Jump to content

Britney Spears conservatorship case

Coordinates: 34°03′19″N 118°14′49″W / 34.0552178°N 118.2468222°W / 34.0552178; -118.2468222
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Britney Spears conservatorship dispute
Clockwise from top left:
DateFebruary 1, 2008 – November 12, 2021 (2008-02-01 – 2021-11-12)
(13 years, 9 months and 11 days)
Location
34°03′19″N 118°14′49″W / 34.0552178°N 118.2468222°W / 34.0552178; -118.2468222
Caused byAllegations of abuse originating from fan speculation, media investigation, and public testimony
GoalsTermination of conservatorship, investigations into alleged abuse, guardianship reform
MethodsLitigation, protest, social media activism, boycott, legislation
StatusConservatorship terminated
Parties

Pro-conservatorship:

  • Conservatorship of Britney Spears
  • Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group
  • Spears family
  • Spears's professional management

Pro-termination:

Lead figures
  • Britney Spears (former conservatee)
  • Attorneys:
  • Mathew S. Rosengart
  • Samuel Ingham III (f.)[a]
  • Loeb & Loeb LLP (f.)
  • Adam Streisand (r.)
  • Jon Eardley (r.)
  • John Anderson (r.)
  • Other:
  • Lynne Spears
  • #FreeBritney activists (including Britney's Gram, Britney's fans, and various celebrities)[d]
In re the Conservatorship of Britney Jean Spears
Seal of the Court
CourtSuperior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Full case name In re the Conservatorship of the Person and Estate of Britney Jean Spears, Conservatee
DecidedFebruary 1, 2008 (2008-02-01)
Case history
Subsequent actionsThe conservatorship of both the person and estate were terminated on November 12, 2021
Court membership
Judge sittingBrenda J. Penny (2015–2021), previously Reva Goetz (2008–2015; retired)
Keywords

On February 1, 2008, American musician Britney Spears was involuntarily placed under a conservatorship by Judge Reva Goetz, with her father, James "Jamie" Spears, and attorney Andrew M. Wallet, as conservators. The conservatorship lasted until November 12, 2021.

The management of the conservatorship by Jamie, Wallet, and Spears's former business manager Lou M. Taylor, among other parties, generated controversy almost immediately. While Spears was held on an involuntary psychiatric hold in early 2008 for alleged mental health concerns, there was initially a temporary conservatorship intended to last only days. It was extended to months and eventually made permanent, against the objections of Spears.

In 2019, Spears's career was put on hiatus when her father was hospitalized and she checked into a mental health facility, citing stress over her father's health. Shortly thereafter, details of the conservatorship leaked from inside the management team. Spears's longtime discontent with the conservatorship came to light in personal accounts and investigative reporting. Jamie's legal team maintained that the conservatorship was in Spears's best interests, and sought to keep it in place. In 2020, a social movement calling for termination of the conservatorship, #FreeBritney, attracted worldwide media attention, and grew dramatically following the release of a 2021 television documentary on the issue.

In June 2021, Spears made her first public statement in court proceedings and asked to terminate her conservatorship. She accused her father, family, and management of abuse, detailing instances of mistreatment, coercion, and conflict of interest. On July 14, Judge Brenda Penny granted Spears the right to choose her own attorney, former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart of Greenberg Traurig. On September 7, Jamie and his team reversed position, filing to terminate the conservatorship to allegedly avoid discovery and deposition. Judge Penny suspended Jamie on September 29, replacing him with accountant John Zabel; this allowed the conservatorship to continue until its termination. On November 12, Judge Penny formally terminated the conservatorship.

The dispute and subsequent termination made Spears a symbol of conservatorship law reform and human rights across the United States, and served as precedent for legislation designed to combat such abuse on a state and federal level. The revelations of abuse and mistreatment endured by Spears during this arrangement as well as years in public life led to a reassessment of her legacy and public image, which was heavily distorted by the media and tabloids in years leading up to her highly publicized breakdown.

Background

[edit]

Britney Spears is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Often referred to as the "Princess of Pop", she is credited with influencing the revival of teen pop during the late 1990s and early 2000s.[1] Spears has sold more than 150 million records worldwide,[2] including over 70 million in the United States, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists.[3]

For a number of years, Spears's personal struggles were widely publicized by the media. Amid these struggles, and potentially as early as 2005,[4] Spears's father Jamie had "prayed and fasted" with business manager Lou M. Taylor to place Spears in a conservatorship.[5][6]

In September 2006, Spears gave birth to her second son, Jayden James, with then-husband Kevin Federline. It was speculated that Spears suffered from postpartum depression.[5] In November, Spears filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.[7] She and Federline reached a global settlement in July 2007 and agreed to share custody of their two sons.[8]

In January 2007, Spears lost her aunt, with whom she was close, to ovarian cancer.[9] In February, she shaved her head in a Los Angeles hair salon[10] and attacked a paparazzo's car with an umbrella.[5] In the following weeks and months, she was in and out of treatment facilities, and was often seen with associate Sam Lutfi, later accused of being a negative influence and against whom many restraining orders were issued.[11] She also began a brief relationship with paparazzo Adnan Ghalib.[5]

In April, Spears fired manager Larry Rudolph and mocked his team, sarcastically referencing a woman telling her to "go to the light and see Jesus".[12][13] This was a decision her family disagreed with.[14] Spears embarked on The M+M's Tour in May.[15] In September, she was charged with misdemeanor counts, including a hit-and-run, after crashing into a parked car; that same month, she performed "Gimme More", the lead single to her then-upcoming fifth album, at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. The performance was extensively panned by critics, who criticized her choreography, and stage presence;[16] it also generated a viral response in Cara Cunningham's "Leave Britney Alone!" YouTube video.[17]

In October 2007, Spears lost custody of her two sons for undisclosed reasons.[18] Later that month, she released Blackout (2007). It was her first album not to reach the top of the Billboard 200 because of a last-minute change in how album sales were counted,[19] yet it has become widely considered her best and most influential work.[20][21] Two months later, it was revealed that the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services was investigating "multiple child abuse and neglect" allegations in court documents related to Spears's and Federline's custody battle.[22][23]

[edit]

Conservatorship is a legal concept in the United States whereby a guardian is appointed by a judge to manage the financial affairs and/or daily life of another person because of physical or mental limitations. A person under conservatorship is a "conservatee," a term that can refer to an adult. A conservatorship may also apply to corporations and organizations. Spears was under a probate conservatorship,[citation needed] a type of conservatorship that mostly lasts indefinitely.[24] The conservatorship may be of the "estate", wherein the conservator manages the conservatee's financial affairs and other monetary transactions. It may also be of the "person", wherein the conservator takes charge of overseeing the daily activities, such as health care or living arrangements, of the conservatee.

Spears was under both a conservatorship of the estate and of the person. As of September 2021, John Zabel was the conservator of Spears's estate; Jamie Spears served as conservator of the estate from 2008 until his suspension in 2021, and co-conserved with attorney Andrew M. Wallet from 2008 until his resignation in 2019. Briefly, Bessemer Trust was approved to co-conserve Spears's estate alongside Jamie in 2021 but withdrew days after her June 23 public testimony and official approval.[25]

Care manager Jodi Pais Montgomery was the conservator of Spears's person; previously, Jamie was the sole conservator of the person from 2008 until resignation in 2019. Spears's former fiancé and agent Jason Trawick also served briefly as co-conservator of the person from 2012 until 2013.[26]

Timeline

[edit]

2008: Conservatorship established

[edit]

Temporary conservatorship and initial dispute

[edit]

On January 3, 2008, Spears isolated herself with two-year-old son Sean Preston and one-year-old son Jayden James in a bathroom, refusing to relinquish custody to Federline and his representatives as her visitation time ended. Spears's elder son Sean Preston had already been surrendered to her bodyguard. Federline called the authorities, who responded to Spears's residence.[5] She was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center amid paparazzi attention,[27][28] placed under a 5150 involuntary psychiatric hold, and had her mental state evaluated. During the hold, Spears lost visitation rights, and Federline gained sole custody.[29] Spears was released after 24 hours when doctors determined she was stable.[30]

After her hospitalization, Jamie, his lawyer Geraldine Wyle, and Taylor exchanged alleged emails discussing potential conservators, including Taylor herself or her management company Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group. They discussed judges for the case, specifically voicing concern for one who "[would] not give Jamie the power to administer psychotropic drugs" to Spears.[4]

On January 31, Spears was placed under a second hold at the UCLA Medical Center. She was escorted from her home by a motorcade of ambulances, helicopters, and police. The reason for this second hold is disputed. A Spears source stated it was due to her refusal to take prescribed drugs,[31] while other sources say it was requested by her psychiatrist after he determined its necessity. Lutfi said she went "willingly".[32] In 2021, family friend Jaqueline Butcher cited a motivation for the hold (and later, conservatorship) as a means to remove Spears from Lutfi's influence, and that it came at her doctor's request.[5]

On February 1, Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz placed Spears and her estate in a temporary conservatorship at the request of Jamie, who became co-conservator alongside attorney Andrew M. Wallet. The approval process under Goetz reportedly took ten minutes.[5] The petition claimed that Spears suffered from dementia; this was not corroborated by medical documents, including examinations that included the name of a doctor, J. Edward Spar.[33][34]

On February 4, Spears while hospitalized contacted Adam Streisand to represent her, but he was released from court after lawyers determined Spears "lack[ed] the capacity to retain counsel". At this point, Samuel D. Ingham III became Spears's court-appointed attorney, while Vivian Lee Thoreen had begun to represent Jamie.[5][35] The conservatorship was intended to last until this date;[36] despite this, it was still in place on February 6, when Spears was released from the hold.[37]

On February 22, Spears hired attorney Jon Eardley, who argued that her civil rights were being violated under the conservatorship, as it was established without "necessary five days notice" to Spears, and thus was invalid;[38] he attempted to take the issue to federal court.[39] Again, an attorney for Jamie filed that Spears was not fit to hire counsel, and Eardley was released from court on February 25.[40]

On March 10, Goetz gave Spears a $1,500 weekly allowance and had her legal fees reduced as a result of financial obligations to Federline regarding custody. Spears continued to undergo psychological evaluations. Additionally, she was allowed to retain her entertainment lawyer, permitting her to appear as a guest star in the American TV sitcom How I Met Your Mother.[41]

Permanent conservatorship and Britney: For the Record

[edit]

On July 18, Spears regained visitation rights, with the chance to gain more as her health improved.[42] Around this time, Spears began to work on Circus (2008).[43] On July 31, the temporary conservatorship was extended to December 31. It was reported that Spears's behavior had improved, and she was able to spend more time with her sons.[44]

In September, Lynne released Through the Storm, a memoir which "mended" her relationship with Spears. The book addressed Spears's and sister Jamie Lynn's childhood and fame from Lynne's perspective. Discussing Spears's troubles, Lynne alleged that Lutfi crushed pills and put them in Spears's food in an attempt to control her drug usage.[45] On October 28, the conservatorship was made permanent by Goetz to protect Spears from "undue influence", giving Jamie indefinite control over Spears's estate and personal affairs. Spears did not publicly oppose the decision.[46]

On November 30, MTV broadcast a documentary, Britney: For the Record (2008).[47] In the film, Spears expressed discontent about life under conservatorship, saying, "There's no excitement, there's no passion [...] I have really good days, and then I have bad days. Even when you go to jail, you know there's the time when you're gonna get out. But in this situation, it's never ending. It's just like Groundhog Day every day."[48]

In December, Spears was profiled for Rolling Stone by journalist Jenny Eliscu, who was in contact with Lutfi during the process. She later allegedly used this connection to assist Spears in a third attempt to retain counsel in 2009.[49][50] On December 12, the court approved $1.5 million in payouts to the conservators, attorneys, and others connected to the case. This included Spears's brother Bryan, who received $200,000 for his role as the head of a trust in Spears's name. Jamie's monthly pay was increased from $12,000 to above $16,000 per month.[51]

[edit]
Spears performing in her Circus Tour in 2009

Lutfi disputes and first fan suspicions

[edit]

In 2009, Spears began dating agent Jason Trawick.[52] She also embarked on her Circus Tour, which was managed by her professional team including Lou Taylor, who became her business manager.[53] It was alleged that at one show Spears was "distressed" that a contact high from weed would lead her to fail a drug test, preventing her from spending time with her children; her management ultimately decided that show would continue.[54]

In January, Lutfi's sister Christina provided Spears with a phone she was not allowed to have; it was later found by Jamie. At the same time, Lutfi and Ghalib contacted a third attorney, John Anderson.[5] By January 27, journalist Jenny Eliscu had assisted Spears in signing the legal documents requesting to replace Ingham with Anderson, allegedly meeting with Spears in the bathroom of the Montage Beverly Hills.[34] Anderson notified Jamie of the petition; however, the next day, he abruptly resigned,[5] an action which was the result of yet another decision in which Spears was deemed incapable of retaining counsel.[49]

In February, Sam Lutfi began to pursue a defamation lawsuit against the Spears family due to Lynne's claims in Through the Storm.[55] In March, an alleged voicemail by Spears was leaked online.[56] Despite testimony from Christina, who stated Spears was "afraid of her father", the voicemail and other attempted phone communications between Lutfi and Spears, as well as her ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib and Eardley, resulted in three-year restraining orders granted by Judge Aviva K. Bobb.[55][57][58]

By March 23, over $2.7 million of Spears's wealth had been used to compensate the lawyers since the beginning of the case.[59] On March 27, Jamie attempted to sue the BreatheHeavy fan website for copyright infringement after owner Jordan Miller accused him of orchestrating an "imprisonment" and "exploitation" of Spears while stating "Free Britney". Reports said that Jamie intended to shut down the website.[5][60]

Lawsuits amid Femme Fatale

[edit]

In 2010, Lou Taylor began to professionally represent Spears's estate, which had then been conserved by Jamie and Andrew Wallet for two years.[53]

Curious, one of the fragrances that Spears developed with Brand Sense and Elizabeth Arden, Inc.

