Britney Spears conservatorship dispute
| Britney Spears conservatorship dispute | |||
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| Date | February 1, 2008 – November 12, 2021 (13 years, 9 months and 11 days) | ||
| Location | 34°03′19″N 118°14′49″W / 34.0552178°N 118.2468222°WCoordinates: 34°03′19″N 118°14′49″W / 34.0552178°N 118.2468222°W | ||
| Caused by | Allegations of abuse originating from fan speculation, media investigation, and public testimony | ||
| Goals | Termination of conservatorship, investigations into alleged abuse, guardianship reform | ||
| Methods | Litigation, protest, social media activism, boycott, legislation | ||
| Status | Conservatorship terminated | ||
| Parties to the civil conflict | |||
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| Lead figures | |||
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| In re the Conservatorship of Britney Jean Spears | |
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 Seal of the Court | |
| Court | Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles |
| Full case name | In re the Conservatorship of the Person and Estate of Britney Jean Spears, Conservatee |
| Decided | February 1, 2008 |
| Case history | |
| Subsequent action(s) | The conservatorship of both the person and estate were terminated on November 12, 2021 |
| Court membership | |
| Judge sitting | Brenda J. Penny (2015–2021), previously Reva Goetz (2008–2015; retired) |
| Keywords | |
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On February 1, 2008, the American singer Britney Spears was involuntarily placed under a conservatorship by Judge Reva Goetz, placing her father, James "Jamie" Spears, and attorney Andrew M. Wallet, as conservators. The management of the conservatorship by Jamie, Wallet, and Spears's former business manager Lou M. Taylor, among other parties, generated controversy almost from the beginning. While Spears was held on an involuntary psychiatric hold in early 2008 on alleged mental health concerns, there was initially a temporary conservatorship intended to last only days. It was later extended to months and eventually made permanent, against the objections of Spears herself. Over the course of the conservatorship, a series of alleged abuses came to light, as her conservators and their business partners exerted control over Spears's personal and professional life, often without her input and against her expressed wishes.
Public attention to the conservatorship was generally muted until 2019, when Spears's professional career was put on hiatus during a hospitalization of her father in January for a life-threatening health condition. By April, Spears had checked in to a mental health facility, citing stress over her father's health. Shortly thereafter, leaks from inside the conservatorship team made public some of the more restrictive aspects of the arrangement. 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 the arrangement in place.
The dispute led to #FreeBritney, a social movement supporting the termination of the conservatorship. The movement began after an episode of the podcast Britney's Gram, which disseminated the first alleged abuses, went viral on social media in April 2019. The movement went viral on TikTok in July 2020, and has since seen coverage in news media worldwide due to its association to the case. Spears herself endorsed the movement in legal documents and social media posts.
By 2021, following the release of a television documentary on Spears's career and legal arrangement, the movement grew drastically. On June 23, Spears made her first public statement in court proceedings and asked to terminate her conservatorship. She accused her father, family, and management team of abuse, detailing instances of mistreatment, coercion, and conflict of interest. On July 14, Spears was granted the right to choose her own attorney, former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart of Greenberg Traurig; this action by Judge Brenda Penny set legal precedent for numerous California laws.
On September 7, Jamie and his team reversed position, filing to terminate the conservatorship to allegedly avoid discovery and deposition. In spite of this, Judge Penny suspended Jamie on September 29, replacing him with accountant John Zabel; this allowed the conservatorship to continue until its eventual termination. On November 12, the conservatorship of the person and estate of Spears was formally terminated by Judge Penny.
With the legal battle and subsequent victory, Spears has become a symbol of conservatorship law reform and human rights across the United States; the case has also served as precedent for future legislation designed to combat such abuse on a state and federal level. The revelations of abuse and mistreatment endured by Spears over the course of the conservatorship as well as the one's projected to her by the media and paparazzi through investigative reporting, and various documentaries, led to a reassessment of Spears's legacy and public image, which was distorted by the media during the years leading to her highly publicized breakdown.
