Sam Asghari recently broke his silence regarding Britney Spears’ arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), addressing the matter during an interview with Fox News. On Friday, March 6, the fitness model and actor, who was married to Spears from 2022 to 2024, commented on the news towards the end of his on-air conversation with host Ainsley Earhardt.

Keeping his voice level, Asghari stated, “My full attention has gone to Iran at the moment. When it comes to people making mistakes, I understand that, but I think everybody deserves privacy. And I hope the press has learned from the past [and] that they give her the privacy that she needs.” This statement underscored his primary focus while also acknowledging the situation involving his ex-wife.

Spears was arrested on Wednesday in Ventura County, California, as confirmed by Billboard through records from the county’s Sheriff’s Office. The “I Wanna Go” singer was booked at 3:02 a.m. PT after her arrest at 9:28 p.m. PT. She was subsequently released at 6:07 a.m. PT on Thursday, with her court date currently set for May 4. A representative for Spears issued a statement to Billboard, calling the incident “unfortunate and completely inexcusable” and indicating that “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life.”

Beyond the recent DUI, Spears has faced legal troubles in the past, including a hit-and-run case in 2007 that was dismissed the following year, leading to her highly controversial 13-year conservatorship. More recently, the Grammy winner finalized a deal to sell the rights to her entire music catalog to Primary Wave, reportedly valued at approximately $200 million, on December 30.

The majority of Asghari’s Fox News appearance, however, was dedicated to speaking on behalf of Iranians and Iranian-Americans who support the American-Israeli strikes that began devastating Iran on February 28. Asghari, 32, born in Tehran and having moved to the United States at age 12, expressed strong opinions on the ongoing situation.

He articulated the long struggle, stating, “It’s been 47 years since the Iranian people have been fighting this fight against the regime. They wanted nothing to do with this government.” He emphasized the vast difference between Iran’s government and its people, citing cultural and linguistic distinctions. Asghari passionately added, “The people of Iran are in love with America. They love America just like I do… I’m happy this situation is happening to make it clear to this world that we stand with America and we stand with the free world.”

Spears and Asghari’s relationship began on the set of her 2016 “Slumber Party” music video. They got engaged in September 2021 and famously signed a prenuptial agreement. In April 2022, Spears announced her pregnancy with her third child and Asghari’s first, though she tragically miscarried a month later. The couple married on June 8, 2022, but separated in July 2023, with Asghari filing for divorce the following month citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was officially finalized on December 2, 2024, coinciding with Spears’ 43rd birthday.