On March 30, 2011, amid the rollout of Femme Fatale (2011), Spears's estate was sued for over $10 million by licensing firm Brand Sense Partners after it failed to pay the 35 percent commission agreed with cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden, Inc. The firm described the estate's business practices as "wanton, willful and oppressive".[61] The court had ruled Spears unfit to be deposed or to testify, but the firm countered that "the notion [...] is a sham. Ms. Spears currently has the mental, emotional and physical capacity to endure the strain of" various career and personal activities.[62]

In May, Lutfi continued to pursue a defamation suit against Lynne, requesting Spears give a deposition and alleging that an evaluation might disprove the family's claims of her mental impairment. His experts argued that "she responds logically and coherently to questions, evidencing logical thinking and mental competency", citing Britney: For the Record and a TV interview Spears had with Ryan Seacrest.[63]

By July 21, the Britney Spears Foundation, established by Spears before the conservatorship, saw a significant loss in assets, including a donation of $50,000 to the Nashville Christian organization Mercy Ministries. These transactions left the Britney Spears Foundation, which was intended to establish a children's summer camp for underprivileged performers, with only $17 in assets.[64] According to The New York Times in 2021, Mercy Ministries regularly received financial support from Lou Taylor and, at the time, promoted conversion therapy programs; the estate's donations were purportedly approved by Spears, despite her public support for LGBTQ+ issues and intention to refrain from religious donations.[65]

On December 16, Spears announced her engagement to Jason Trawick.[66] On March 12, 2012, it was reported in Forbes, which was critical of the conservatorship, that the Brand Sense lawsuit had been settled.[67]

Jason Trawick involvement and The X Factor

[edit]

In a court hearing on March 22, sources indicated that Spears was "confident in her capacity to take back the reins of her life", but that the conservatorship remained for "financial and legal reasons". Partly because of her engagement, plans were being considered to eventually return her control of her estate.[68] Despite this, on April 25, Trawick was approved by Judge Goetz to become co-conservator of the person alongside Jamie, who was "thrilled" by the developments.[69]

The same day, Sam Lutfi scheduled a jury trial in his defamation case against the Spears family.[69] In the lawsuit, Lutfi alleged that Spears's breakdown was caused by drug use, and again attempted to sue Lynne for her claims in Through the Storm.[70] Later that year, the lawsuit was discarded by Goetz, and it was again reported that the conservatorship kept Spears from testifying in court.[71]

Spears and Demi Lovato on The X Factor in June 2012

On May 14, it was announced that Spears would join The X Factor as a judge. Trawick was "deeply involved in the negotiations" of the $15 million deal,[72] which Goetz approved.[73] Louis Walsh, who replaced Simon Cowell on the judging panel for a handful of episodes, would claim in 2021 that Spears was being heavily medicated, alleging that it impaired her ability to function during the shows.[74] However, Forbes again questioned the necessity of the conservatorship the next year, citing her accomplishments on the show.[71]

In August, Spears allegedly expressed frustration over the continuation of the conservatorship amid The X Factor.[75] In October, it was reported that Spears's Internet and phone use were being restricted and monitored as a result of the Lutfi lawsuit.[76]

In January 2013, Spears and Trawick called off the engagement, and he resigned as co-conservator of the person.[77] Accounting records from 2012 were disclosed to the public in 2021, including a "consultation on dissolution of marriage". This led some to believe Spears and Trawick had secretly married before they called off the engagement. Trawick denied this, and legal experts, including Kevin Federline's representatives, debunked the rumors.[78]

2013–2018: Continued conservatorship amid career activities

[edit]

Life and career changes under estate oversight

[edit]

In March, Spears began dating David Lucado, causing her father to complete a background check on him.[79][80] On March 29, the conservators sought approval from Judge Goetz for riskier investments for Spears's brand, which were granted.[81] On October 17, Jamie asked the court for an increase in allowance; he had earned $16,000 a month since 2008, and requested an additional $2,000 per month.[82]

Spears performing in her Britney: Piece of Me residency in January 2014

In December, Spears released Britney Jean (2013) and began a two-year residency at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas.[83] The residency contract specified that the deal between the estate and Caesars Entertainment could be canceled were the conservatorship ended.[84] Lou Taylor's company, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, had "an important role [...] budgeting, planning, and assisting with the negotiation".[53]

On February 26, 2014, it was reported that Jamie's allowance request had not been granted, but he continued to petition for such; Andrew Wallet's salary as co-conservator was reported to be $35,500 per month.[85] On March 14, the conservators allegedly took out an emergency $6 million loan, approved by Judge Goetz.[86] On May 2, Jamie was approved to earn 1.5 percent of gross revenues from Spears's residency.[87] On August 21, Spears split with Lucado after allegations of his cheating, which he denied;[79] subsequently, Jamie banned Lucado from contacting Spears.[88]

Glory and further criticisms

[edit]

In 2015, Spears released a single, "Pretty Girls", with Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. According to Azalea, before having lunch with Spears, Spears's team searched Azalea's home to "make sure [she] wasn't trying to stash anything weird" and was not a "bad influence".[89]

In May 2016, Spears was allowed to participate in a deposition in the Sam Lutfi lawsuit, four years after the case originally went to trial. Two days later, The New York Times published an article regarding the eight-year-long probate conservatorship, suggesting that Spears's deposition was an indication that her conservators might begin a "major unfastening of the strictures she lives under".[90] Lucado was cited in the article, saying that "if anyone could see her interactions with her kids, they would know that there is no need for a conservatorship over Britney's personal life".[90]

The article also criticized the financial aspect of the conservatorship, citing Elaine Renoire, president of the National Association to Stop Guardian Abuse, as saying "as long as she is bringing in so much money and as long as the lawyers and conservators are getting paid, there is little incentive to end it".[90] The article also reported that Spears had been returned a number of significant freedoms since the conservatorship began, that she had made significant progress in her health, and that court proceedings and lawyers were in place to protect her from any abuse of power.[90]

In 2016, Spears released her ninth studio album, Glory (2016), and promoted it alongside continuing to perform in her concert residency. The promotion of the album included performances at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards and the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards and appearances on late-night television and chat shows to promote the album.[citation needed] During an interview in support of the album on The Jonathan Ross Show, Spears spoke of the conservatorship, but this was cut from the televised airing of the show.[91] In 2017, Spears embarked on her first international concert tour in six years, Britney: Live in Concert. It lasted one month and was modeled on the Britney: Piece of Me residency.[citation needed]

In March 2018, it was reported that Jamie was considering ending the conservatorship by the end of her Piece of Me Tour.[92] Sources close to Spears had echoed this, stating that she was "feeling confident enough to take control of her life again".[93]

In October, Spears announced Britney: Domination, her second Vegas residency, at Park MGM starting February 2019. Spears was expected to make over $500,000 for each show.[94] The next day, Andrew Wallet asked the court for a raise amounting to $426,000 per year, citing Spears's "increased wellbeing and her capacity to be engaged", saying that "the next several years promise to be very lucrative".[95] He called the conservatorship a "hybrid business model".[96]

2019–2020: Career hiatus and #FreeBritney

[edit]

Britney: Domination postponement and beginning of hiatus

[edit]

On January 4, 2019, Spears indefinitely postponed Britney: Domination after her father was hospitalized for a life-threatening spontaneous colon rupture. Spears stated that she sought to "put [her] full focus and energy on [her] family at this time". MGM Resorts said Spears had begun "an indefinite work hiatus".[97]

In March, Wallet asked the court to resign from his position. The request was granted the next day. Wallet stated in court documents that "the conservatorship is engaged in numerous ongoing business activities requiring immediate attention" and "substantial detriment, irreparable harm and immediate danger will result to the conservatee and her estate if the relief requested herein is not granted on an ex parte basis". The action left Jamie Spears as the sole conservator of Britney Spears's finances.[98] Soon after, Forbes published an article questioning if the conservatorship process could continue indefinitely with the resignation of Wallet. The outlet also reported that Spears could not marry her boyfriend of three years, actor Sam Asghari, without approval from the conservatorship.[99]

On April 3, it was reported that Spears had checked into a mental health facility a week prior, as a result of her distress over her father's health. Spears confirmed this through a post on Instagram, her first social media post in nearly three months, stating she needed to take "a little 'me time'".[100]

Start of #FreeBritney movement

[edit]

In mid-April, an anonymous paralegal contacted Tess Barker and Barbara Gray, co-hosts of the Britney Spears fan podcast Britney's Gram, through a voicemail. Barker and Gray claimed to have independently verified the paralegal's identity. The paralegal claimed to have previously worked for Spears's conservatorship case, and contradicted public reports about the postponement of Britney: Domination and Spears's ongoing stay at the mental facility.[101]

The paralegal stated that Spears "was not taking her medication as prescribed" and refused to take new medication; as a result, Jamie had pulled his support for the Vegas residency, which was then postponed indefinitely. He also claimed that Jamie had "verbatim said, 'blame it on my illness'". The paralegal alleged that Jamie sent Spears to the mental facility in mid-January months earlier than the official statement had disclosed, and that "there is no end date, particularly in sight for this stay at this mental facility to end". Though the paralegal acknowledged he had not spoken with Spears herself, he said that the stay "was not a decision she made at all".[101]

Spears fans shared the hashtag "#FreeBritney" on Twitter and Instagram, calling for Spears to be released from the mental facility. The situation was discussed on TV shows including The Talk. Paris Hilton, a close friend of Spears, used the #FreeBritney hashtag in an Instagram comment. Spears's mother Lynne had also liked Instagram comments referencing Spears's situation.[102]

Stanley Mosk Courthouse

Fans including the hosts of Britney's Gram gathered outside West Hollywood City Hall in the first #FreeBritney rally.[103] In response, Spears posted a video of herself on Instagram saying that "all is well" and captioning it with a statement that she appreciated the concern but asking for privacy "to deal with all the hard things that life is throwing [her] way".[104]

Shortly after, Spears's mother Lynne Spears legally filed to receive updates on her daughter's conservatorship case; she previously had not played any legal or official role.[105] On May 10, Spears and her mother appeared at the first status hearing for the conservatorship since her mental facility stay; it was reported that Spears spoke in the proceedings. Fans of Spears and #FreeBritney advocates also held a second rally at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, the location of the court proceedings, as they took place.[106] Around this time, Spears was released from the mental facility and given a cellphone that only permitted phone calls.[107]

During this time, Spears's conservators and managers began to push back on #FreeBritney issues and conspiracy theories that the movement spawned. Jamie Spears began to petition the expansion of the conservatorship beyond California to other U.S. states and territories including her childhood state of Louisiana, as well as Hawaii and Florida; later, the conservatorship expanded to Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.[108] Jamie sued blogger and #FreeBritney advocate Anthony Elia, creator of the Absolute Britney website, for defamation after Elia claimed Jamie was manipulating Spears's Instagram page.[109] Spears's business manager Lou M. Taylor also sued another #FreeBritney advocate Bryan Kuchar for defamation, after the advocate used Taylor's name in website domains that accused her of masterminding Spears's conservatorship.