Background[]
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 100 million records worldwide, including over 70 million in the United States, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists.[2]
In September 2006, Spears gave birth to her second son, Jayden James, with her husband, dancer Kevin Federline. Sources speculated that Spears suffered from postpartum depression.[3] In November 2006, Spears filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.[4] She and Federline reached a global settlement in July 2007 and agreed to share custody of their two sons.[5] In January 2007, Spears lost her aunt, with whom she was close, to ovarian cancer.[6]
Spears's divorce, custody battle, and subsequent struggles were widely publicized by the media. In February 2007, Spears shaved her head in a Los Angeles hair salon[7] and assaulted paparazzi with an umbrella.[3] In the following weeks and months, Spears was in and out of treatment facilities. In September 2007, she was charged with misdemeanor counts, including a hit-and-run, after crashing into a parked car.[8] In October 2007, she lost custody of her two sons for undisclosed reasons.[9]
In 2007, Spears released her fifth studio album, Blackout. 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.[10] Spears also embarked on her sixth concert tour, The M+M's Tour, which took place in various House of Blues venues.[11] In September 2007, Spears performed the lead single, "Gimme More", at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. The performance was panned by critics, who criticized her appearance and stage presence.[12] During this time, Spears was often seen with associate Sam Lutfi, who was later accused of being a negative influence and against whom many restraining orders were issued.[13] Spears also began a brief relationship with paparazzo Adnan Ghalib.[3]
Legal conservatorships[]
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.[14] Spears was under a probate conservatorship,[citation needed] a type of conservatorship that mostly lasts indefinitely.[15] 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.[16]
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.[17]
Timeline[]
2008: Conservatorship established[]
Temporary conservatorship and initial dispute[]
On January 4, 2008, during a visit with her children at her home, Spears isolated herself and one-year-old son Jayden James in a bathroom. She refused to relinquish custody to Federline and his representatives when her visitation time ended, violating the custody agreement. Spears's elder son Sean Preston had already been surrendered to her bodyguard. Federline called the authorities, who responded by sending police, fire, and ambulance to Spears's residence. Media and paparazzi were also present at the standoff.[3] Spears was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in an ambulance, followed by crowds of paparazzi.[18][19]
Spears was placed under a 5150 hold, an involuntary psychiatric commitment, and her mental state was evaluated. During the hospitalization, Spears lost her visitation rights and Federline gained sole custody of their sons.[20] Spears was released from the hold after 24 hours, as the doctors determined she was stable.[21] On January 31, 2008, Spears was placed under a second hold at the Ronald Reagan 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; Sam Lutfi said she went "willingly", while a Spears family source stated it was a result of her refusal to take prescribed drugs.[22] Other sources say the hold was requested by her psychiatrist after he determined she was in need of hospitalization.[23] In 2021, family friend Jaqueline Butcher cited a motivation of the hold (and later, conservatorship) as a means to remove Spears from Lutfi's influence.[3]
In the six weeks prior to the second hold, Spears's father Jamie had worked with business manager Lou M. Taylor to place Spears in a temporary conservatorship.[3][24] In 2021, Spears would directly accuse the two alongside her mother, Lynne Spears, in establishing the conservatorship; she expressed in a since-deleted Instagram post that her father was "not smart enough" to realize that conservatorship was a legal option.[25] On February 1, 2008, the day after Spears arrived at the UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles 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 for the conservatorship under Judge Goetz reportedly took ten minutes.[3]
In the documents in which Jamie petitioned for conservatorship, he 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.[26][27] The conservatorship was intended to last until February 4;[28] despite this, the conservatorship was still in place on February 6, when Spears was released from the psychiatric ward.[29]
In the months after, the temporary conservatorship was extended as Spears expressed her intent to end it. She hired attorney Adam Streisand to challenge the conservatorship, but he was released from court after lawyers determined Spears lacked "the capacity to retain counsel".[30] Spears also tried to hire attorney Jon Eardley, who argued that her civil rights were being violated under the temporary conservatorship. Eardley said that the conservatorship was placed without "necessary five days notice" to Spears, and thus was invalid.[31] Eardley attempted to take the issue to federal court.[32] Again, an attorney for Jamie filed papers that stated Spears lacked "the capacity to hire an attorney", and Eardley was released from court.[33] Instead, the court granted Spears a court-appointed attorney, Samuel D. Ingham III.[citation needed]
Judge Goetz gave Spears some freedoms, including the ability to spend her own money through a $1,500 weekly allowance. Additionally, Spears 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. She also had her legal fees reduced, as a result of her obligation to pay bills to ex-husband Federline, a consequence of their custody dispute. She continued to undergo mental and psychological evaluations.[34]
Permanent conservatorship and Britney: For the Record[]
On July 18, 2008, Spears and Federline reached another agreement in their custody battle. Spears regained visitation rights in the new settlement, with the chance to gain more as her health improved.[35] Around this time, Spears began to work on her sixth studio album, Circus (2008).[36] 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. She was also nominated for awards at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.[37]
On November 30, 2008, MTV broadcast a documentary, Britney: For the Record.[38] In the film, Spears expressed her discontent about her life under the temporary conservatorship. She said, "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."[39] On October 28, 2008, the conservatorship was made permanent by Goetz. The decision gave Jamie indefinite control over both Spears's estate and personal affairs. Spears did not publicly oppose the decision, which was made to protect her from "undue influence".[40] Spears's career continued under the probate conservatorship immediately afterwards.[citation needed]
