Britney Spears' ex-husband Sam Asghari has compared the singer's struggles to the oppression of women in his native Iran, stating she was 'oppressed by many people who took advantage of her'. The 32-year-old dancer made the comments during an appearance on Piers Morgan's Uncensored, days after Spears was arrested for driving under the influence.
Asghari, who is from Iran, said: 'Coming from the country of Iran and seeing women being oppressed... not comparing the situation whatsoever, she was also oppressed by many people who took advantage of her, and sort of had the same experience as women do in Iran.' He added that as an advocate for women's rights and freedom, it was 'hard to believe and hard to see that someone in America was being oppressed'.
The former couple were together from late 2016 until August 2023, when Asghari filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. They met while Spears was still under a conservatorship, which was terminated in November 2021 following the #FreeBritney movement. Asghari noted that although they were married for only a year, they were together for seven years, and his respect for her 'always stands'.
When asked if he still speaks to Spears, Asghari did not give a direct answer, saying he 'celebrates the past' and wishes her nothing but the best. Last week, Spears was arrested by California Highway Patrol after allegedly driving erratically. Police said she was alone in the car and arrested for driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol. Chemical test results are pending.
A representative for Spears described the incident as 'unfortunate and completely inexcusable', adding that she will comply with the law and that her loved ones are planning to provide her with the support she needs.