Jamie reduces role amid family incidents

[edit]

On August 24, Sean Federline was involved in a "physical altercation" with Jamie during a family visit, in which Jamie broke down a door, "put his hands on [Sean]", and "violently shook" him after a verbal argument. Sean was not injured in the incident, which his brother Jayden observed. Kevin Federline and attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan filed a police report, adding that Spears herself removed her children from their grandfather after learning of the incident. On August 25, they were granted a temporary restraining order against Jamie.[110][111]

On August 28, Spears and Federline modified their custody agreement, with Spears's custodial rights being reduced from 50 to 30 percent. Though the agreement was established in 2018, it was formalized in response to the altercation. Spears in actuality retained the children only 10 percent of the time under supervision.[112] After an investigation, Jamie was not charged due to insufficient evidence.[113] Spears was "very angry" about the incident and felt it put her custody "in jeopardy".[114]

On September 6, Jamie stepped down as conservator of the person due to the altercation. He remained the conservator of the estate while Jodi Montgomery, Spears's "care manager", became conservator of the person in his place.[115] On December 17, Jamie won the injunction made against Elia.[116]

On March 4, 2020, Jayden Federline interacted with fans live on his personal Instagram account, commenting on his mother's hiatus and her relationship with Sam Asghari. Jayden stated he thought Jamie was "a pretty big dick", which sources speculated referenced the recent altercations. He was hesitant to make any statements about #FreeBritney. He expressed he would share more if he were to reach five thousand followers; however, his account was made private and all posts on his page were deleted soon after. Mark Vincent Kaplan said that Federline was "not happy" and responded "as you would expect a responsible parent to address it".[113][117]

TikTok activism

[edit]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 21 hearing was postponed to July 22, and temporary orders within the conservatorship were extended to August,[118] including Jodi Montgomery's temporary status as conservator of the person.

On July 2, Spears posted a TikTok video which ignited widespread speculation on the platform about her well-being, causing #FreeBritney to trend again and generate celebrity support. Public scrutiny of the conservatorship also spread many conspiracy theories about her health and rights.[119] Amid the trend, there was an increase in news coverage of the hashtag; Vox described it as "a familiar rallying cry".[120] Advocates started a Change.org petition and a White House petition calling for a congressional investigation into the conservatorship; both were signed by hundreds of thousands of people.[121][122]

On July 12, photographer Andrew Gallery, who worked with Spears in 2008, uploaded a series of viral TikToks sharing a years-old letter written by her in third person. He claimed it was a copy of an original "destroyed" by the conservators. The letter describes events in 2008 differently from how they were reported, while saying "she was lied to and set up. Her children were taken away and she did spin out of control which any mother would in those circumstances". Spears also wrote that the conservatorship could continue "as long as the people are getting paid".[123]

On July 13, Lynne filed to be informed of all financial decisions in the conservatorship.[121] On July 22, both Jamie and Lynne appeared at the postponed hearing on Zoom. Spears did not appear as scheduled due to "technical difficulties". During the hearing, a new ruling sealed all future proceedings in the conservatorship from the public.[124] #FreeBritney activists, spurred by the TikTok trend, again appeared in-person at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse during proceedings.[122]

On July 23, Bryan Spears appeared on a podcast and described the conservatorship as "frustrating" to her. Though he stated that she had "always wanted to get out" of it, he asserted that the arrangement was "a great thing for [his] family".[125] He added that Jamie had "done the best he could" with the family situation.[126] Jamie continued to maintain that the movement was based on conspiracy theories, calling it "a joke" and condemning death threats, and denied any accusations of fraud.[127]

Litigation amid #FreeBritney and first public endorsements

[edit]

In August, it was reported that the conservatorship proceedings cost Spears over $1 million in 2019 alone.[128] The same month, Lou Taylor resigned as business manager after she received death threats from #FreeBritney activists in light of her connection to the case.[53]

In early September 2020, Jamie filed a motion to seal certain filings regarding the case from the public. On September 4, Sam Ingham filed documents in response, which included the first public endorsements of #FreeBritney from Spears's legal team:[129]

Far from being a conspiracy theory or a "joke" as James reportedly told the media, in large part this scrutiny is a reasonable and even predictable result of James' aggressive use of the sealing procedure over the years to minimize the amount of meaningful information made available to the public. Whatever merits his strategy might have had years ago when Britney was trying to restart her career, at this point in her life when she is trying to regain some measure of personal autonomy, Britney welcomes and appreciates the informed support of her many fans. Although the sealing motion is supposedly for her "protection", Britney herself is vehemently opposed to this effort by her father to keep her legal struggle hidden away in the closet as a family secret.[129]

On November 10, Judge Brenda J. Penny approved Spears's request to appoint Bessemer Trust. During the court proceedings, Ingham stated that Spears had told him she was afraid of her father and had chosen not to perform while he remained her conservator. Despite this, Jamie's attorney Vivian Lee Thoreen stated that there was not a "shred of evidence" that corroborated Ingham's claims.[130]

2021: Public testimony and termination of conservatorship

[edit]

Public outcry after Framing Britney Spears

[edit]

On February 4, 2021, The New York Times released the Emmy-nominated television documentary Framing Britney Spears (2021), directed by Samantha Stark. The film garnered massive public attention, and pushed #FreeBritney into the mainstream.[131][132][133] It included testimony from various figures in Spears's life, including former assistant Felicia Culotta and former attorney Adam Streisand. Other individuals who appeared included paparazzi, media figures, music experts, and #FreeBritney activists. Jamie's former attorney Vivian Lee Thoreen, who was not representing him at the time of filming, appeared; she would later rejoin Jamie's legal team afterward.[134]

Much of the film shed light on how Spears's depiction by media was often "hyper-sexualized", and how that portrayal played a role in "intense tabloid scrutiny".[135] It ignited criticism of paparazzo Daniel Ramos, who appeared in the film. The film also portrayed Justin Timberlake in the context of his high-profile relationship and breakup with Spears; Timberlake apologized in an Instagram post, which also contained an apology to Janet Jackson in reference to the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy.[136] Dutch presenter Ivo Niehe, journalist Diane Sawyer, former First Lady of Maryland Kendel Ehrlich, journalist Matt Lauer, and comedian Sarah Silverman faced widespread criticism for past comments about Spears. In contrast, Craig Ferguson was acclaimed for his refusal to joke about Spears's struggles when a past segment of his show went viral.[137]

In response to the outcry, Sam Asghari released a statement on his Instagram that he had "zero respect for someone trying to control our relationship and constantly throwing obstacles in our way", referring to Jamie as "a total dick".[131] Spears herself stated that she did not watch the film in its entirety, but the portions she did made her "embarrassed", adding that she "cried for two weeks".[138]

On March 3, Vivian Lee Thoreen justified Jamie's role as conservator due to his actions in protecting Spears's finances and custody agreements, and said that court investigators have allowed the conservatorship to continue under their oversight.[139] She also stated that he "would love nothing more" than the end of Spears's conservatorship, and that his actions were in her best interests.[140] In late March, Ingham petitioned to make Jodi Montgomery's role permanent, and for Jamie be completely removed. On April 1, Jamie asked Spears to pay $2 million in legal fees due to the increased litigation.[141]

June 23 testimony and aftermath

[edit]

At routine proceedings on April 27, 2021, Sam Ingham expressed to the court that Spears had requested to speak to Judge Penny directly and "on an expedited basis". Judge Penny set a June 23 date for the testimony.[142] On June 17, an "interested party" by the name Stan Wantuch filed a petition to terminate the conservatorship. Ingham stated that he "[did not] know anything about the filing". Wantuch appeared to have no major connection to the case but claimed to be a "friend", "debtor", and "heir" of Spears. The petition required a $90 fee, but the fee was waived by the courts.[143]

On June 22, The New York Times reported that, in confidential documents obtained by the newspaper, Spears had expressed her desire to end the conservatorship long before it was publicly known, stating that it had "too much control". Spears also cited her father's alcoholism when questioning his fitness to serve as her conservator. The article also detailed the strained relationship between Spears and her father Jamie.[144]

The day before her testimony, Spears called 911 from a lobby phone at a police station and reported herself as a victim of conservatorship abuse.[145] Officers later met Spears at her residence. In September, journalist Ronan Farrow reported that Spears had intended "to establish [...] something illegal was happening".[146] As a result of this call, which was made unavailable to the public due to an "ongoing investigation", Spears's team reportedly discussed actions to take were she to go "rogue".[5]

On June 23, Spears testified in a public court session that was audio streamed for the media and public. In the 24-minute statement, Spears detailed instances where she was forced to work or perform and was threatened with lawsuits and lifestyle restrictions if she did not cooperate; she claimed that the conservatorship was abusive. Spears said medical professionals medicated her with drugs, including lithium, without her consent; compared her 2019 mental health facility stay to sex trafficking; expressed that she was subject to unnecessary and excessive psychological evaluations; stated that her conservators failed to supply her with self-care; and shared that she was prevented from marrying and having a child, the latter as a result of an intrauterine device implemented without Spears's consent, one that she had since been prevented from removing.[147]

Spears revealed that her statements assuring the public of her well-being were untrue. She expressed throughout her statement that she felt "in shock", "traumatized", "so angry it's insane", "depressed", "like [she] was dead", and "alone". In the testimony, Spears expressed to Judge Penny:

I didn't want to say any of this to anybody, to the public, because I thought people would make fun of me or laugh at me and say, "she's lying, she's got everything, she's Britney Spears". I'm not lying. I just want my life back, and it's been thirteen years, and it's enough. It's been a long time since I've owned my money, and it's my wish and my dream for all of this to end without being tested. Again, it makes no sense whatsoever for the State of California to sit back and watch me make a living for so many people, and pay so many people—trucks and buses on tour, on the road with me—and be told I'm not good enough. But I'm great at what I do, and I allow these people to control what I do, ma'am, and it's enough. It makes no sense at all.[147]

Spears would also criticize her father and conservator Jamie for approving the abuses, and the rest of her family for failing to support her. Additionally, Spears requested various changes in the conservatorship, including developing a reconstructed care plan, handpicking her own attorney, and filing to terminate the conservatorship altogether.[147]

On June 25, Spears's ex-husband Kevin Federline supported her wishes to end the conservatorship. His attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, stated that Federline wanted her to be "happy and healthy", but also described that "there are financial issues that have to be addressed" in connection to the continued parenting obligations that Spears and Federline share.[148]

On June 30, Jamie Spears called for an investigation into Spears's claims, and accused Jodi Montgomery, his temporary replacement as conservator of the person, of overseeing the abuses described by Spears in her testimony. He cited his approval of Jason Trawick's 2011 engagement to Spears as evidence of Montgomery's abuse. He also claimed that he had not spoken to his daughter in two years, but this contradicted his lawyer, Vivian Lee Thoreen, who said previously that the two had many conversations in 2020. On the same day, Montgomery's lawyer released a statement that denied Jamie's allegations, stating that she had been "a tireless advocate" for Spears.[citation needed]

On the same day, Judge Penny denied the motion to remove Jamie Spears as conservator of the estate,[149] while simultaneously approving Bessemer Trust to co-conserve alongside Spears. The actions were made in relation to motions from November 2020 and were unrelated to the June 23 hearing. The next day, Bessemer Trust filed a petition to withdraw from the conservatorship, citing Spears's hearing. The company had taken no assets or fees, as their role had not yet taken effect despite approval by the courts.[150]

On June 30, Los Angeles County courts suspended their remote audio streaming program after an illegal recording of Spears's testimony was leaked online. Under California laws, recording and distributing court audio without consent from the presiding judge are prohibited.[151]

On July 2, rapper Iggy Azalea, who previously collaborated with Spears, posted a statement on social media supporting Spears. Azalea voiced her opinion that the arrangement was "illegal", expressed concern for Spears's mental health under the conservatorship, and added that she had personally witnessed the alleged abuse. Emphasizing that she believed Spears was "not exaggerating or lying", Azalea described moments where Spears was restricted from "trivial" tasks, such as drinking soda. Azalea also claimed that Jamie Spears had forced her to sign a non-disclosure agreement under duress, moments before she performed "Pretty Girls" alongside Spears at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.[152]

