Why Britney Spears and Sam Asghari Are Separating After Months of ‘Toxic’ Marriage: Sources (Exclusive)

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari have been struggling for months of their marriage, a number of sources inform PEOPLE.

“It has been very poisonous between them for a very long time,” says a supply of the couple, who began dating in late 2016 and mentioned “I do” last June.

“Their marriage has been on the rocks for months,” says a Spears insider. “There was constant drama. It’s sad. A divorce can be devastating for Britney.”

On Wednesday, PEOPLE confirmed through sources the pop star, 41, and the mannequin and actor, 29, split following 14 months of marriage. (TMZ was first to report the news.)

A rep for Spears and a supervisor for Asghari haven’t responded to requests for remark.

Earlier this 12 months, rumors surfaced that the couple was having marital problems after they had been each photographed with out their marriage ceremony rings.

A supervisor for Asghari shut down the rumors in March, claiming Asghari wasn’t wearing his ring as a result of he was filming a film.

The pop celebrity and the actor started courting in 2016 after assembly on the set of Spears’ “Slumber Party” music video.

After Asghari proposed to Spears in September 2021, they tied the knot on June 9, 2022 in a Los Angeles ceremony that had a star-studded visitor listing, together with Drew Barrymore, Madonna, Paris Hilton and Selena Gomez.

Earlier of their relationship, Asghari was a “rock” for Spears throughout her extremely publicized conservatorship battle, a supply beforehand advised PEOPLE.

“She leans on him for every part. He works and has his personal life too, however is round as a lot as he can,” mentioned the supply.

Asghari later spoke to PEOPLE solely about being by her facet following the discharge of an unauthorized Hulu documentary on Spears’ life and the termination of her conservatorship in November 2021.

“I’ve at all times wished nothing however the perfect for my higher half, and can proceed to help her following her goals and creating the longer term she desires and deserves,” mentioned Asghari. “I’m grateful for all the love and help she is receiving from her followers all around the world, and I’m wanting ahead to a standard, superb future collectively.”