Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris made their red carpet debut as a couple at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where Bush wore a strapless black gown with gold embellishments and Harris complemented her in a black suit with an embellished jacket. The event, which raises money for WHCA scholarships and honors recipients of journalism awards, will be hosted by Colin Jost this year and attended by President Joe Biden, who expects to be roasted by the Saturday Night Live star. This is Bush’s first time attending the event with Harris, with whom she confirmed her romance just days prior in an essay for Glamour magazine, in which she identified as queer following the end of her marriage to Grant Hughes.
Bush and Hughes were married for a little over a year before she filed for divorce in August 2023 and was romantically linked to Harris the following fall. In her essay for Glamour, Bush detailed the process of confronting her feelings, going through therapy, and eventually asking Harris to have a one-on-one conversation. She emphasized that their relationship did not begin until after they both walked away from their respective marriages, with Harris having been previously married to Ali Krieger, with whom she shares two children. Bush reflected on their connection and the surreal experience of their first conversation, suggesting that their relationship may have been fated.
After their romance was reported, Bush faced backlash in the form of “blatant lies,” “violent threats,” and accusations of being a home-wrecker, all of which she denied. In her Glamour cover story, she addressed the false narratives surrounding her divorce and subsequent relationship with Harris, emphasizing that their connection was the result of deep introspection and vulnerability. Harris has shown her support for Bush by going Instagram official with their relationship and sharing a photo of them at the White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch in Washington, D.C. on the morning of the event.
The revelation of Bush and Harris’ relationship has sparked discussions about identity, love, and public perceptions of queer relationships. Bush’s openness about her journey and the challenges she faced following her divorce have resonated with many who have experienced similar struggles. The couple’s red carpet debut at the WHCA Dinner signifies a new chapter in their relationship and a celebration of their love for each other. Despite the hardships they have faced, Bush and Harris continue to stand by each other and embrace their relationship in the public eye.
Their presence at the WHCA Dinner, alongside other prominent figures in politics and entertainment, marks a significant moment in both their personal lives and the larger cultural conversation around LGBTQ+ representation. By attending the event together and openly sharing their story, Bush and Harris are showcasing the importance of authenticity, acceptance, and love. As they navigate the public scrutiny and challenges that come with being in the spotlight, they are also paving the way for greater visibility and understanding of queer relationships in mainstream media.