On July 3, journalists Ronan Farrow and Jia Tolentino published an investigative article on The New Yorker that disclosed previously unknown details about Spears's conservatorship. In the article, Jaqueline Butcher, a Spears family friend, alleged that Jamie was verbally abusive. Jamie reportedly called Spears "fat", accused her of being "a whore and a terrible mother", and often exclaimed "I am Britney Spears!" in verbal disputes with Lynne regarding her access to her daughter. Butcher, who testified in favor of the conservatorship in 2008, expressed her regrets in the article, saying, "at the time I thought I was helping [...] I helped a corrupt family seize all this control", adding that "it was supposed to be temporary".[5]

The investigative article also revealed details about Spears's social media usage. It was reported that Spears provides her own content to CrowdSurf, a social media marketing company, which uploads the content after screening for topics that are "too sensitive", which include the conservatorship.[5]

Resignations and litigation under new counsel

[edit]

On July 6, Spears's manager of 25 years, Larry Rudolph, formally resigned from his position in a letter to the conservators. He explained that Spears's alleged "intention to officially retire" was the reason for his resignation.[153] Later that day, Spears's court-appointed lawyer Samuel D. Ingham III, alongside law firm Loeb & Loeb LLP, resigned from the conservatorship case, effective upon the appointment of new counsel.[154]

On July 7, Lynne Spears called on the court to allow Spears to select her own counsel. Through attorney Gladstone Jones, Lynne stated that Spears's "capacity is certainly different today than it was in 2008," and also called her June 23 testimony "very courageous".[155] The same day, Jodi Montgomery, petitioned for additional security as a result of increased frequency in "threatening posts"; the security was estimated to have cost $50,000 a month. On July 8, it was reported that Jamie Spears, the Spears family, and Sam Ingham also received an increased number of death threats after Spears's testimony. Jamie Spears also filed a petition objecting to Montgomery's request for additional security, but the petition clarified that it was "not meant in any way to minimize the threats to Ms. Montgomery", and rather was due to the substantial cost of the security.[156] On July 10, Montgomery pushed back against Jamie's claims that she mistreated Spears as conservator, alleging that Jamie had previously used $2 million of Spears's money "to defend himself" as conservator of the estate.[157]

Mathew Rosengart, Spears's attorney of choice appointed on July 14, 2021

On July 12, Spears was reportedly in talks with attorney Mathew S. Rosengart, a former federal prosecutor, about his potential appointment as her new counsel.[158] On July 13, the American Civil Liberties Union filed an amicus brief in the case, in support of Spears's wish to choose her own attorney. The brief was filed alongside other 25 civil and disability organizations.[159]

In a July 14 hearing, Judge Penny approved the resignations of Bessemer Trust and attorney Sam Ingham. The court also granted Spears the right to select her own attorney, Mathew Rosengart. Rosengart informed the court that he would be working to terminate the conservatorship. Spears spoke in the hearing, reportedly breaking down in tears when she described further abuses under the conservatorship. Spears called the alleged mistreatment "cruelty", and claimed that she "thought they were trying to kill [her]".[160] Spears said she wanted her father removed as conservator, and that she intends to charge him with conservatorship abuse.[161] Later that day, Spears publicly endorsed the #FreeBritney movement for the first time, using the hashtag in a caption on an Instagram post. Spears said that she felt "blessed" after earning "real representation", referring to Judge Penny's decision to allow her to choose her own counsel.[162]

On July 26, Rosengart filed a petition seeking to remove Jamie as conservator of Spears's estate and to replace him with Jason Rubin, a CPA at Certified Strategies Inc. in Woodland Hills, California.[163] The petition made several claims of mismanagement against Jamie, namely money laundering his daughter's earnings and signing contracts on her behalf. The petition also included declarations of support from Montgomery and Lynne. The former stated in behalf of Spears's medical team that it is in her health's best interest to withdraw Jamie from overseeing her estate. The latter disclosed that Jamie hired a sports enhancement doctor, whom he encouraged to prescribe lithium to their daughter. Lynne further alleged that Jamie enlisted Spears's household staff to spy on her and report back to him.

On August 5, Rosengart filed a petition on an ex parte basis asking the court to expedite the subsequent hearing to August 23, or immediately suspend Jamie from his duties.[164] He also highlighted further instances of racketeering on Jamie's part, namely diverting $300,000 from his daughter's estate to her former business manager Lou Taylor without her consent.

On August 6, Jamie filed a petition disputing Rosengart's claims, attributing his daughter's allegations of abuse to her being "mentally sick". Jamie also accused Montgomery and Sam Ingham, of involuntarily admitting Spears into a medical facility in 2019. He further alleged that during a phone call Montgomery made to him the previous month, she expressed concerns regarding Spears's mental health, and raised the prospect of placing her under a 5150 hold. Later that day, Montgomery's attorney, Lauriann Wright, issued a statement in response to Jamie's filing.[165]

Wright clarified that neither a (at the time) care manager, nor a court appointed counsel, have the "power or authority" to place a conservatee in a facility, and that her client's involvement was restricted to signing "routine paperwork" under Jamie's direction. She also divulged the decision to send Spears to the facility was made by her treating psychiatrist at the time, Dr. Timothy Benson. In regards to the details about Montgomery's phone call with Jamie, Wright denied that her client ever qualified Spears for a 5150 hold, and instead suggested not have her testifying in court, or subjected to an evaluation.[165]

On August 8, Judge Penny denied Rosengart's petition to advance the hearing scheduled for September 29, as well as Jamie's immediate suspension.

On August 12, Jamie filed a petition opposing his suspension and removal as conservator of the estate, though agreed to step down at the request of Judge Penny. In his filing, Jamie also disputed Lynne's declarations of support in favor of his removal, claiming misinformation on her behalf, in addition to accusing her of financial rewarding from the estate, while citing her relationship with their daughter as "estranged".[166]

Termination filings amid alleged battery and engagement

[edit]

On August 23, it was reported Spears was under investigation following an altercation with a housekeeper, who did not return with her dogs after a veterinarian visit due to concerns of neglect. Spears reported a theft to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, but did not pursue further action. When the housekeeper showed Spears a photo of her ill dog, she forcibly removed the phone from their hand, suspecting the pets had been taken by order of her father.[167] The housekeeper reported the incident, but Spears refused to speak with officers. Rosengart issued a statement in Spears's defense, saying the incident was "sensational tabloid fodder" and "nothing more than a 'he said, she said' regarding a cell phone, with no striking and obviously no injury whatsoever".[168][169] Spears's dogs were eventually returned, and no charges were filed.[170]

On August 31, Rosengart accused Jamie of attempted extortion of approximately $2 million, including $1.3 million in attorneys's fees, $500,000 to Tri Star, and additional sums to Jamie himself. Rosengart declared he would not negotiate Jamie's departure, instead formally requesting Penny order Jamie's removal at the next hearing. Rosengart added that extortion negotiations were a "non-starter".[171]

On September 7, Jamie reversed his position on the conservatorship, filing a petition to terminate, stating that "circumstances have changed" and adding that "all he wants is what is best for his daughter".[172] Rosengart described the filing as "vindication" for Spears, but that he would "continue to explore all options" in investigating the alleged abuses that occurred under the conservatorship, including "misconduct" and "financial mismanagement".[173][174] It was later revealed in court filings that the reversal was made after Spears's team requested discovery and deposition.[175]

On September 12, Spears announced her engagement to Sam Asghari.[176] On September 14, after a post in support of #FreeBritney, Spears's Instagram account was deactivated; she later clarified that she wanted to step away from social media to "celebrate [her] engagement". Spears returned to Instagram on September 20.[177] On September 22, Spears and her legal team filed documents consenting to Jamie's petition to terminate. However, the filing also asked that Jamie be removed first, citing the "Kafkaesque nightmare" of his tenure as conservator, and arguing that Spears's prenuptial agreement with Asghari would involve the conservator of the estate, which Spears wanted to avoid.[178]

Surveillance allegations and additional documentaries

[edit]

On September 24, The New York Times released Controlling Britney Spears, a sequel to Framing Britney Spears, presenting undisclosed details regarding the conservatorship and Spears's management. The film made substantial allegations against Jamie, Black Box Security, Lou Taylor, and Robin Greenhill. Former head of wardrobe Tish Yates alleged that, under conservatorship, disputes between Spears and her superiors often "escalated" into threats regarding custody of her children. Yates and Felicia Culotta, Spears's former assistant, also alleged that Spears's inner circle was reduced, with Culotta expressing she believed management attempted to turn Spears against her.[107][179]

Alex Vlasov of Black Box alleged that security administered medication to Spears. Her devices were surveilled and her phone conversations were mirrored, including those with Sam Ingham, potentially violating attorney-client privilege. Devices were placed in her bedroom that recorded conversations between her and Asghari or her children. Spears's romantic relationships were monitored, and significant others were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. The Times could not confirm if the court knew of these measures; Rosengart stated that they would be "fully and aggressively investigated", and would add in court filings that "Mr. Spears has crossed unfathomable lines".[180] Vlasov stated that the measures implemented were "ethically [...] just one big mess", alleging that he was asked to destroy evidence.[107][179]

On September 26, CNN aired a special report on the dispute. Former promotional manager Dan George, who had also appeared in Controlling Britney Spears, repeated the allegations detailed in the film; he added that Spears "could only read Christian books". George also said that those who were willing to question the conservatorship "could lose [their] job". The report alleged that Spears blamed Lou Taylor for many of the abuses surrounding the conservatorship.[146]

On September 28, Netflix released Britney vs Spears, a documentary featuring Culotta, Rolling Stone journalist Jenny Eliscu, Adnan Ghalib, Sam Lutfi, and others. The film features leaked documents that director Erin Lee Carr claimed to have verified.[49] Among the allegations, Ghalib shared texts that showed Spears's discontent with the conservatorship, and Lutfi denied claims he had given Spears drugs.[34] When questioned about Lou Taylor, Culotta said "I will not touch that one [...] She will chew me up and spit me out".[49] The film also included testimony from geriatric psychiatrist J. Edward Spar, who refused to say if he had examined Spears, though his name appeared on medical documents in 2008.[181]

The same day, Jamie filed documents opposing his replacement as conservator of the estate by John Zabel, Spears's candidate. He argued Zabel was not a "licensed fiduciary" and therefore "not well suited" to conserve Spears's $60 million estate.[182] Rosengart defended Zabel's record in a separate filing.[183]

Suspension and termination of conservatorship

[edit]

On September 29, Judge Penny suspended Jamie Spears as conservator of the estate, effectively ending his control of Spears's life after 13 years. He was replaced by Zabel, who received all documents regarding the estate. Penny reportedly based her decision on a "situation [that was] not tenable".[183] On October 3, Spears thanked the #FreeBritney movement for "constant resilience" in spreading awareness.[184]

On October 15, Jamie's half-sister Leigh Ann Spears Wrather criticized his involvement in the conservatorship, calling him "barbaric", and expressing that he should be "held accountable". She alleged that Lynne did little to support Spears in the dispute.[185] The same day, Spears in a since-deleted Instagram post explicitly accused Lynne and Taylor of orchestrating the conservatorship alongside Jamie, expressing that they collectively "[knew] exactly what [they] did" in regard to its establishment.[186]

On November 3, Lynne requested that Spears's estate pay more than $600,000 in legal fees, arguing that they were "warranted" because they were used to support Spears's best interests.[187] The same day, Jamie again petitioned for "immediate termination" of the conservatorship, stating that his actions were in Spears's best interests.[188] On November 5, Lou Taylor on behalf of Tri Star denied various allegations, including those of surveillance and medical treatment, that media had described.[189]

On November 12, the conservatorship of both the person and the estate of Spears, which had lasted for nearly 14 years, was terminated by Judge Penny, and there were no objections to the ruling. A mental evaluation was not needed. Assets overseen by the conservatorship were moved to a trust.[190] Spears called it the "best day ever" in a tweet after the termination.[191] Court filings from November 2 revealed the investigations that Spears's legal team intended to pursue post-termination, including investigative efforts into the financials of the conservatorship, the Black Box surveillance claims, and alleged connections with Lou Taylor, Robin Greenhill, and Tri Star.[192]

Aftermath

[edit]

Spears's life and her social media posts after the conservatorship have raised concerns in the media.[193][194] Some media outlets questioned if the conservatorship should be put back in place.[195][196] In January 2023, fans called the police for a wellness check to make sure Spears was alright.[197] According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department records, authorities conducted four wellness checks on her home between January 1, 2019, and August 20, 2023.[198] In September 2023, a wellness check was conducted by the police again, after she was seen dancing with knives, which were later said to be fake, on her social media videos.[199][200] On May 2, 2024, an ambulance was called for Spears, when she was staying at Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles.[201] She injured her ankle, but left the hotel and was not treated by the paramedics.[202]

Effects

[edit]

The publicity surrounding Spears's case led to increased discussions about conservatorship abuse. Dubbed "the Britney effect" by many sources,[203][204] her legal battle is often considered to have brought greater attention to an already controversial subject in legal contexts.[205][206] Other sources pointed out that, despite such discussions, Spears's situation was still "atypical" compared to other conservatorships due to her celebrity and wealth.[207][208]

According to The Guardian in 2021, 1.3 million Americans were under conservatorship. The article referenced a 2005 investigation by the Los Angeles Times that found many cases where elders would be placed under "for-profit conservators", and a 2018 report by the National Council on Disability which found that conservatorships are often implemented without considering less restrictive options. The source also described how criticism of conservatorship law has been a part of disability rights advocacy since the 1960s.[209]

In 2021, NPR reported that conservatorships are often difficult to end, with the "burden" of termination being on the conservatee and legal counsel being able to "prove" a lack of necessity. The article also highlighted that conservatorships are often established to last indefinitely.[207]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regularly voiced their support for Spears. Zoe Brennan-Krohn of the ACLU Disability Rights Project stated that Spears was "only one of untold thousands nationwide" at risk for guardianship or conservatorship abuse. The organization has supported alternatives to conservatorship, including supported decision-making, that prevent the loss of civil rights.[210] The Christian Science Monitor found that such alternatives are often "glossed over" by legal experts and argued that solutions would be most effective as legislation;[205] other sources in the judicial field argue for greater oversight of conservatorship cases and changes in funding.[206][208]

Legislative efforts

[edit]
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (left) and Ted Cruz (right) were prominent legislators that supported Spears and criticized conservatorship abuse.

