Sophia Bush, 41, says she received 'violent threats' and was falsely accused of being a 'homewrecker' when she first started romancing Ashlyn Harris, 38

Sophia Bush did not get the best reaction when rumours began to swirl last year that she was enjoying a romance with soccer star Ashlyn Harris.

In the new issue of Glamour magazine, the One Tree Hill actress, 41, revealed that she was met with 'violent threats' over the love connection.

And the brunette star felt the reaction was overall 'ugly.' 

At the time, Ashlyn was married to Ali Krieger with whom she shares two children; a son and a daughter. Harris filed for divorce in September 2023. And Bush had just split from her husband Grant Hughes in August 2023 after one year of marriage.

'There were blatant lies. Violent threats. There were the accusations of being a home-wrecker,' said the Chicago PD star.

'The ones who said I'd left my ex because I suddenly realized I wanted to be with women — my partners have known what I'm into for as long as I have (so that's not it, y'all, sorry!),' she said, making it very clear she was open with her former partners that she liked women.

Bush revealed in her own words that she now identifies as queer: 'I feel like I can finally breathe,' she said. And the beauty admitted that she is indeed 'in love' with Harris. 'I didn't expect to find love in this support system,' began the star

Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush flank Eric McCormack in March in West Hollywood

In addition to Hughes, she was also married to Chad Michael Murray from 2005 until 2006. 

Her friendship with Harris began in 2019.

Over the years they grew closer. But it was not until last year that both realized they wanted to be more than friends.

Bush also shared that they went back and forth over whether to start dating, and did not take it lightly.

'The idea that I left my marriage based on some hysterical rendezvous—that, to be crystal-clear, never happened—rather than having taken over a year to do the most soul crushing work of my life? 

'Rather than realizing I had to be the most vulnerable I’ve ever been, on a public stage, despite being terrified to my core? It feels brutal,' wrote Sophia in her essay.

She then added: 'It’s painful to be doing deep work and have it picked apart by clueless strangers.'

Sophia also gushed over her new girlfriend.

'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,' said the actress.

 Harris attends the Human Rights Campaign's 2024 Los Angeles Dinner at Fairmont Century Plaza in March in Los Angeles

Ashlyn was married to Ali Krieger with whom she shares two children; a son and a daughter. Harris filed for divorce in September 2023

'The way she prioritizes and centers her kids, not only in her life but in the core of her being, is breathtaking to behold.'

Bush also said falling in love with Harris has healed some of her own childhood wounds. 

'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?' added Bush.

Bush made headline on Thursday when she revealed in her own words that she now identifies as queer: 'I feel like I can finally breathe,' she said.

She also said she is 'in love' with Harris.

Bush with Harris in July. She said they began friends in 2019 then grew closer when they both became single

In this image, Harris is seen putting her arm around Bush; in her Glamour essay Sophia said she admired how great of a mother her new partner is

Before tying the knot with Hughes she had previously been married to her One Tree Hill co-star Murray.

The couple said 'I do' in Santa Monica before celebrating at Hotel Casa del Mar with their friends and family.

But the co-stars shocked fans when they split just five months later.

It was rumored at the time that Murray had stepped out on their marriage with none other than his House of Wax co-star Paris Hilton.

Bush attempted to get the marriage annulled on her grounds of fraud, but her efforts were unsuccessful, and the divorce was ultimately finalized in 2006.

'This is a difficult and unfortunate situation. I am glad this is being resolved sooner rather than later,' she said in a statement shared with People at the time of the finalization.

With her ex Grant Hughes in March 2023 at Elton John's Oscar party in West Hollywood

In addition to Hughes, she was also married to Chad Michael Murray from 2005 until 2006

Recounting their relationship in 2014, she said on Watch What Happens Live: 'We were two stupid kids who had no business being in a relationship in the first place.'

'To all the other costars who've worked it out, more power to you.'

Harris was in a relationship with former USWNT teammate Ali Krieger from 2010 to 2023.

In March 2019, they announced their engagement then they wed in December 2019. 

In February 2021, the couple announced the adoption of their daughter, born two days earlier, and in August 2022, they announced the adoption of their son. 

In September 2023 Harris filed for divorce in Florida.