Sophia Bush, known for her role in “One Tree Hill,” recently addressed and dismissed engagement rumors with former professional soccer player Ashlyn Harris. The rumors had started circulating after the two were photographed together during a vacation in Paris. Bush took to Instagram on Saturday, May 25, using her Instagram Stories to put an end to the speculation.

The engagement rumors began after Bush’s earlier Instagram Stories, where she shared several pictures from her Paris trip with Harris. One particular photo, showing the two cheek-to-cheek, sparked interest because Bush’s left hand appeared to be hidden inside her girlfriend’s jacket.

In her recent Instagram Stories, Bush posted a selfie in which she was making a peace sign, clearly displaying her bare ring finger while wearing a green blazer. Addressing the rumors, she wrote: “I hear the internet is being wild? Y’all I have no ‘news’ for you.” She added humorously, “But wouldn’t you put your hands all up in her jacket if you could?? (To be clear you can’t because boundaries, but I’ll continue to do it for you because I’m just generous like that.)”

To further clarify, Bush shared another picture from their Paris trip in a subsequent Instagram story. This photo referenced her earlier comment, showing the “Love, Victor” star with her left hand inside Harris’ jacket while Harris smiled at the camera. Bush captioned this image, “I just wanna squeeeeeeeeeze her.”

In her final slide, Bush reiterated her point, showing off her ringless finger once again. Holding her luggage and flashing another peace sign, she confirmed there was no engagement ring in sight. With a hint of humor, she wrote, “I hope TikTok can relax now. Travel on, friends.” This photo also showed that the only ring she was wearing was a thin, plain gold band on her pinky finger, further putting the engagement rumors to rest.

Sophia Bush has been candid about her personal life and sexuality. In April, during a cover story with Glamour, she came out as “queer.” In her essay for the publication, she expressed a profound sense of relief, stating, “I finally feel like I can breathe. I don’t think I can explain how profound that is.” She elaborated on her identity, saying, “As I came into myself, I already felt it was my home. I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”

Bush and Harris have been linked since October 2023, after both their marriages ended. Bush filed for divorce from Grant Hughes in August 2023, while Harris ended her marriage with Ali Krieger about two months later. In the same Glamour cover story, Bush confirmed her relationship with Harris, highlighting the new chapter in her personal life.

The public has been eager to know more about Bush and Harris’s relationship, and Bush’s recent Instagram stories serve as a clear message to her fans and followers. She has effectively used social media to communicate directly with her audience, addressing rumors and sharing personal moments. This transparency is a hallmark of her approach, allowing her to maintain control over her narrative while connecting with her fans on a deeper level.

By addressing the engagement rumors head-on and with humor, Bush has shown her ability to manage public interest in her personal life gracefully. Her clear and direct communication helps dispel false narratives and underscores the importance of authenticity and honesty in her public interactions.