December 4, 2024: Britney Spears marked her 43rd birthday by revealing that she had made the decision to move to Mexico to escape the constant attention of the paparazzi.
In an emotional Instagram video, the pop icon expressed her frustration with the media’s portrayal of her, saying, “It really kind of hurts my feelings… the paparazzi make my face look like I’m wearing, like a white Jason mask. It doesn’t even look like me.” Britney went on to explain that the paparazzi had been “incredibly cruel” to her over the years, adding that while she is not perfect, the way they treat her is “extremely mean and cruel.” This led her to make the decision to move away from the spotlight and relocate to Mexico.
This announcement came at a time of significant personal milestones for Britney. On December 2, 2024, she was officially declared legally single, marking the end of her marriage to Sam Asghari. This legal confirmation followed the couple’s divorce settlement reached in May 2024, seven months after Sam filed for divorce in August 2023. The divorce was described as uncontested, meaning both parties had agreed on the division of assets and any support obligations.
The couple’s marriage, which lasted just over a year, ended after a turbulent period. Sam, 30, had publicly stated that he hoped the media would approach their separation with respect and kindness, emphasizing that they would continue to hold onto the love and respect they had for each other. Britney, 43, had shared her feelings about the breakup on Instagram, admitting that although she was shocked by the separation, she was no longer able to bear the pain of the relationship. Despite the heartache, she expressed her resilience, saying, “I will be as strong as I can and do my best!!!”
The divorce was amicable, with no signs of animosity between the former couple. In her memoir The Woman in Me, released in October 2023, Britney referred to Sam as a “gift from God”, a sentiment that Sam seemed to appreciate. Meanwhile, Sam has transitioned from a fitness career to acting and has spoken publicly about embracing his new life phase. Reflecting on his journey, Sam said, “It’s the bed that you make yourself, and you got to learn how to lay in it… You just got to keep it positive, stay grounded, and understand what the truth is.”
Britney’s decision to move to Mexico and her journey toward healing, along with her strong stance on privacy and her resilience in the face of public scrutiny, underscore a new chapter in her life as she moves forward.