Spears said she was “a little shocked” that her six-year relationship with Asghari had come to an end, adding she was not “here to explain why because it’s honestly nobody’s business!”

American singer Britney Spears has spoken for the first time since her husband Sam Asghari’s divorce filing, saying she “couldn’t take the pain anymore”.

In a dance video posted Friday night on her verified Instagram, Spears wrote: “As everyone knows, Hesam and I are no longer together,” using Asghari’s birth name.

The 41-year-old pop star went on to write that “6 years is a long time to be with someone so, I’m a little shocked but … I’m not here to explain why because it’s honestly nobody’s business!”

“But, I couldn’t take the pain anymore honestly!!!” she continued. “In some sort of telepathic way, I have been receiving so many messages that melt my heart from friends and I thank you!!!”

Spears said she’s “been playing it strong for way too long,” adding that her “Instagram may seem perfect but it’s far from reality and I think we all know that.”

“I would love to show my emotions and tears on how I really feel but (for) some reason I’ve always had to hide my weaknesses,” she said.

Addressing her father who held her in a conservatorship for over a decade until November 2021, the “Everytime” singer said: “If I wasn’t my dad’s strong soldier, I would be sent away to places to get fixed by doctors!!! But that’s when I needed family the most,” adding: “You’re supposed to be loved unconditionally!!! … not under conditions!!!”

Spears concluded her post by writing how she will be “as strong as I can and do my best !!! And I’m actually doing pretty damn good!!! Anyways have a good day and don’t forget to smile!!!”

In his divorce petition filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, Asghari cited “irreconcilable differences”. According to documents, the 29-year-old Iranian-American actor asks that spousal support and payment of legal fees be paid by Spears.

Asghari, also a model and fitness trainer, first met Spears in 2016 when he co-starred with her in the music video for her song “Slumber Party”.

The couple got engaged in September 2021 and wed in a small ceremony last June, seven months after the court-ordered conservatorship Spears had been under for 13 years was ended by a Los Angeles judge in a landmark court hearing.

Rumours of their marital struggles were reported in US tabloids this year. The two had recently been seen without their wedding rings in public.

In his own post on Instagram, Asghari said: “After 6 years of love and commitment to each other, my wife and I have decided to end our journey together. We will hold onto the love and respect we have for each other and I wish her the best always.