'One Tree Hill' Star Seeks Marriage Annulment

Zap2It.com | March 1, 2006

'One Tree Hill's' Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush

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Sophia Bush cites 'fraud' in marriage to Chad Michael Murray

Following in Renee Zellweger's footsteps, "One Tree Hill's" Sophia Bush has petitioned to annul her five-month marriage to her co-star Chad Michael Murray on the grounds of "fraud."

No explanation about what constituted the alleged "fraud" was in the documents released by Los Angeles Superior Court, reports People magazine. Apparently, fraud can be difficult to prove since in California, a fraudulent marriage implies, "the consent of either party was obtained by fraud."

With such a brief marriage, there's no telling what fraud could mean, although popular theories are infidelity or closeted homosexuality. In October, one of Bush's friends hinted at the former: "Sophia went into the marriage believing in the sanctity of marriage, and Chad simply did not share that vision."

When Zellweger cited "fraud" in her petition to annul her five-month marriage to Kenny Chesney, she quickly made a public statement to dispel any speculation, claiming, "'fraud' is simply legal language and not a reflection of character."

Bush, 23, and Murray, 24, began their romance on the set of their first season of the WB drama "One Tree Hill," on which Bush plays cheerleader Brooke Davis, and Murray plays the brooding Lucas Scott. They wed in a seaside ceremony at the Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif., in April 2005, but split in September.

On the big screen, Bush has appeared in "Van Wilder," "Supercross" and the upcoming horror film "Stay Alive" opening on Friday, March 24. Murray's film credits include "Freaky Friday," "A Cinderella Story" and "House of Wax."