In December 2008, Spears was profiled for Rolling Stone by journalist Jenny Eliscu. Eliscu was in contact with Sam Lutfi during the process, and later allegedly used this connection to assist Spears in a third attempt to retain new counsel in early 2009.[41]
2009–2012: Initial years and criticism[]
Restraining orders and first criticisms[]
In 2009, Spears embarked on her Circus Tour, which was managed by her professional team including Lou Taylor, who became Spears's business manager.[42] The tour went on to gross $131.8 million, becoming one of the highest-grossing tours of the decade. In 2021, it was alleged that at one show Spears feared a contact high from weed would lead her to fail a drug test, preventing her from spending time with her children; Spears was reportedly "distressed" during the duration of the events, but her management ultimately decided the show would continue.[43]
Simultaneously, an alleged voicemail by Spears concerning her conservatorship dispute was leaked online. The voicemail was used in court to issue three-year restraining orders for attorney Jon Eardley and former associate Sam Lutfi.[44] A separate three-year restraining order was granted against Spears's former boyfriend Adnan Ghalib.[45]
During this time, Lutfi and Ghalib contacted a third attorney, John Anderson.[3] In 2021, it was alleged in the documentary Britney vs Spears that journalist Jenny Eliscu assisted Spears in signing the legal documents requesting to replace Ingham with Anderson as Spears's attorney of choice. Eliscu allegedly met with Spears in the bathroom of the Montage Beverly Hills, where she signed the legal papers that Lutfi and Ghalib had obtained.[27]
On January 27, 2009, Anderson notified Jamie of his petition to allow Spears to appoint her own counsel and spoke to two of Jamie's lawyers. On January 28, Anderson resigned from the case.[3] In 2021, it was revealed that his abrupt resignation was the result of yet another hearing in which Spears was deemed incapable of retaining counsel.[41]
On the fansite BreatheHeavy, owner Jordan Miller accused Jamie of orchestrating an "imprisonment" and "exploitation" of his daughter, using the phrase "Free Britney" in his posts. The website, alongside Miller himself, became a target of an unsuccessful lawsuit charging the website with copyright infringement. Reports said that Jamie intended to shut down the website.[3][46]
In 2010, Lou Taylor began to professionally represent Spears's estate, which had been conserved by Jamie and Andrew Wallet for two years.[42]
Brand Sense claims amid Femme Fatale[]
In 2011, Spears released her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale. Her estate under conservator Jamie was sued by Brand Sense Partners, a licensing firm, over claims that Spears's estate breached its contract in a deal with fragrance company Elizabeth Arden.[47] In court proceedings, in which Spears was not allowed to testify, Sense said that "the notion that Britney Spears is mentally or emotionally unfit to testify under oath is a sham. Ms. Spears currently has the mental, emotional and physical capacity to endure the strain of a months-long international concert tour ... and maintain custody of her children."[48]
Ex-associate Sam Lutfi continued to pursue a lawsuit against the Spears family, and requested Spears give a deposition. In response, Spears's mother, Lynne, and Jamie maintained that Spears was mentally incapable of testifying under oath. Lutfi cited an interview Spears had with television presenter Ryan Seacrest and noted that "she responds logically and coherently to questions, evidencing logical thinking and mental competency".[49]
In July 2011, as Spears was performing in her Femme Fatale Tour, it was reported that the Britney Spears Foundation, a charity founded by Spears, had seen a significant loss in assets; conservators Jamie and Andrew Wallet had given $50,000 to the Nashville Christian charity Mercy Multiplied and $42,000 to the Californian rehabilitation clinic Cri Help. This left the Britney Spears Foundation, which was intended to found a summer camp for underprivileged children and future performers, with only $17 in assets.[50]
Jason Trawick involvement and The X Factor[]
On December 16, 2011, Spears announced her engagement to business agent Jason Trawick, whom she had been romantically involved with since 2009.[51] After a court hearing on March 22, 2012, sources indicated that Spears was "confident in her capacity to take back the reins of her life", but that the conservatorship remained in place for "various financial and legal reasons". It was also stated that there were plans to eventually return control of Spears's estate back to the singer, and that the engagement was part of that process.[52] Despite this, on April 25, Trawick was approved by Judge Goetz to become co-conservator of Spears's personal affairs, alongside her father Jamie, who was "thrilled" by the developments.[53]
The same day, Sam Lutfi scheduled a jury trial in his defamation case against the Spears family.[53] In the lawsuit, Lutfi's lawyers alleged that Spears's 2008 breakdown was caused by drug use. Lutfi also attempted to sue Lynne Spears for her claims about him in her memoir, Through the Storm.[54] Later in 2012, Lutfi's defamation lawsuit against the Spears family was discarded by Goetz, and it was reported that the conservatorship prevented Spears from testifying in court against Lutfi.[55]
On May 14, 2012, it was announced that Spears and singer Demi Lovato would join as judges on the American version of The X Factor. Trawick was "deeply involved in the negotiations" of Spears's $15 million deal.[56] Goetz approved the deal, allowing Spears to appear as a panelist and mentor for the second season.[57] In 2021, Louis Walsh, who replaced Simon Cowell on the judging panel for a handful of episodes, claimed Spears was being heavily medicated during the show. Walsh alleged that the effects of the medication impaired her ability to function during the shows.[58]
In January 2013, Spears and Trawick called off their engagement, and Trawick resigned as Spears's co-conservator of the person.[59] Amid the separation, criticisms of the conservatorship arose again, and Forbes questioned its necessity, citing Spears's accomplishments on The X Factor.[55] In 2021, accounting records from 2012 were disclosed to the public, including those which listed the expense of a "consultation on dissolution of marriage". This led some to believe Spears and Trawick had secretly married before they had called off their engagement. Trawick denied this, and legal experts, including Kevin Federline's representatives, debunked the rumors.[60]
