I’m shocked but I can’t stand the pain anymore

Britney Spears told fans she “can’t take the pain anymore” but will stay strong in the face of adversity after husband Sam Asghari filed for divorce.

Documents filed in a Los Angeles court allege “irreconcilable differences” and also reveal the couple separated nearly three weeks ago.

On Saturday, pop star Spears publicly addressed the split for the first time in a lengthy Instagram post caption that was attached to a video of her performing a dance.

The 41-year-old said: “As everyone knows, Hesam and I are no longer together… six years is a long time to be with someone so, I’m a bit shocked but… I’m not not here to explain why because it’s (sic) honestly no one’s business.

“But honestly, I couldn’t take the pain anymore.

“In a telepathic way, I have received so many heart-melting messages from friends and I thank you.

“I’ve been playing hard for too long and my Instagram may look perfect, but that’s far from reality and I think we all know that.

“I would love to show my emotions and tears about how I really feel, but for some reason I always had to hide my weaknesses.”

The Toxic singer told her more than 42 million Instagram followers: “…I will be as strong as I can and I will do my best.

“And actually, I’m doing pretty well.” Either way, have a great day and don’t forget to smile.

This comes after Asghari took to social media to ask for kindness after filing for divorce, telling fans the couple will “retain the love and respect” they have for each other .

He also acknowledged that asking for privacy “sounds ridiculous,” but asked that the media be “kind and considerate.”

Divorce documents indicate Asghari intends to get financial support from Spears and have her pay for her lawyers.

The filing also states that the value of Spears and Asghari’s assets, as well as those they jointly own, has not yet been determined.

The couple married in a star-studded ceremony at the American singer’s Los Angeles home in June 2022, attended by A-list celebrities including Madonna, Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore and Paris Hilton.

This happened after the couple met on the set of the Slumber Party music video in 2016, before getting engaged in September 2021.

The marriage to Asghari is Spears’ third, after divorcing from Kevin Federline, with whom she shares two children – Sean and Jayden, in 2007.

She was also married to Jason Alexander in 2004, but her marriage was annulled after just 55 hours.