Legislation spurred by the public dispute has been discussed within the U.S. at the federal and state levels, and concern is often described as bipartisan.[211] On March 8, 2021, Representatives Matt Gaetz (R–FL) and Jim Jordan (R–OH) requested Rep. Jerry Nadler (D–NY) for a hearing on conservatorship abuse within the House Judiciary Committee. In the letter, Gaetz and Jordan stated about conservatorship abuse that "the most striking example is perhaps the case of multi-platinum performing artist Britney Spears".[212]

In light of Spears's June 23 testimony, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D–MA) and Bob Casey (D–PA) requested information from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice on guardianship. The senators expressed their concern that guardianship systems could "create significant opportunities for neglect, exploitation, and abuse", and highlighted that insufficient data hindered "policy recommendations". The letter to the agencies added that Spears's case "has shined a light on longstanding concerns [...] for financial and civil rights abuses of individuals placed under [...] conservatorship".[211]

On July 1, Representatives Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene (R–GA), Burgess Owens (R–UT), and Andy Biggs (R–AZ) invited Spears to testify in Congress about her case. Gaetz said that a testimony could "inform policy decisions".[213] The letter, signed only by Republicans, stated that Congress "should be inspired to bipartisan action".[214]

On July 20, Representatives Charlie Crist (D–FL) and Nancy Mace (R–SC) introduced the Freedom and Right to Emancipate from Exploitation Act, dubbed the FREE Act, which would give conservatees the right to petition for their own legal guardian, implement oversight policies, and require states to provide guardianship statistics.[215]

On September 28, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D–CT) and Ted Cruz (R–TX) held a bipartisan hearing in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on conservatorships. The senators cited Spears's case as a major influence of the hearing, which was named "Toxic Conservatorships: The Need for Reform", in reference to Spears's 2004 hit single "Toxic".[216] Spears did not testify in the hearing, but various legal and medical experts alongside other conservatees did.[217]

California

[edit]

On February 19, 2021, California State Senator Ben Allen introduced Senate Bill 724, which would give conservatees the right to obtain counsel as they choose, regardless of mental capacity. SB-724 received publicity largely in part because of the connection to Spears's failed attempts at retaining counsel in Adam Streisand in 2008.[218]

On September 30, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the #FreeBritney Bill into law after "unanimous" support. The bill, drafted by Assemblyman Evan Low, implements procedures that check for financial conflict of interest, termination reform, and financial penalties for abusive conservators. The bill's provisions are expected to go into effect in 2023 or 2024.[219][220]

On January 20, 2022, advocacy groups announced support for legislation drafted by Assemblyman Brian Maienschein. The bill would require judges to consider less restrictive alternatives for individuals before conservatorship, and implement further reform of termination procedures.[221]

Responses

[edit]

Spears's family

[edit]

In September 2022, Spears's former husband Kevin Federline said in an interview with 60 Minutes, that he 100 percent believed the conservatorship saved her life, saying: "I feel like he [Jamie] saved her back then."[222][223] Spears's son Jayden Federline stated in the same interview that Jamie Spears had good intentions, saying: "He was trying to be like any father, like, pursue his daughter's dream of being a superstar, working and doing all these concerts and performing. But I think some people are just, like, ceasing to realize how much he cares about her."[224]

Jamie Spears has not given interviews or made comments about the conservatorship, except in December 2022, when he told UK's The Mail on Sunday: "Not everybody's going to agree with me. It's been one hell of a time. But I love my daughter with all my heart and soul. Where would Britney be right now without that conservatorship? And I don't know if she'd be alive. I don't. For protecting her, and also protecting the kids, conservatorship was a great tool. Without it, I don't think she would have got the kids back."[225] Jamie stated that he wanted to ensure that Spears's children saw their mother, saying: "We could take the kids to Europe. They didn't miss time with their mother. They didn't miss time with their father. Not many people knew that. The main purpose was to get Britney back with her kids in a comfortable relationship. We did everything in the world with them. My relationship with Kevin gave them a sense of peace, and of protection. Kevin will tell you this too – it was us who raised the kids. I just did what I was supposed to do, or felt like I needed to do."[225]

In January 2023, Spears's former fiancé and co-conservator Jason Trawick discussed the conservatorship on Kevin Connolly's podcast, saying: "Listen, did she need a conservatorship when I was there? Yes. I'll be the first to say it. I think she needed some guidance."[226][227] Trawick said that Spears' father Jamie meant well and the conservatorship was there for her own good, adding: "I don't know if it should have ended earlier or later, but it shouldn't have ended when I was there."[227] Trawick thought that the conservatorship was in place not just for finances, but for therapy, structure and to stop her from seeing "certain individuals were not great for her to be in her life."[227]

#FreeBritney

[edit]
A #FreeBritney rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on July 14, 2021

In response to the conservatorship, some of Spears's fans have advocated for its termination. Though the term "Free Britney" had existed since 2009, the usage of the term as a hashtag to advocate for Spears began in 2019 after her career hiatus and mental facility stay.[228] The movement's official website states that their goal is "ending the conservatorship of Britney Spears". The movement claims that Spears has been denied her basic human rights under the arrangement, and alleges that Spears's team profits from the conservatorship. The movement also claims to raise awareness of conservatorship abuse.[229] Members of the movement often organize in-person and virtual rallies, which have taken place in West Hollywood City Hall, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, and Grand Park in Los Angeles, California.[230][231]

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, much advocacy after 2019 occurred online, on social media, and in videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom. The movement received publicity on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, where hashtag trends like #FreeBritney and #BritneySpeaks have occurred.[232] The movement was initially criticized by the media, fact-checkers, and the conservators for spreading conspiracy theories about Spears's situation.[233]

In September 2021, the documentary film Controlling Britney Spears alleged that Spears's conservators, management, and security investigated the movement in its early days and documented details regarding early activists under the guise of Spears's "protection". Efforts to investigate the movement allegedly included undercover operations.[107][234] Activism in the movement has spread beyond California and is present globally; rallies have been held in Washington, D.C., and London, England.[235] In September 2021, hashtag campaigns occurred on the Chinese social media platforms Weibo and WeChat. On the former, the hashtag #FreeBritney reached 130 million views.[236]

After the termination of the conservatorship, Spears thanked the movement for "saving [her] life", expressing that it raised awareness of her situation amidst her limited ability to voice her discontent with the arrangement.[237]

Lawmakers

[edit]

After Spears's June 23 testimony, a bipartisan group of lawmakers within Congress voiced their criticism of the conservatorship arrangement. These included members of the House Judiciary Committee, alongside Senator Ted Cruz, and Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and Barbara Lee (D-CA). Many of their criticisms were rooted in Spears's allegations of reproductive coercion. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Representatives Gaetz, Barry Moore (R-AL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Jim Banks (R-IN), as well as politicians Tulsi Gabbard and Caitlyn Jenner voiced their support in the following days.[238] Gaetz appeared and spoke at a #FreeBritney rally on July 14.[239]

Support for Spears from lawmakers has also come from outside the United States. On July 3, in support of the #FreeBritney movement and Gay Pride Month, the building housing the Brazilian National Congress was lit with the colors of the Pride flag and letters spelling the phrase "Free Britney".[240] After Jamie's suspension on September 29, New Zealand politician David Seymour released a statement in support of Spears on behalf of the ACT Party.[241]

Entertainment industry

[edit]
Spears pictured locked in elevator during a backdrop of Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008–2009)

Numerous entertainment industry figures have voiced their support and concern over Spears during the conservatorship dispute, with some explicitly advocating for the #FreeBritney movement. These include Miley Cyrus, JWoww, Tess Holliday, Hayley Kiyoko, Lisa Rinna, and Eve;[242] alongside Bella Thorne, Snooki, Ariel Winter, Taryn Manning, Paris Hilton, Tinashe, Cher, Rose McGowan, Cardi B, Missy Elliott, Lindsay Lohan, Courtney Love, and Jeffree Star.[243] During the 2008 Sticky & Sweet Tour, Madonna voiced her support for Spears, who made a cameo on the song "Human Nature". The tour's video reflected her conservatorship, featuring Spears being "trapped in an elevator, kicking and frantically smacking the walls".[244][245]

In direct response to the documentary, Framing Britney Spears, the following individuals spoke out in support of Spears: Sarah Jessica Parker, Charlie Puth, Sharon Stone, Garbage, Bette Midler, Andy Cohen, Christina Milian, Valerie Bertinelli, Tamron Hall, Ellie Goulding, Hayley Williams, Sam Smith, Kacey Musgraves, Liz Phair, Vanessa Carlton, Amber Tamblyn, Lucy Hale, Sam Asghari,[246] and Christian Siriano.[137]

After the June 23 testimony, additional celebrities voiced support for Spears and the #FreeBritney movement, including Meghan McCain, Mariah Carey, Brandy, Halsey, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Michelle Visage, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera.[247][248][249] Late-night television hosts Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher also voiced support for Spears during their programs in the days after the testimony.[250] Spears's sister Jamie Lynn Spears, her Zoey 101 co-stars Paul Butcher and Alexa Nikolas, and ex-husband Kevin Federline also spoke out to support Britney.[251]

In July 2021, more individuals spoke in support of Spears, including first ex-husband Jason Alexander, former associate Sam Lutfi, family friend Jaqueline Butcher,[5] Iggy Azalea,[152] Elon Musk,[252] will.i.am,[253] AJ McLean,[254] Dolly Parton,[255] and Ariana Grande.[256] Also in July 2021, Spears hired an entertainment lawyer, Mathew S. Rosengart, to represent her in her legal battle against her father. Rosengart previously represented actor Sean Penn in a successful defamation case against filmmaker Lee Daniels.[257] In September, Rosie O'Donnell voiced her support for Spears in a CNN special report on the conservatorship, stating that she tried to reach out to Spears on multiple occasions.[146] That month, Jimmy Kimmel also commented on the case.[258] In October, Spears also received support from Olivia Rodrigo[259] and Adele.[260]

Other celebrity conservatorships facing similar scrutiny are those of actresses Amanda Bynes and Nichelle Nichols. Nichols's conservatorship dispute has been discussed at #FreeBritney rallies.[183]

Film and television examinations

[edit]