2013–2018: Continued career under conservatorship[]
Concert residency[]
In 2013, Spears's conservators petitioned the courts for riskier investments for her brand. Later that year, Spears released her eighth studio album, Britney Jean, and began Britney: Piece of Me, a two-year concert residency at the Planet Hollywood resort in Las Vegas.[61] The residency contract specified that the deal between Spears's estate and Caesar's Entertainment could be canceled were Spears's conservatorship to end.[62] Lou Taylor's company, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, had "an important role in connection with budgeting, planning, and assisting with the negotiation[s]".[42]
In 2014, Spears split with boyfriend David Lucado.[63] 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".[64]
Glory and further criticisms[]
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".[65] 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".[65]
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".[65] 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.[65]
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.[66] 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]
Conservatorship alterations and Britney: Domination[]
In March 2018, it was reported that Jamie Spears was considering ending the conservatorship over Spears by the end of her tenth tour, the Piece of Me Tour.[67] Sources close to Spears echoed this, stating that Spears was "feeling confident enough to take control of her life again".[68]
In October, Spears announced her second Las Vegas concert residency, Britney: Domination. The show was to take place at the Park MGM starting February 2019, and Spears was expected to make over $500,000 for each show.[69] The next day, attorney and co-conservator of Spears's estate Andrew Wallet asked the court for a raise, citing Spears's "increased wellbeing and her capacity to be engaged" and saying that "the next several years promise to be very lucrative". Wallet asked to be paid $426,000 per year for overseeing Spears's estate alongside Jamie.[70]
2019–2020: Career hiatus and #FreeBritney[]
Britney: Domination cancellation and beginning of hiatus[]
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".[71]
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 Spears as the sole conservator of Spears's finances.[72] 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.[73]
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'".[74]
#FreeBritney movement begins[]
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.[75]
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".[75]
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.[76]
Fans including the hosts of Britney's Gram gathered outside West Hollywood City Hall in the first #FreeBritney rally.[77] 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".[78]
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.[79] 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.[80] Around this time, Spears was released from the mental facility and given a cellphone that only permitted phone calls.[81]
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.[82] 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.[83] Spears's business manager Lou M. Taylor also sued another #FreeBritney advocate for defamation, after the advocate used Taylor's name in website domains that accused her of masterminding Spears's conservatorship.
Child abuse allegations against Jamie Spears[]
On August 25, Sean and Jayden, Spears's sons with Kevin Federline, were granted a temporary restraining order against Jamie Spears after allegations of physical abuse. Sean reportedly got into a verbal argument with grandfather Jamie at his home and locked himself in a room; Jamie broke down the door and "put his hands on [Sean]". Federline and divorce attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan filed a police report, saying that Spears was the one to recognize the abuse and remove her children from their grandfather.[84]
After the incident, Spears and Kevin Federline modified their custody agreement, with Federline receiving 70 percent of custodial rights and Spears's custodial rights reduced to 30 percent. Though the new agreement was put in place the previous year, it was made official in response to the alleged battery in which Jamie "violently shook" Sean.[85] Jamie Spears was placed under investigation for child abuse during these changes; the charges were ultimately dropped due to insufficient evidence.[86][87]
On September 6, Jamie Spears temporarily stepped down as conservator, citing personal health reasons. Jamie remained the sole conservator of Spears's estate. The court approved Jamie's request that Jodi Pais Montgomery, Spears's then-"care manager", become the temporary conservator of her person in his place. Montgomery remains in the role.[88] At the status hearing for the conservatorship on September 18, no rulings occurred, and Spears did not attend.[89] The next status hearing was scheduled for April 21, 2020.[citation needed]
On March 4, 2020, Spears's younger son Jayden Federline responded to fans's questions live on his personal Instagram account. Among the questions that Jayden answered, he commented on his mother's professional hiatus and alleged that she might not return to the industry. He also approved of his mother's relationship with Sam Asghari. Jayden expressed in the livestream that he thought his grandfather Jamie was "a pretty big dick"; sources speculated this comment was connected to the previous allegations against Jamie after his altercation with Jayden's elder brother. Despite this, Spears's son was hesitant to make any statements about the #FreeBritney movement.[87][90]
After the livestream, Jayden's Instagram account was made private and all posts on his page were deleted. Jayden stated in his livestream that he intended to answer additional questions had he reached five thousand followers. Mark Vincent Kaplan said that Federline was "not happy" with his son's behavior and dealt with the situation "as you would expect a responsible parent to address it".[87][90]
TikTok trends and online activism amid COVID-19[]
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. In the United States, this prompted the implementation of social distancing measures nationwide, including in the state of California. As a result, the April 21 conservatorship hearing was postponed to July, and temporary orders within the conservatorship were extended to August.[91] These orders included Jodi Montgomery's temporary status as conservator of the person. Many conservatorship hearings since this date have been held virtually.
