Ashlyn Harris Opens Up on Divorce from Ali Krieger: Debunking Claims of Infidelity
Soccer star Ashlyn Harris addresses her divorce from Ali Krieger, clarifying that she did not betray her marriage Hear her side of the story, one month after filing the petition
Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger. Getty Images (2)
Ashlyn Harris has addressed the public about her divorce from Ali Krieger, refuting claims of infidelity. In a detailed statement shared on Instagram on November 18, the 38-year-old athlete acknowledged that their decision to end their almost 13-year relationship, which encompassed friendship, partnership, marriage, and co-parenting, was not made lightly. Harris explained that they have agreed to prioritize their children, continue therapy, separate, and move forward with their individual lives.
She added, "Having two joyful families is always preferable to having one miserable family. Although it has been a challenging journey, we have been pushing forward."
In September, it was announced that Harris had initiated divorce proceedings against Krieger, her spouse of four years. Harris and Krieger first crossed paths in 2010 as members of the USWNT and got married in December 2019. They are parents to two children, Sloane who is 2 years old, and Ocean who is 14 months old.
Neither Harris nor Krieger made any public statements about their separation following Harris' request for divorce. Harris stated in a post on Saturday that their "agents, representation and friends" had apparently advised them to stay discreet until the conclusion of Krieger's final season. (Krieger's last game in professional soccer took place on November 11 in the NWSL final.)
Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris, in Harrison, New Jersey, on May 14, 2023, hold their children following the National Women's Soccer League match against Orlando Pride. In a social media statement, Harris expressed her inability to hold her children due to a leak which compromised their privacy, describing the subsequent online hate as a profoundly distressing and mentally damaging experience. She emphasized her efforts to avoid engaging in gossip and admitted the devastating impact this ordeal has had on her mental health.
Following Harris' divorce filing, speculation arose about her involvement in a romantic relationship with actress Sophia Bush. Harris has not provided any confirmation regarding her association with the 41-year-old One Tree Hill alum. (Meanwhile, Bush herself is currently going through the process of dissolving her own marriage with Grant Hughes, as she filed for divorce in August after less than two years of matrimony.)
"Not all marriages are meant to last forever. Unfortunately, ours was not one of them, due to numerous factors," Harris responded, refuting allegations of infidelity toward Krieger. "Let me make it clear: I did not breach the fidelity of my marriage. Throughout my commitment, I remained loyal, even if not always completely content."
Harris emphasized that she and Krieger had prioritized their relationship long before the divorce proceedings by putting in effort and seeking therapy. She made it clear that their decisions were not impulsive, stating that they dedicated the entire summer to following the separation and divorce guidance given by their therapists, lawyers, and shared agency.
Moving forward, Harris stressed that her utmost focus, as it has always been, is the well-being of Sloane and Ocean.
"My main focus is on being a supportive coparent alongside Ali," Harris concluded, acknowledging, "Though we find ourselves in this challenging situation, we have had many years filled with love. Our children are the greatest blessing throughout it all. They deserve two parents who are both mentally and emotionally well, and that is what truly matters. We are all experiencing pain."