The conservatorship dispute has been examined in multiple documentary films and television episodes. These include MTV's Britney: For the Record (2008), the Emmy–nominated New York Times documentary Framing Britney Spears (2021),[132] and the BBC's The Battle for Britney: Fans, Cash and a Conservatorship (2021).[261] On September 24, 2021, The New York Times released a follow-up documentary to Framing Britney Spears, titled Controlling Britney Spears, as another part of their FX and Hulu series The New York Times Presents.[262] A feature-length Netflix documentary, titled Britney vs Spears, was released on September 28, 2021.[263][264] The 2020 Netflix film I Care a Lot, starring Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, and Eiza González, involves a conservator "crafting a devious system of financial and emotional exploitation"; the film's premise has often been likened to Spears's situation.[265] Similarly, Spears's alleged exploitation and abuse within the conservatorship has been compared to events taking place in the episode "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" of the Black Mirror anthology series, starring Miley Cyrus.[266]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Chosen by opposing side.
  2. ^ Stands for "formerly", or an individual who resigned from the position before its termination.
  3. ^ Stands for "removed", or an individual who was suspended and/or removed from the position before its termination.
  4. ^ a b Does not participate in a court-ordered or legal capacity.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Spanos, Brittany. "The Millennial 100". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  2. ^ Gregory, Elizabeth (October 19, 2023). "The Woman in Me: Britney Spears' best songs of all time, ranked, from Piece Of Me to Toxic". Evening Standard. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  3. ^ "Ask Billboard: Britney Spears' Career Album & Song Sales, on the 20th Anniversary of '...Baby One More Time' LIST". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 15, 2019. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Wagmeister, Elizabeth (July 2, 2022). "Britney Spears' Attorney Claims Tri Star Helped Create Conservatorship, Received $18 Million From Pop Star's Estate". Variety. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Britney Spears's Conservatorship Nightmare". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  6. ^ Spears, Lynne (2008). Through the storm : the real story of fame and family in a tabloid world. Nashville, Tenn.: T. Nelson. p. 181. ISBN 978-1-59555-207-5.
  7. ^ Serjeant, Jill (November 8, 2006). "Britney files for divorce after 2-year marriage". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  8. ^ Hall, Sarah (2007). "Britney, Kevin Back to Being Single". E! Online. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  9. ^ "Lynne Spears Visits Sister's Grave Amid Crisis". People. Archived from the original on October 14, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  10. ^ "Bald and Broken: Inside Britney's Shaved Head". ABC News. February 20, 2007. Archived from the original on February 20, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  11. ^ "Who is Sam Lutfi?". Los Angeles Times. February 6, 2008. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  12. ^ Beet, The Evil. "Britney Spears Fires Manager". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 26, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  13. ^ "Britney lashes out in bizarre new video". the Guardian. April 18, 2007. Archived from the original on June 26, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  14. ^ Rubin, Courtney (April 20, 2007). "Britney Spears's Father Says She Was 'Out of Control'". people.com. Archived from the original on June 26, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  15. ^ VanHorn, Teri. "Britney's Back! Spears Returns To The Stage With Five-Song Dirty Dance Party". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  16. ^ "Britney's MTV comeback falls flat". September 10, 2007. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  17. ^ Pruitt-Young, Sharon (June 27, 2021). "Chris Crocker, 'Leave Britney Alone' Video Creator, Reflects On What's Changed". NPR. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  18. ^ "Spears will lose custody of children". CNN. October 2, 2007. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  19. ^ Kaufman, Gil. "Britney Spears' Blackout Denied #1 Debut On Billboard Chart After Last-Minute Rule Change". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  20. ^ "The 100 best albums of the 21st century". the Guardian. September 13, 2019. Archived from the original on May 31, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  21. ^ "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. September 22, 2020. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  22. ^ "Timeline: Britney's Meltdown". www.cbsnews.com. February 20, 2007. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  23. ^ Kaufman, Gil. "Britney Spears Being Investigated By Child-Welfare Department: Report". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  24. ^ "How are Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) and Probate conservatorships different? - Probate Division – LA Court". www.lacourt.org. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  25. ^ Henderson, Jenna Ryu and Cydney. "Britney Spears: Judge grants Bessemer Trust's request to withdraw from conservatorship". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  26. ^ Sager, Jessica (September 10, 2019). "Britney Spears gets new conservator after father steps down due to 'health reasons,' report says". Fox News. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  27. ^ Serjeant, Jill (January 4, 2008). "Britney Spears in hospital, may lose child visits". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  28. ^ "Britney Spears Hospitalized for 'An Evaluation'". People. Archived from the original on August 23, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  29. ^ "Britney loses visitation rights". The Mercury News. January 5, 2008. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  30. ^ Serpe, Gina (2008). "Britney Released from Hospital". E! Online. Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  31. ^ Lee, Ken. "Britney Spears Hospitalized Again for Evaluation". People. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  32. ^ "Britney Spears taken from home in ambulance, escorted by police to 'get help' | ABC7 Los Angeles | abc7.com". ABC7 Los Angeles. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  33. ^ McCraw, Alyssa (May 7, 2020). "Britney Spears: Uncovered Court Document Shows Dad Claiming She Had Dementia". The Blast. Archived from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  34. ^ a b c Deggans, Eric (September 28, 2021). "What New Netflix And Hulu Documentaries Reveal About Britney Spears' Conservatorship". NPR. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  35. ^ "Lawyer for Britney Spears fails to get dad fired as conservator". San Bernardino Sun. February 5, 2020. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  36. ^ "Court places Britney Spears under temporary conservatorship of her father". The Mercury News. February 1, 2008. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  37. ^ Orzeck, Kurt. "Britney Spears Released From Hospital Psychiatric Ward". MTV News. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  38. ^ "Britney Spears challenges 'conservatorship' ruling | NME". NME. March 13, 2008. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  39. ^ "Britney Spears' father retains conservatorship". Los Angeles Times. March 25, 2008. Archived from the original on September 6, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  40. ^ "Lawyer tries to break conservatorship of Spears | Hollywood Reporter". The Hollywood Reporter. February 26, 2008. Archived from the original on August 28, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  41. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer. "Britney Spears Gets An Allowance, Asks To Reduce Kevin Federline's Legal Bills". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  42. ^ Lee, Ken. "It's Over: Britney & Kevin Reach a Custody Settlement". People. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  43. ^ Stoynoff, Natasha; Alexander, Bryan. "Britney Spears Working and 'Having Fun' on New Album". People. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  44. ^ "Britney Spears's conservatorship continues". UPI. Archived from the original on August 27, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  45. ^ "Lynn Spears Book No Bombshell". ABC News. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  46. ^ "Spears' conservatorship made permanent". TODAY.com. October 29, 2008. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  47. ^ Vena, Jocelyn. "Britney Spears 'Sets The Record Straight' In Documentary Airing November 30 On MTV -- Check Out A Preview Here!". MTV News. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  48. ^ Gicas, Peter (2008). "Britney Spears: Life Is "Like Groundhog Day"". E! Online. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  49. ^ a b c d Gardner, Chris (September 28, 2021). "Netflix's Britney Spears Doc: 12 Revelations From 'Britney vs Spears'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  50. ^ "Behind the Britney Story: A Conversation With Writer Jenny Eliscu". Rolling Stone. December 12, 2008. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  51. ^ "Judge Approves Over $1 Million In Legal Bills, Payments From Britney Spears". NBC4 Washington. December 23, 2008. Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  52. ^ "Britney Spears' Universe: Her Family, Staff, Love Interests and Collaborators". Rolling Stone. February 8, 2008. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  53. ^ a b c d "The Kardashians Are Facing Backlash Over Their Ties To Britney Spears' Ex-Business Manager Lou Taylor Despite Allegations Of Conservatorship Abuse". BuzzFeed News. November 4, 2021. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  54. ^ "Britney Spears was 'scared' and 'crying' after she smelled weed backstage during a tour stop: 'I will fail a drug test. I won't see my boys'". news.yahoo.com. September 25, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  55. ^ a b "Sam Lutfi's Sister Says Britney Wanted Help". cbs8.com. April 2, 2009. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  56. ^ Celebrity (March 30, 2009). "Is It Time For Britney to Move On From Jamie's Conservatorship?". POPSUGAR Celebrity. Archived from the original on October 23, 2014. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  57. ^ Kreps, Daniel (April 29, 2009). "Britney Spears' "Cries for Help" Lead to Three-Year Restraining Orders for Ex-Manager, Lawyer". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  58. ^ Kreps, Daniel (March 18, 2009). "Britney Spears Granted Three-Year Restraining Order Against Adnan Ghalib". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  59. ^ "Britney Spears has spent millions on lawyers". TODAY.com. March 25, 2009. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  60. ^ Finn, Natalie (2009). "Jamie Spears Squashes Britney Fansite". E! Online. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  61. ^ Perpetua, Matthew (March 31, 2011). "Britney Spears Sued for $10 Million Over Perfume Line". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  62. ^ "Company Demands Judge To Order Britney Spears To Be Deposed | Radar Online". RadarOnline. July 1, 2011. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  63. ^ Gardner, Eriq (May 11, 2011). "Britney Spears Could Be Forced Into Psychiatric Examination in Sam Lutfi Lawsuit (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  64. ^ "Britney Spears' Charitable Foundation is Over". HollywoodNews. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  65. ^ Day, Liz; Steel, Emily; Abrams, Rachel; Stark, Samantha (December 19, 2021). "Britney Spears Felt Trapped. Her Business Manager Benefited". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  66. ^ Chaney, Jen (December 16, 2011). "Britney Spears and Jason Trawick are engaged". Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  67. ^ Mayoras, Danielle and Andy. "Oops! ... Britney Spears' Conservator Did It Again". Forbes. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  68. ^ Serpe, Gina; Machado, Baker (2012). "Britney Spears In Court for Conservatorship Hearing: Is the End In Sight?". E! Online. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  69. ^ a b Finn, Natalie; Machado, Baker (2012). "Britney Spears: Jason Trawick Not Just Fiancé—Now He's Co-Conservator!". E! Online. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  70. ^ "Britney Spears' Ex-Manager Says Drugs Led to Her Meltdown". ABC News. Archived from the original on May 25, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  71. ^ a b Mayoras, Danielle and Andy. "When Will Britney Spears Be Free Of Conservatorship?". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  72. ^ Halperin, Shirley; Nededog, Jethro (May 14, 2012). "It's Official: Britney Spears, Demi Lovato to Judge 'X Factor'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  73. ^ Heger, Jen (August 15, 2012). "Britney Spears Meets With Conservatorship Judge About 'X Factor' Gig | Radar Online". RadarOnline. Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  74. ^ "Britney Spears was 'on so much medication' on The X Factor she could barely sit up straight, Louis Walsh claims". The Independent. June 14, 2021. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  75. ^ "Britney Spears Conservatorship In Place Due To Psychological Issues". HuffPost. August 24, 2012. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  76. ^ "Britney Spears Internet & Cellphone Use Is 'Restricted & Heavily Monitored'". HuffPost. October 3, 2012. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  77. ^ Lee, Ken. "Jason Trawick Resigns as Britney Spears's Co-Conservator". People. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  78. ^ Rosenbaum, Claudia (August 20, 2021). "What's Up With Those Britney Spears–Jason Trawick Secret-Marriage Rumors?". Vulture. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  79. ^ a b Gomez, Patrick. "Britney Spears & David Lucado Split". People. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  80. ^ "'I'm in love': Britney Spears opens up on romance with David Lucado". HELLO!. November 26, 2013. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  81. ^ "Britney Spears Conservatorship: Judge Grants Attorneys' Request to Move Singer's Assets Into Different Investment Strategy". E! Online. March 29, 2013. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  82. ^ "Britney Spears Conservatorship: Singer's Father Files Request for More Money". E! Online. October 17, 2013. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  83. ^ "Britney Spears Announces Las Vegas Show Live on 'GMA'". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  84. ^ Heger, Jen (September 18, 2013). "Britney Spears' Two-Year Las Vegas Residency Locks Her Under Daddy's Thumb | Radar Online". RadarOnline. Archived from the original on December 29, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  85. ^ jenheger (February 6, 2014). "It Pays To Be In Charge Of Britney Spears' Money! Conservator To Rake In Nearly $500K This Year". RadarOnline. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  86. ^ jenheger (March 13, 2014). "The Mystery Of The Millions: Why Did Britney Spears' Conservators Just Take Out A $6 Million Loan — Is It For Her Wedding To Boyfriend David Lucado?". RadarOnline. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  87. ^ jenheger (May 3, 2014). "Jackpot! Britney Spears' Dad Will Get A Cut From Her Las Vegas Shows, Conservatorship Judge Rules". RadarOnline. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  88. ^ Powell, Emma (September 3, 2014). "Britney Spears' ex-boyfriend David Lucado denies cheating". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  89. ^ Weisner, Talia (2016). "Britney Spears' Team Searched Iggy Azalea's Home for Drugs". E! Online. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  90. ^ a b c d Kovaleski, Serge F.; Coscarelli, Joe (May 4, 2016). "Is Britney Spears Ready to Stand on Her Own? (Published 2016)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  91. ^ Medford, Grace (June 23, 2021). "Britney Spears speaks at last: will her day in court upend all we thought we knew?". the Guardian. Archived from the original on July 13, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  92. ^ "Britney Spears' Dad Is Looking Into Ending Her Conservatorship". Us Weekly. March 26, 2018. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  93. ^ "Britney Spears Is 'Feeling Confident Enough to Take Control of Her Life'". Us Weekly. February 14, 2018. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  94. ^ Calvario, Liz. "Britney Spears Officially Announces 'Domination' Las Vegas Residency". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  95. ^ "Britney Spears Conservator Worked to Keep Her Away From Drugs". The Blast. October 19, 2018. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  96. ^ "Britney Spears hasn't fully controlled her life for years. Fans insist it's time to #FreeBritney". Los Angeles Times. September 18, 2019. Archived from the original on June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  97. ^ "Britney Spears cancels Las Vegas 'Domination' shows to be with ailing dad". Los Angeles Times. January 4, 2019. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  98. ^ Goldblatt, Daniel. "Britney Spears' Father Left as Sole Conservator After Lawyer Resigns". finance.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  99. ^ Mayoras, Danielle and Andy. "Will Britney Spears' Conservator Let Her Get Married?". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  100. ^ Kreps, Daniel (April 3, 2019). "Britney Spears Enters Mental Health Facility". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  101. ^ a b Bastidas, Jose. "Britney Spears Allegedly Entered Mental Health Facility Against Her Will". Celebrity. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  102. ^ "Lynne Spears Seems to Be Adding Fuel to the "Free Britney" Fire Again". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on August 28, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  103. ^ Rosa, Christopher (April 23, 2019). "Britney Spears Just Responded to No. FreeBritney". Glamour. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  104. ^ Clark, Anne Victoria (April 23, 2019). "Britney Spears Speaks Out to Let Us Know 'All Is Well'". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  105. ^ "Britney Spears' Mom Requests to Be Informed About Conservatorship". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  106. ^ "Britney Spears Conservatorship Hearing: Fans Begin Protest at Court". The Blast. May 10, 2019. Archived from the original on September 8, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  107. ^ a b c d Maloy, Ashley Fetters (September 25, 2021). "'Controlling Britney Spears': The 5 most shocking allegations from the bombshell new documentary". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  108. ^ "Britney's Dad Wants to Spread Conservatorship Control to Other States". The Blast. May 22, 2019. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  109. ^ "Britney Spears Conservatorship Sues Creator of 'Free Britney' Movement". TMZ. June 26, 2019. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  110. ^ "Kevin Federline files complaint alleging altercation between his son and Britney Spears' father". NBC News. September 5, 2019. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  111. ^ "Britney Spears' Sons Granted Temp Restraining Order Against Her Father". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  112. ^ "Britney Spears's ex Kevin Federline gets increased custody of sons, files restraining order against Jamie Spears". www.yahoo.com. September 3, 2019. Archived from the original on March 31, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  113. ^ a b "Kevin Federline Is Not Happy After Son Jayden Makes Claims About Britney Spears on Instagram". E! Online. March 5, 2020. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  114. ^ "Britney Spears Is Very Angry Over Alleged Abuse Incident Between Her Father and Son". E! Online. September 5, 2019. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  115. ^ "Britney Spears' Dad Jamie Asks to Step Down as Conservator After Alleged Altercation with Her Son". www.yahoo.com. September 6, 2019. Archived from the original on September 7, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  116. ^ "Britney Spears' Dad Wins Injunction Against #FreeBritney Blogger | Entertainment Tonight". www.etonline.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  117. ^ Komonibo, Ineye. "Kevin Federline Responds To His & Britney Spears' Son Airing Out Their Dirty Laundry". Refinery29. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  118. ^ "Britney Spears' Conservatorship Extended Due to Coronavirus Pandemic". ktvb.com. April 21, 2020. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  119. ^ "Why Britney Spears' Recent TikToks Have Left Many People Concerned For Her Health". Junkee. July 8, 2020. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  120. ^ Grady, Constance (February 12, 2021). "Why Britney Spears's fans are convinced she's being held captive". Vox. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  121. ^ a b Sternlicht, Alexandra. "The 6 Things To Know About The 'Free Britney Spears' Movement". Forbes. Archived from the original on March 13, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  122. ^ a b Greenspan, Rachel E. "Photos show #FreeBritney supporters protesting outside of an LA court during Spears's conservatorship hearing". Insider. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  123. ^ Samhan, Jamie (July 12, 2020). "Britney Spears' Former Photographer Reads Worrying Letter Allegedly From The Star". ET Canada. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  124. ^ Guy, Sarah (July 23, 2020). "Britney Spears' Conservatorship Hearing Transcript Sealed, New Court Date Reportedly Scheduled". International Business Times. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  125. ^ "Britney Spears' brother, Bryan, responds to the #FreeBritney movement". TODAY.com. July 23, 2020. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  126. ^ Betancourt, Bianca (July 24, 2020). "Britney Spears's Brother Speaks Out on the Singer's Highly Scrutinized Conservatorship". Harper's BAZAAR. Archived from the original on July 26, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  127. ^ "Britney Spears' father calls #FreeBritney followers 'conspiracy theorists'". Los Angeles Times. August 1, 2020. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  128. ^ "Britney Spears' Conservatorship Cost Her More Than $1 Million in Legal Fees Last Year". E! Online. August 11, 2020. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  129. ^ a b "Britney Spears appears to endorse the #FreeBritney movement". BBC News. September 4, 2020. Archived from the original on September 5, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  130. ^ "Britney Spears is 'afraid of her father,' scores small victory in conservatorship case". Los Angeles Times. November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  131. ^ a b "How to Watch the Britney Spears Hulu Documentary: 'The New York Times Presents Framing Britney Spears' | Entertainment Tonight". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  132. ^ a b Wagmeister, Elizabeth (July 13, 2021). "'Framing Britney Spears' Documentary Nominated for Two Emmy Awards". Variety. Archived from the original on July 13, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  133. ^ "Why the #FreeBritney movement is bigger than Spears". Los Angeles Times. February 5, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  134. ^ "The New York Times Presents" Framing Britney Spears (TV Episode 2021) – IMDb, archived from the original on March 25, 2023, retrieved October 20, 2021
  135. ^ Lowry, Brian (February 5, 2021). "Review: 'Framing Britney Spears' is as much about the singer's fans as her legal woes". CNN. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  136. ^ Jacobs, Julia (February 12, 2021). "Justin Timberlake Apologizes to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 28, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  137. ^ a b Jensen, Erin. "Britney Spears says she's focused on being 'a normal person' in wake of 'Framing Britney'". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  138. ^ Alexander, Ella (March 31, 2021). "Britney Spears responds to documentary: "I cried for two weeks"". Harper's Bazaar. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  139. ^ America, Good Morning. "Jamie Spears' lawyer speaks out on Britney Spears conservatorship". Good Morning America. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  140. ^ Chloe Melas (March 2, 2021). "Britney Spears' father says he would 'love nothing more than to see Britney not need a conservatorship'". CNN. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  141. ^ "Britney Spears' Father Jamie Files Request For Singer To Pay $2 Million In Legal Fees". www.ladbible.com. April 2021. Archived from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  142. ^ "Britney Spears to speak directly to LA court on her conservatorship". Reuters. April 27, 2021. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  143. ^ "Britney Spears wasn't behind petition to end conservatorship, new docs show". Yahoo. June 17, 2021. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  144. ^ Day, Liz; Stark, Samantha; Coscarelli, Joe (June 22, 2021). "Britney Spears Quietly Pushed for Years to End Her Conservatorship". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  145. ^ Willis, Kim. "Britney Spears called 911 to report abuse a day before her shocking testimony, New Yorker says". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  146. ^ a b c Melas, Chloe (September 27, 2021). "5 revelations from CNN's Britney Spears special report". CNN. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  147. ^ a b c Aswad, Jem (June 23, 2021). "Read Britney Spears' Full Statement Against Conservatorship: 'I Am Traumatized'". Variety. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  148. ^ Young, Julius (June 25, 2021). "Britney Spears' ex Kevin Federline wants her to be 'happy, healthy' amid conservatorship battle, attorney says". Fox News. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  149. ^ "Judge denies request to remove Spears's father from her long-standing conservatorship". WGAL. July 1, 2021. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  150. ^ Tsioulcas, Anastasia (July 2, 2021). "Judge Weighs Company's Withdrawal From Co-Managing Britney Spears' Conservatorship". NPR. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  151. ^ Cullins, Ashley (July 1, 2021). "L.A. Courts End Remote Audio Program After Illicit Britney Spears Hearing Recording Surfaces". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  152. ^ a b "Iggy Azalea says she 'witnessed' Britney Spears' father being 'abusive'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  153. ^ Melas, Chloe (July 6, 2021). "Britney Spears' longtime manager Larry Rudolph resigns, citing singer's desire to retire". CNN. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  154. ^ "Britney Spears' attorney to resign from conservatorship case". NBC News. July 6, 2021. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  155. ^ "Britney Spears's mom says singer's 'capacity is certainly different today than it was in 2008' in new filing". www.yahoo.com. July 8, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  156. ^ Melas, Chloe (July 8, 2021). "Jamie Spears says he and other family members have received death threats". CNN. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  157. ^ "Britney Spears' Conservator Accuses Jamie Spears of Using Over $2M of Singer's Funds to Defend Himself". People. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  158. ^ Melas, Chloe (July 12, 2021). "Britney Spears in talks with former federal prosecutor to represent her in conservatorship case". CNN. Archived from the original on July 12, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  159. ^ "ACLU Files Amicus Brief to Support Britney Spears". www.yahoo.com. July 13, 2021. Archived from the original on July 13, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  160. ^ "Britney Spears able to hire own attorney, accuses father of 'conservatorship abuse'". www.yahoo.com. July 14, 2021. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  161. ^ Lozano, Alicia Victoria; Madani, Doha (July 14, 2021). "Britney Spears granted right to hire own lawyer; accuses father of 'conservatorship abuse'". NBC News. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  162. ^ Day, Nate (July 14, 2021). "Britney Spears joins #FreeBritney chorus after new representation in conservatorship is approved: 'Blessed'". Fox News. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  163. ^ Melas, Chloe; Passantino, Jon; Jones, Julia (July 26, 2021). "Britney Spears files to remove her father as conservator of her estate". CNN. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  164. ^ "Britney Spears' Lawyer Wants to Speed Up Process to Remove Her Father". Variety. August 5, 2021. Archived from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  165. ^ a b "Britney Spears' Personal Conservator Fights Back After Jamie Spears Alleges Singer Is 'Mentally Sick' and Needs Psychiatric Hold". Variety. August 6, 2021. Archived from the original on August 8, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  166. ^ Coscarelli, Joe; Day, Liz (August 12, 2021). "Britney Spears's Father Says He Will Step Aside in Conservatorship Battle". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  167. ^ Roberts, Kayleigh (August 22, 2021). "Britney Spears Has Been Reunited With Her Dogs Following Her Fight With Her Housekeeper". Cosmopolitan. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  168. ^ "Britney Spears under investigation for battery after housekeeper accuses singer of slapping phone out of her hand". NBC News. August 19, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  169. ^ "Britney Spears called 911 to report a theft but did not pursue action". NBC News. August 20, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  170. ^ Davis, Barney (September 2, 2021). "Britney Spears: Charges dropped in housekeeper row over dogs". www.standard.co.uk. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  171. ^ "Britney Spears' Attorney Accuses Father of 'Extorting' $2 Million to Step Down". Variety. September 2021. Archived from the original on September 1, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  172. ^ "Britney Spears' Father Has Filed A Petition To End Her Conservatorship". NPR. Associated Press. September 7, 2021. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  173. ^ Melas, Chloe (September 7, 2021). "Britney Spears' father petitions to end her conservatorship". CNN. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  174. ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (September 10, 2021). "Britney Spears' Father Felt Pressure to Terminate Her Conservatorship. But What's Next for the Pop Star?". Variety. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  175. ^ Day, Liz; Abrams, Rachel (November 2, 2021). "Investigation Into Britney Spears Conservatorship Will Look Into Her Finances". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  176. ^ "Britney Spears, Sam Asghari announce they're getting married". NBC News. September 13, 2021. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  177. ^ Blistein, Jon (September 20, 2021). "Oops! She's Posting Again: Britney Spears Reactivates Instagram". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  178. ^ "In New Filing, Britney Spears Consents With The Petition To End Her Conservatorship". NPR. Associated Press. September 22, 2021. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  179. ^ a b "7 Most Shocking Claims From the "Controlling Britney Spears" Documentary". E! Online. September 25, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  180. ^ "Britney Spears Says Father "Crossed Unfathomable Lines" After Invasive Surveillance Of Singer Reports; Feds Could Get Involved With Probe". www.yahoo.com. September 27, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  181. ^ Renfro, Kim. "Britney Spears was reportedly evaluated by a 'retired geriatric psychiatrist' in 2008 when the conservatorship was established". Insider. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  182. ^ Roberto, Melissa (September 28, 2021). "Britney Spears' dad argues he should not be replaced as temporary conservator, slams proposed replacement". Fox News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  183. ^ a b c "Britney Spears' father suspended as her conservator, judge rules". NBC News. September 29, 2021. Archived from the original on September 29, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  184. ^ "Britney Spears thanks #FreeBritney movement for 'freeing' her from conservatorship". NBC News. October 5, 2021. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  185. ^ "Britney Spears's aunt rips Jamie over conservatorship: 'He's barbaric'". www.yahoo.com. October 15, 2021. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  186. ^ Gularte, Alejandra (November 3, 2021). "Jamie Spears Files to Immediately Terminate Conservatorship". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  187. ^ Renfro, Kim (November 3, 2021). "Lynne Spears is requesting that Britney's estate pay for more than $600,000 worth of legal fees linked to her efforts to end the conservatorship". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  188. ^ "Britney Spears's dad calls for 'immediate termination' of conservatorship, says no strings are attached: 'It is unconditional'". www.yahoo.com. November 3, 2021. Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  189. ^ Garner, Glenn (November 5, 2021). "Britney Spears' Former Manager Lou Taylor Denies Bugging Singer's Bedroom, Controlling Her Meds". People. Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  190. ^ Melas, Chloe. "Britney Spears' conservatorship ends". CNN. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  191. ^ "Britney Spears' conservatorship has finally ended". NPR.org. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  192. ^ Day, Liz (November 2, 2021). "Investigation Into Britney Spears Conservatorship Will Look Into Her Finances". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  193. ^ "Britney Spears' conservatorship needed to be kept: sources". May 4, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  194. ^ Friedman, Rebecca (May 20, 2024). "Britney Spears in Need of Another Conservatorship as Fans Worry Someone Is 'Forcing' Her to Record Bizarre Instagram Videos: Sources". OK Magazine. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  195. ^ "Britney Spears Needs New 'Conservatorship' Due To 'Erratic Behavior,' Psychiatrist Claims". Yahoo Entertainment. April 30, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  196. ^ "Britney Spears Needs Conservatorship, New Reporting on Drugs & Surveillance". TMZ. May 20, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  197. ^ "Britney Spears: Fans went 'too far' by calling cops to my house". January 26, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  198. ^ Lee, Erin Snodgrass, Lloyd. "Police conducted 4 wellness checks at Britney Spears and Sam Asghari's house over the course of their engagement and marriage". Business Insider. Retrieved June 29, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  199. ^ Campbell, Josh (September 28, 2023). "Authorities dispatched to Britney Spears' home over video showing singer dancing with knives". CNN. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  200. ^ Asperin, Alexa Mae (September 28, 2023). "Britney Spears dances with knives, gets welfare check from authorities". FOX 11. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  201. ^ "Britney Spears twisted her ankle but is safe at home after Chateau Marmont 911 call". Los Angeles Times. May 3, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  202. ^ Trainor, Daniel (May 2, 2024). "Britney Spears' Boyfriend Paul Richard Soliz: What to Know". Us Weekly. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  203. ^ "The Britney effect: How California is grappling with conservatorship". The Mercury News. July 22, 2021. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  204. ^ "The Britney Effect: Guardianship Protections Under the Illinois Probate Act". Estate and Probate Legal Group. August 16, 2021. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  205. ^ a b "The Britney effect: Conservatorships get scrutiny". Christian Science Monitor. August 13, 2021. ISSN 0882-7729. Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  206. ^ a b "The Britney Effect: How California Is Grappling With Conservatorship". LAist. July 22, 2021. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  207. ^ a b Wamsley, Laurel (June 24, 2021). "Britney Spears Is Under Conservatorship. Here's How That's Supposed To Work". NPR. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  208. ^ a b Puente, Maria (June 25, 2021). "Will Britney Spears' dramatic testimony affect other cases, laws on conservatorship?". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  209. ^ "After Britney Spears testimony, lawmakers push changes to conservatorship laws". The Guardian. July 2, 2021. Archived from the original on July 5, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  210. ^ "The ACLU Is Ready to Help Free Britney". Vanity Fair. August 24, 2020. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  211. ^ a b "Exclusive: Elizabeth Warren, Bob Casey Ask For Data on Conservatorships After Britney Spears Testimony". Time. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  212. ^ "House Republicans, citing Britney Spears, seek hearing on conservatorships". NBC News. March 9, 2021. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  213. ^ "Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene invite Britney Spears to testify to Congress". The Independent. July 1, 2021. Archived from the original on September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  214. ^ Gibson, Brittany (July 2021). "Gaetz invites Britney Spears to testify before Congress". Politico. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  215. ^ Constantino, Annika Kim (July 20, 2021). "Britney Spears' conservatorship case prompts bipartisan 'Free Britney' bill". CNBC. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  216. ^ Castronuovo, Celine (September 21, 2021). "Bipartisan senators to hold hearing on 'toxic conservatorships' amid Britney Spears controversy". TheHill. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  217. ^ "Experts to senators: Free Britney … and other people in toxic conservatorships". Roll Call. September 28, 2021. Archived from the original on October 12, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  218. ^ "New California bill could help Britney Spears in conservatorship case against her father". FOX 11. March 26, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.
  219. ^ Colliver, Victoria (September 30, 2021). "Newsom signs #FreeBritney bill to help reform conservatorship laws". Politico Pro. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  220. ^ Vakil, Caroline (October 1, 2021). "California #FreeBritney conservatorship bill becomes law". The Hill. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  221. ^ "Britney Spears case drives California bid to limit conservatorships". NBC News. January 20, 2022. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  222. ^ Kaufman, Gil (September 6, 2022). "Kevin Federline Breaks Silence on Ex Britney Spears' Conservatorship: 'I Wasn't Involved in Any of It'". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  223. ^ "Kevin Federline: 'I still feel bad' for Britney Spears— and 'the boys'". August 31, 2022. Archived from the original on August 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  224. ^ "Kevin Federline claims Britney Spears's dad saved her life by setting up a conservatorship". Yahoo Entertainment. September 4, 2022. Archived from the original on August 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  225. ^ a b Duff, Seamus (December 18, 2022). "Britney Spears' dad Jamie claims he saved her life with conservatorship". mirror. Archived from the original on August 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  226. ^ "Kevco, The Company Podcast: Legendary Agent - Jason Trawick on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  227. ^ a b c TV, Jamie Burton Senior; Reporter, Film (January 10, 2023). "Britney Spears' ex-fiancé slammed for saying she needed conservatorship". Newsweek. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  228. ^ "Britney Spears: Singer's conservatorship case explained". BBC News. June 24, 2021. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  229. ^ "FreeBritney.army". FreeBritney.army. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  230. ^ "Britney Spears' Fans Demand Release of Pop Star from Psychiatric Facility". Variety. April 22, 2019. Archived from the original on April 23, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  231. ^ Soqui, Erin Snodgrass, Ted. "Photos show hundreds of Britney Spears fans offering support at No. FreeBritney rally as she speaks out against her conservatorship". Insider. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  232. ^ "The Enduring Power of #FreeBritney". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  233. ^ Greenspan, Rachel E. (July 14, 2020). "The campaign to 'free' Britney Spears is gaining steam again after celebrities voice concern over conspiracy theory". Insider. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  234. ^ Brisco, Elise. "'Controlling Britney Spears': 3 of the biggest revelations from the new documentary on Hulu". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  235. ^ "#FreeBritney Rallies Around the World". Rolling Stone. July 14, 2021. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  236. ^ "Chinese Netizens Celebrate Britney Spear's #FreeBritney Victory". RADII | Stories from the center of China’s youth culture. October 9, 2021. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  237. ^ "Britney Spears Shared The Little Ways Her Life Has Already Changed Since She's Been Free Of The Conservatorship". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  238. ^ Stopera, Matt (June 29, 2021). "These Major U.S. Politicians Have Started Tweeting About #FreeBritney, But It Remains To Be Seen If They Will Actually Do Anything About It". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  239. ^ "Matt Gaetz crashes #FreeBritney rally outside conservatorship hearing, calls out Jamie Spears". www.yahoo.com. July 14, 2021. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  240. ^ "No Dia do Orgulho, projeção no Congresso Nacional exibe Free Britney". observatoriodemusica.uol.com.br. Archived from the original on July 3, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  241. ^ "ACT Welcomes Success Of Free Britney Campaign". www.scoop.co.nz. September 30, 2021. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  242. ^ Mathers, Ricki (April 24, 2019). "Celebrities Support Britney Spears After She Pleads For Fans To Give Her Privacy". Breaking Celebrity News, Entertainment News, and Celebrity Gossip – Celebrity Insider. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  243. ^ Krol, Jacklyn (July 19, 2020). "Celebrities Support the #FreeBritney Movement: See Snooki, Paris Hilton and More Speak Out". PopCrush. Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  244. ^ Lynch, Joe (July 16, 2021). "Madonna Shares Expletive-Filled Version of '90s Hit for #FreeBritney Movement". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  245. ^ Dinh, James (October 21, 2009). "Madonna: Britney Spears' 'Human Nature' Cameo Was Comment On Her Career". Archived from the original on July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  246. ^ Stopera, Matt (February 10, 2021). "25 Celebrities Who Have Come Out In Support Of Britney Spears". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  247. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (June 23, 2021). "Mariah Carey, Brandy, Cher Show Support to Britney Spears: 'Keep Fighting, We Are With You'". Variety. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  248. ^ Respers France, Lisa (June 24, 2021). "Celebs rally around Britney Spears". CNN. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  249. ^ Rahim, Zamira (June 29, 2021). "Christina Aguilera declares support for Britney Spears". CNN. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  250. ^ "Stephen Colbert: 'Britney told the judge: they're not that innocent'". The Guardian. June 25, 2021. Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  251. ^ "Christina Aguilera, Kevin Federline back Britney Spears: 'She deserves ... freedom'". Los Angeles Times. June 29, 2021. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  252. ^ McCarthy, Tyler (July 6, 2021). "Elon Musk tweets Britney Spears support amid her ongoing conservatorship battle in court". Fox News. Archived from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  253. ^ "Will.i.am urges Britney Spears to "stay strong" amid her court saga". Newsweek. July 8, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  254. ^ "Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean says the last time he saw Britney Spears 'broke my heart'". www.yahoo.com. July 14, 2021. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  255. ^ Respers France, Lisa (July 30, 2021). "Dolly Parton supports Britney Spears and can relate". CNN. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  256. ^ "Ariana Grande Tells Britney Spears She's 'Loved & Supported' After Court Hearing". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  257. ^ "Who is Britney Spears' new celebrity lawyer, Mathew Rosengart?". The Guardian. July 15, 2021. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  258. ^ "Jimmy Kimmel Rips 'Desperate' Ted Cruz By Exposing His Biggest Hypocrisy Yet". HuffPost. September 30, 2021. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  259. ^ "Olivia Rodrigo on Growth, Britney Spears, and Being Perceived". Teen Vogue. October 5, 2021. Archived from the original on October 7, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  260. ^ "Adele Shows The Love For Britney Spears During Impromptu Instagram Live-Stream". uk.news.yahoo.com. October 10, 2021. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  261. ^ "Britney Spears: Does the latest documentary tell us anything new?". BBC News. April 30, 2021. Archived from the original on July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  262. ^ "'Controlling Britney Spears' Reveals New Details of Her Life Under Conservatorship". The New York Times. September 24, 2021. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  263. ^ "After 'Framing Britney Spears,' Netflix Is Making Its Own Britney Documentary". Bustle. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  264. ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth; Shaifer, Ellise (September 21, 2021). "Britney Spears Netflix Documentary to Explore Conservatorship". Variety. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  265. ^ Donnelly, Matt (March 1, 2021). "Rosamund Pike Says 'I Care A Lot' Has 'Reawoken Conversations About Conservatorship'". Variety. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  266. ^ Stopera, Matt (June 25, 2021). "The Parallels Between Britney Spears' Testimony And This "Black Mirror" Episode Are Disturbing". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.