In May, after a resurgence of popularity for Spears's ninth studio album Glory (2016), she released "Mood Ring" worldwide, a bonus track previously available only on the Japanese version of the album.
On July 2, Spears posted a video on TikTok, which ignited widespread speculation on the platform about her well-being. The conversation caused the #FreeBritney movement to trend for a second time, and celebrities including Missy Elliott and Tinashe expressed concern and sympathy. Public conversation included criticism of the conservatorship arrangement; it also involved many conspiracy theories, including that Spears is being held hostage, is given "anti-psychotic medication" to make her appear unstable and submissive, or has little to no rights.[92]
During the public outcry, photographer Andrew Gallery, who worked with Spears during the 2008 filming of Britney: For the Record, uploaded a series of TikToks sharing a letter allegedly written by Spears in the third person. Gallery's videos went viral on the platform. He claimed the letter was a copy of the original, which was "destroyed" by Spears's conservators. The letter describes many events in Spears's life differently from how they were reported, 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". The letter also stated that the conservatorship arrangement could continue "as long as the people are getting paid".[93]
In response to the publicity of the conservatorship dispute, Lynne Spears filed to be included in all financial decisions in her daughter's conservatorship.[94] On July 22, both Jamie and Lynne Spears appeared at the postponed hearing in a virtual format. Spears was also scheduled to appear virtually, but was unable to due to "technical difficulties". It was later reported that the proceedings, which took place on the virtual platform Zoom, experienced difficulties because four individuals had hacked into the call and refused to leave. During the hearing, a new ruling was issued that sealed all proceedings in the conservatorship from the public eye.[95] Many #FreeBritney advocates, spurred by the TikTok movement, appeared at an in-person rally at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse during proceedings.[96]
After the movement surged on TikTok, advocates started a White House petition calling for a congressional investigation into the conservatorship, which was signed by hundreds of thousands of people. As of July 23, 2020, there were more than 100,000 posts with the #FreeBritney hashtag on Instagram, and more than 100 million views of the same hashtag on TikTok.[96]
On July 23, Bryan Spears, Spears's elder brother, made comments on the As Not Seen on TV podcast that aligned with Spears's alleged dissatisfaction with her state of affairs. Though Bryan stated that his sister had "always wanted to get out" of the conservatorship, he continued to assert that the legal arrangement was "a great thing for [his] family".[97]
In the following days and weeks, there was an increase in news coverage regarding the dispute, with much focus on the #FreeBritney movement itself. Vox described the movement as "a familiar rallying cry".[98] Jamie Spears continued to maintain that the #FreeBritney movement was based on conspiracy theories and other fan speculation.
