The One Chicago universe is no stranger to headlines. But when whispers began circulating that Sophia Bush could be returning — and that her name was once again being linked romantically to Jesse Lee Soffer — the internet did what it does best.
It exploded.
Bush, who exited Chicago P.D. years ago after playing Detective Erin Lindsay, remains one of the most talked-about alumni in the franchise. Soffer, who portrayed Jay Halstead for nearly a decade, also left the series before later returning behind the camera as a director.
Individually, their departures were emotional events for fans. Together, their names still carry chemistry nostalgia.
But the word that reignited chaos recently was far more provocative.
“Affair.”
Let’s be clear from the start. There is no verified evidence confirming any extramarital relationship between Bush and Soffer during their time on Chicago P.D. The two actors did date publicly for a brief period years ago, and that relationship was openly acknowledged at the time. It was not secret. It was not exposed as a scandal. It was simply two co-stars in a consensual relationship.
The narrative of “ngoại tình” appears to stem from timeline confusion and social media reinterpretation of old interviews. In fandom spaces, past relationships often get reshaped into something more dramatic over time.
What is happening now seems to be a collision of two separate rumors.
First, speculation that Bush could return to One Chicago in some capacity. Second, recycled gossip about her past relationship with Soffer.
When merged, the result becomes combustible.
The idea of Bush returning to Chicago P.D. is not entirely implausible from a storytelling standpoint. Television has embraced surprise comebacks before. However, there has been no official announcement confirming her return as Erin Lindsay.
So why is the rumor gaining traction now?
Partly because nostalgia sells. The Halstead and Lindsay dynamic remains one of the franchise’s most beloved emotional arcs. Any hint of revival triggers immediate fan engagement.
But attaching an alleged affair narrative to that potential return adds a layer of manufactured scandal.
It is important to distinguish between documented past relationships and speculative wrongdoing. Bush and Soffer’s former relationship was public knowledge. There is no confirmed reporting labeling it as infidelity or misconduct.
Over time, fandom storytelling tends to amplify emotional stakes. A past romance becomes a “forbidden love.” A breakup becomes “explosive fallout.” Years later, speculation morphs into assumed drama.
Add to that the broader context of Bush’s candid discussions about her time on the show and Soffer’s eventual departure, and some fans begin constructing elaborate behind-the-scenes theories.
However, there is no credible evidence that an affair scandal is resurfacing now or that it is tied to any official casting development.
Another factor fueling the current frenzy is the modern algorithm. Old clips resurface. Edits go viral. Interview soundbites circulate without context. Viewers unfamiliar with the timeline assume something new has been uncovered.
In reality, most of what is circulating now is recycled narrative repackaged as fresh scandal.
As for a potential return, networks often keep negotiations confidential. If Bush were to reappear in the One Chicago universe, it would likely be announced through official promotional channels. Until then, any claim remains speculative.
The idea of “drama bùng nổ lần 2” is compelling because it taps into unresolved fan emotion. Erin Lindsay’s exit felt abrupt. Halstead’s departure felt bittersweet. Bringing both names back into conversation reopens that emotional archive.
But scandal requires evidence.
At present, what exists is online amplification rather than verified controversy.
The One Chicago fandom is passionate. Passion can quickly become narrative invention when combined with nostalgia and social media speed.
So is Sophia Bush returning?
There is no official confirmation.
Was there an affair scandal tied to Jesse Lee Soffer?
There is no credible reporting supporting that claim.
What we are witnessing instead is the collision of memory, longing, and algorithm-driven rumor cycles.
Round two of drama may be trending.
But until facts replace speculation, it remains just that.
Speculation.