Catriona Gray reveals reason for split with Sam Milby
Beauty queen and actress Catriona Gray (YouTube)
Beauty queen-turned-actress Catriona Gray publicly addressed her broken engagement to Sam Milby for the first time, saying she felt “shattered” when he realized he wasn't prepared for that level of commitment.
In an interview with Karen Davila published on Feb. 12, Catriona briefly opened up about the reason behind their breakup.
"There was a point in our relationship where I think he just realized that he wasn't ready to take it to the stage of commitment that we were on, because he had proposed," Catriona said.
The former Miss Universe added that she had really tried to make their relationship work and admitted she was hurt when she realized it wasn't going to end well.
"And then, a few months later, [he] realized that hindi pala siya ready. So, that was very hurtful for me, and I was really blindsided at the time. I really tried to make it work. So, I was willing to just—siguro, when you love someone, you're willing to understand them. Pero, it got to a point na, at that age, and what we've been through, and hindi ka pa rin sure, I think that's an answer already (And then, a few months later, [he] realized that he wasn't ready. So that was very hurtful to me, and I was really blindsided at the time. I really tried to make it work. So, I was willing to just—maybe, when you love someone, you're willing to understand them. But, it got to a point, at that age, and what we've been through, and you're still not sure, I think that's an answer already)," she added.
In the end, Catriona said she chose herself and still dreams of marrying and having a family of her own.
"I've given so much in trying to adjust... I don't look down on myself at that moment because I did it because I love the person," she said.
"As a woman, I wanna have a family. I wanna get married, and I'd love to be a mom someday. So, I really want a partner who values me and sees that future too. Ayokong ma-wait around for someone to figure out," she added.
Acknowledging what happened, Catriona shared that she went to therapy for two years.
"Now, I’m so much better. I went into therapy for two years. It’s just been a really healing journey. I feel like I came back home to myself. The version of me now, I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been," she said.
She also explained that she and Milby are civil, noting they often run into each other at events since they belong to the same talent management agency.
Above all the things that happened between them, Catriona still believes that love will come in her way.
"I definitely believe in love. I think if you have a bad experience with a guy or two, you shouldn’t allow that to reframe or change how you see love," she shared.
Catriona and Sam announced their engagement to the public in February 2023 after three years of dating. On Feb. 19, 2025, Sam confirmed he and Cat have called it quits.