In August, it was reported that the conservatorship proceedings cost Spears over $1 million in 2019 alone.[99] The same month, Lou Taylor resigned as Spears's business manager after she received death threats from #FreeBritney activists in light of Spears's criticisms of the conservatorship and her connection to the case.[42]
Litigation amid #FreeBritney and first public endorsements[]
In early September, 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:[100]
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.[100]
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.[101]
2021–present: Public testimony and major developments[]
Public uproar after Framing Britney Spears[]
On February 4, 2021, The New York Times released a television documentary covering Spears's life, struggles, and conservatorship, titled Framing Britney Spears (2021). The documentary was a 74-minute episode of a television streaming series on FX and Hulu titled The New York Times Presents. The film was directed by Samantha Stark and produced by The New York Times Company and Left/Right Productions. The release of the documentary significantly contributed to heightened mainstream public awareness of the conservatorship dispute.[102]
The film stars journalist Liz Day and film critic Wesley Morris. It also includes testimonies from various figures in Spears's life and career, including former assistant Felicia Culotta, former stylist Hayley Hill, and management figures such as Kim Kaiman and Nancy Carson. Additional individuals who appeared included paparazzi Daniel Ramos, alongside other media figures, music experts, and #FreeBritney activists. Lawyers that appeared in the film included Spears's former attorney Adam Streisand and Jamie's former attorney Vivian Lee Thoreen; Thoreen would later rejoin Jamie's legal team in the conservatorship dispute after her appearance in the documentary.[103]
Much of the documentary shed light on Spears's treatment by the media, including papparazzi. The film highlighted how Spears was often "hyper-sexualized", and how that portrayal played a role in "intense tabloid scrutiny" in the years after.[104] The Guardian called the documentary "a reconstruction of Spears's career through a modern, post #MeToo lens".[105] The film ignited criticism of many individuals, including Justin Timberlake, in the context of his high-profile relationship and breakup with Spears; Timberlake later apologized to Spears in an Instagram post, which also contained an apology to Janet Jackson in reference to the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy.[106] The film also ignited criticism of Ramos, presenter Ivo Niehe, journalist Diane Sawyer, former First Lady of Maryland Kendel Ehrlich, journalist Matt Lauer, and comedian Sarah Silverman for their various comments towards Spears. In contrast, the public acclaimed Craig Ferguson's refusal to criticize Spears amidst her mental health struggles, after a segment of his show went viral.[107]
In response to the documentary and subsequent public 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 Spears as "a total dick".[102] Spears herself stated that she did not watch the film in its entirety, but the portions she did view made here "embarrassed", adding that she "cried for two weeks".[108]
The documentary was acclaimed by critics. It would go on to receive two nominations at the 73rd Annual Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Awards, in the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming categories.[109]
June 23 testimony and aftermath[]
At routine proceedings on April 27, 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.[110] 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.[111]
On June 22, The New York Times reported that, in confidential documents that were 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.[112]
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.[113] Officers later met Spears at her residence. In September, journalist Ronan Farrow reported that Spears had intended "to establish [...] something illegal was happening".[114] 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".[3]
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 is 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 has since been prevented from removing.[115]
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.[115]
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.[115]
On June 25, Spears's ex-husband Kevin Federline supported her wishes to end the conservatorship. His attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, stated that Federline wants 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.[116] Kaplan also clarified that Federline never used their children as "pawns", and was not involved in the implementation of the conservatorship.
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 "has been a tireless advocate" for Spears.
On the same day, Judge Penny denied the motion to remove Jamie Spears as conservator of the estate,[117] 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.[118]
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.[119]
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.[120]
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".[3]
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.[3]
Resignations and litigation under new counsel[]
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.[121] 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.[122]
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".[123] 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.[124] 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.[125]
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.[126] 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.[127]
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]".[128] Spears said she wanted her father removed as conservator, and that she intends to charge him with conservatorship abuse.[129] 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.[130]
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.[131] 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.[132] 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.[133]
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.[133]
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".[134]
Allegations of battery, termination filings, and engagement[]
On August 19, it was reported that Spears was under investigation for battery following a physical altercation with a female staffer in the morning of August 16. Spears allegedly forcibly removed a phone from the staffer's hand; the staffer was not physically harmed. The employee reported the incident to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, but Spears reportedly refused to speak on the phone with officers. The incident was under consideration for misdemeanor battery charges. 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".[135]
On August 20, it was reported that proposed conservator Jason Rubin filed a petition in 2020 to become the guardian of his mother Ida Rubin, alleging that she suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. Both Ida and Jason's brother had objected to the request, with Ida testifying in court that she was competent to handle her own affairs. A judge dismissed Jason's petition after a year of litigation, citing questionable evidence from his team, and ultimately ruled that Ida was competent enough to care for her own well-being. An attorney for Jason stated that the events "in no way whatsoever [reflect] on Mr. Rubin's ability to properly manage and protect an individual's assets".[136]
