denied rumors of cheating on Hughes. She expressed that she had experienced a lot of safety, respect, and love in the queer community, but also expressed frustration with the pressure of having to come out in a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack. She shared that she had always felt her sexuality existed on a spectrum and currently identifies as queer, feeling a sense of relief and freedom after coming out publicly.
The source close to Bush and Harris revealed that the couple had instant chemistry and love being together. Both share a passion for sports and a desire to make a positive impact in the world. Bush emphasized the importance of taking the time to process her realizations and work through the breakup of her marriage privately before coming out publicly. She described the experience of coming out as liberating and freeing, allowing her to finally feel like she could breathe without the weight of keeping her true self hidden.
Bush highlighted the aggressive attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community in modern history, with over 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills proposed in state legislatures in 2023. She expressed the importance of giving the act of coming out the respect and honor it deserves in the current political climate. By sharing her story and coming out publicly, Bush hopes to contribute positively to conversations around LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance.
The couple’s red carpet debut at the afterparty marked a significant moment in their relationship, symbolizing their commitment to each other and their support for one another. Bush and Harris have been open about their relationship and have embraced their love for one another publicly. Prior to dating Harris, Bush had not publicly addressed her sexuality, but her coming out as queer has allowed her to fully embrace her identity and share her journey with her fans and supporters.
Overall, Bush and Harris’s public display of affection at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner afterparty signifies a milestone in their relationship, as they navigate their newfound love and support each other through personal challenges and public scrutiny. Bush’s decision to come out as queer has not only been a liberating experience for her but also a powerful statement of acceptance and love in the face of adversity. By sharing their love story, Bush and Harris hope to inspire others to embrace their true selves and find happiness in their relationships.
