Sam Asghari, best known as Britney Spears' ex-husband, has been announced as part of the season 3 cast of the popular Peacock competition series "The Traitors." The 30-year-old fitness trainer, who has never dabbled in reality TV before, will be joining a star-studded lineup that includes "Vanderpump Rules" star Tom Sandoval, "Selling Sunset" star Chrishell Stause, and "Bachelor in Paradise" alum Wells Adams. The news of Asghari's casting has been met with backlash from some of Spears' supporters, who question his motives and accuse him of using their relationship for fame.
Asghari and Spears, 42, met in 2016 when he starred in her "Slumber Party" music video. The couple tied the knot in 2022, but their marriage was short-lived, with Asghari filing for divorce last summer. The divorce was finalized in May 2023. An insider previously claimed that Asghari was hoping to amp up his career after splitting from the pop star, fueling speculation about his intentions.
Reactions to Asghari's casting on social media have been mixed, with some fans expressing their disapproval. "Never liked him. Always thought he was just with Britney for the exposure," one person tweeted. Another Spears supporter wrote, "Please kick him out in the first episode," while a third commented, "How fitting."
Despite the criticism, Asghari has refrained from speaking negatively about his former spouse in interviews. "It was a blessing to be able to share life with someone for a long time. And people grow apart and people move on," he told one outlet of the break-up. "I've always hated people leaving a certain relationship - and at some point they told each other they love each other and they sat at the same table and ate food [together] - so I never understood when people part ways [and] they talk badly about each other. That's something I'm never going to do because I had nothing but an amazing experience and a great life, and that's always going to be part of my life, a chapter of my life."
As Asghari focuses on his Hollywood career, his ex-wife has been sparking concern within her inner circle, appearing to be on a downward spiral. Recently, authorities were called to the Chateau Marmont as guests feared Spears was having a mental breakdown after fighting with her new boyfriend, Paul Richard Soliz. The "Toxic" singer denied the allegations, claiming she had simply injured her ankle.
Multiple sources previously told TMZ that Spears has been struggling since her conservatorship ended in November 2021, allegedly drinking and taking various drugs instead of prescribed medication. The pop star and her boyfriend, Soliz, were involved in a physical altercation at the Chateau Marmont hotel last month, prompting paramedics to be called to the scene.
Asghari faced criticism during the drama for posting a shirtless hiking picture with his Doberman instead of commenting on Spears' plight. His decision to join "The Traitors" seems to signal an "out with the old, in with the new" attitude, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life post-divorce.
The actor and model will have to use both brain and brawn to survive the game of wits hosted by Alan Cumming on "The Traitors." He will be appearing alongside a cast of reality TV greats, including Zac Efron's brother Dylan, Bob the Drag Queen, 'RHONY' alum Dorinda Medley, wrestling star Nikki Garcia, and "Survivor" stars Carolyn Wiger, Jeremy Collins, and Rob Mariano.