On August 23, it was reported that the staffer in the battery investigation, a housekeeper, had taken her dogs to a veterinarian in early August and never returned them, concerned that Spears was neglecting the pets. Subsequently, Spears reported a theft to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, but did not pursue further action.[137] When the staffer returned, she showed Spears a photo of her ill dog; Spears suspected the pets had been taken by order of her father, thus resulting in the alleged incident.[138]
On August 31, Rosengart filed a court document accusing Jamie of attempted extortion of approximately $2 million. Rosengart argued that Jamie was seeking for Spears's estate to pay $1.3 million in attorneys's fees, $500,000 to her former management company, and additional sums to Jamie himself. Rosengart declared he would not negotiate Jamie's departure, instead formally requesting Judge Penny order Jamie's removal at the subsequent court hearing. Rosengart added that the attempt at the alleged extortion negotiations was a "non-starter".[139]
On September 2, it was reported that Spears's dogs had been returned to her, and that the housekeeper was removed from her position. Prosecutors would not press charges against Spears, citing insufficient evidence and noting the lack of injury to the housekeeper or damage to the phone.[140]
On September 7, Jamie and his legal team reversed their position on the conservatorship, filing a petition to terminate, stating that "circumstances have changed" that remove the need for conservatorship. Jamie's legal team stated in court documents that "all he wants is what is best for his daughter".[141] Rosengart described the filing as a "legal victory" and "vindication" for Spears, but that he and Spears's legal team would "continue to explore all options" in investigating the alleged abuses that occurred under the conservatorship, including "misconduct" and "financial mismanagement".[142][143] Later that year, it was revealed in court filings that the reversal was made after Spears's team requested discovery and deposition.[144]
On September 12, Spears announced on her Instagram her engagement to Sam Asghari, her boyfriend of five years.[145] On September 14, after a post in support of #FreeBritney, Spears's Instagram account was deactivated; Spears later clarified that she wanted to step away from social media to "celebrate [her] engagement". Spears returned to Instagram on September 20.[146]
On September 22, Spears and her legal team filed documents consenting to Jamie's petition to terminate the conservatorship. The filing also emphasized that it was of greater importance to Spears that Jamie be removed first, citing the "Kafkaesque nightmare" of his tenure as conservator. Rosengart also added that Spears's prenuptial agreement with Asghari would involve the conservator of the estate, and that Spears preferred that Jamie not be in that position in drafting the agreement.[147]
Surveillance allegations and additional documentaries[]
On September 24, The New York Times announced and released Controlling Britney Spears, a sequel to their 2021 documentary Framing Britney Spears. The film presented previously undisclosed details regarding Spears's conservatorship and management. The film included testimonies from individuals close to Spears and her team, including former security assistant Alex Vlasov, former assistant Felicia Culotta, and former head of wardrobe Tish Yates.[81][148]
Much of the documentary alleged that Spears was under tight surveillance, which included the monitoring of Spears's electronic devices without her consent; it was alleged that all of Spears's phone conversations were mirrored, including those with her previous attorney, Sam Ingham. Surveillance also allegedly included audio recording devices placed in Spears's bedroom that recorded conversations between her and Asghari, or her children. The documentary stated that reporters at the Times could not confirm if the court had knowledge of these measures; Spears's attorney, Rosengart, stated that such claims would be "fully and aggressively investigated". In a filing on September 27, Rosengart added that "Mr. Spears has crossed unfathomable lines" in reference to the allegations.[81][148][149]
Vlasov stated that the security measures implemented under the conservatorship were "ethically [...] just one big mess", alleging that he was asked to destroy evidence. Spears's romantic relationships were also monitored, and significant others were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. Yates alleged that disputes between Spears and her superiors often "escalated" into threats regarding custody of her children. Yates and Culotta also alleged that Spears's inner circle was reduced, with Culotta expressing her belief that Spears's management attempted to "turn the two of [them] against each other".[81][148]
Vlasov also alleges that security administered medication to Spears, and that early members of the #FreeBritney movement were investigated and documented. The film made substantial allegations against Jamie Spears, Black Box Security head Edan Yemini, and management company Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, including CEO Lou Taylor and Robin Greenhill.[81][148]
On September 26, CNN aired a special report on the conservatorship dispute. Former promotional manager Dan George, who had also appeared in Controlling Britney Spears, repeated the allegations of unconsented surveillance detailed in the documentary; George added that Spears "could only read Christian books" and that her medical care was also regulated. George also alleged that those working alongside Spears that were willing to question the conservatorship "could lose [their] job". The special report also alleged that Spears blamed Lou Taylor for many of the abuses surrounding the conservatorship.[114]
On September 28, Netflix released their documentary Britney vs Spears, directed by filmmaker Erin Lee Carr. The film features alleged leaked documents that Carr claimed to have verified.[41] The film, which also features Felicia Culotta, also included Rolling Stone journalist Jenny Eliscu, Adnan Ghalib, Sam Lutfi, Andrew Gallery, Mark Vincent Kaplan, and various other attorneys. Among the allegations, Ghalib shared alleged texts that highlighted Spears's discontent with the conservatorship, and Lutfi denied allegations he had given Spears drugs.[27]
When questioned about Spears's former business manager Lou Taylor, Culotta refused to speak about her, stating "I will not touch that one [...] She will chew me up and spit me out".[41] The film also included testimonies from J. Edward Spar, a geriatric psychiatrist who refused to disclose if he had examined Spears. His name appeared on court documents that determined Spears was incapacitated.[150]
The same day, Jamie filed documents opposing his replacement as conservator of the estate by Spears's and Rosengart's candidate, John Zabel. Jamie argued that Zabel was not a "licensed fiduciary" and therefore "not well suited" to conserve Spears's $60 million estate.[151] Rosengart defended Zabel's record in a separate filing.[152]
Suspension of Jamie Spears and termination of conservatorship[]
At a hearing on September 29, Judge Penny suspended Jamie as conservator of the estate. With Montgomery as Spears's temporary conservator of the person, the decision effectively ended Jamie's control of Spears's life after 13 years. He was replaced by Zabel, who was appointed temporary conservator of the estate; as a result, all documents regarding Spears's estate were ordered to be given to Zabel. During the hearing, Judge Penny reportedly based her decision on a "situation [that] is not tenable" and "is toxic".[152] Judge Penny also set an upcoming hearing on November 12 to discuss potentially terminating Spears's conservatorship in its entirety.
