Sam Asghari, the Iranian‑American actor and model best known for his brief marriage to Britney Spears, is the December 2025 cover star of Playgirl, delivering a highly publicised pictorial that has reignited conversation about his post‑divorce profile and his emerging work behind the camera. According to the original report in Queerty, the shoot by photographer Katie Levine shows Asghari in a series of shirtless, oiled‑up images including a bathtub sequence and a shot where a towel is used to maintain modesty.
In the magazine interview accompanying the photos, Asghari reflected on his two‑year marriage to Spears and said he wished to ‘respect’ the relationship, adding that watching Spears escape her conservatorship ‘opened his eyes’ to the darker side of fame. The piece also quotes him linking his immigrant background and public profile to a desire to do more for others: ‘In these times, we have this administration that’s not really helping, and we have… those countries that are not really accepting of people that are different,’ he told the outlet, saying he hopes ‘I’m a small help.’
Beyond the cover, Asghari is attached to a short film project that speaks directly to LGBTQ+ issues: Freedom to Fly, described in promotional material as inspired by a true story about a gay Muslim man reconciling faith, family obligations and self‑acceptance. In clips promoting the short he says his ‘inspiration behind this short film is to amplify the stories for those that are struggling with their sexuality and to empower them to be themselves because being yourself is beautiful.’ He adds: ‘It is already challenging enough to be yourself when it comes to your sexuality or while facing the fears to confront your family.’
Asghari has framed the film as a response to ongoing global abuses; speaking to Playgirl he cited headlines about gay men being persecuted in countries such as his homeland and said, ‘Gay men are being executed to this day in different countries and different cultures,’ arguing it is ‘vital to be a voice for those who are struggling with this situation and amplify their stories.’ The short is being produced by Canadian company 23Production, though release details and whether Asghari appears on‑screen or serves purely behind the scenes have not been confirmed.
Source: Noah Wire Services