On October 15, Jamie's half-sister Leigh Ann Spears Wrather criticized her sibling's involvement in the conservatorship of her niece Spears, calling him "barbaric". Wrather expressed that her brother should be "held accountable" and alleged that Lynne Spears did little to support Spears in the dispute.[153]
On November 2, court filings in anticipation of the November 12 hearing revealed the proposed investigations that Spears's legal team intended to pursue. These included investigative efforts into the financial aspect of the conservatorship, especially alleged connections with Lou Taylor, her company Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group, and Robin Greenhill. Additionally, Rosengart requested documents connected to Edan Yemini, Black Box Security, and the previous surveillance allegations.[154] The same day, Spears explicitly accused Lynne and Taylor of orchestrating the conservatorship alongside Jamie. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Spears expressed that the three individuals collectively "[knew] exactly what [they] did" in regard to the conservatorship and its establishment.[25]
On November 3, Lynne Spears requested that Spears's estate pay more than $600,000 in legal fees. Lynne's legal team argued that the fees were "warranted" because they were used within Lynne's counsel to support Spears's best interests.[155] The same day, Jamie Spears again petitioned for "immediate termination" of the conservatorship, stating that his actions are in Spears's best interests.[156]
On November 5, Lou Taylor on behalf of Tri Star denied various allegations, including those of surveillance and medical treatment, that media had described.[157]
On November 12, the conservatorship of both the person and the estate of Spears, which had lasted for nearly 14 years, was terminated "effective immediately" by Judge Penny, and there were no objections to the ruling. A mental evaluation was not needed for the termination. Assets that were overseen by the conservatorship were moved to a trust.[158]
Effects[]
The publicity surrounding Spears's case has led to increased discussions about conservatorship abuse as a whole. According to The Guardian, a 2005 investigation by the Los Angeles Times found many cases where elders would become subject to "for-profit conservators", and a 2018 report by the National Council on Disability found that conservatorships are often implemented without considering less restrictive options for treatment.[159]
In 2020, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) voiced their support for Spears amid #FreeBritney discussion on Twitter and TikTok. Staff attorney 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.[160]
Legislative efforts[]
Legislation regarding conservatorship abuse, in many cases spurred by the #FreeBritney movement, has been proposed and discussed at the state and federal levels within the United States. In California, State Senator Ben Allen introduced Senate Bill 724, which gives conservatees the right to obtain counsel as they choose, even if the conservatee is considered to be of decreased 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.[161]
On July 1, it was reported that U.S. Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) invited Spears to testify in Congress about the conservatorship. Gaetz, who was under investigation for sex trafficking, said that a potential testimony of Spears's abuses could "inform policy decisions".[162] The letter, which was signed only by Republicans, also stated that Congress "should be inspired to bipartisan action".[163]
In the Senate, 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 regarding guardianship within the United States. The two senators expressed their concern that issues within guardianship systems could "create significant opportunities for neglect, exploitation, and abuse", and highlighted that insufficient data hindered efforts for "policy recommendations". The letter to the government agencies was written in direct response to Spears's June 23 testimony, citing that her case "has shined a light on longstanding concerns [...] for financial and civil rights abuses of individuals placed under [...] conservatorship".[164]
On September 28, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) held a bipartisan hearing in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee concerning guardianship and conservatorship. The two senators cited Spears's case as a major influence in the legislative discussion. The hearing was named "Toxic Conservatorships: The Need for Reform", in reference to Spears's 2004 hit single "Toxic".[165] Spears did not testify in the hearing, but various legal and medical experts alongside other conservatees did.[166]
On September 30, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the #FreeBritney Bill into law. The bill, drafted by Assemblyman Evan Low, implements procedures that check for financial conflict of interest and regulate conservators acting outside of the conservatee's best interest. The bill's provisions are expected to go into effect in 2023 or 2024.[167]
Responses[]
#FreeBritney[]
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.[168]
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.[169] 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.[170][171]
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.[172] The movement was initially criticized by the media, fact-checkers, and the conservators for spreading conspiracy theories about Spears's situation.[173]
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.[81][174]
Activism in the movement has spread beyond California and is present globally; rallies have been held in Washington, D.C. and London, England.[175] 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.[176]
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.[177]
Lawmakers[]
On March 8, 2021, U.S. 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".[178]
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 (R-TX), 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 Barry Moore (R-AL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), and Jim Banks (R-IN), and politicians Tulsi Gabbard and Caitlyn Jenner also voiced their support in the days after.[179]
On July 1, additional U.S. lawmakers expressed concern, including Representatives Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bob Casey (D-PA). Concern within the U.S. government regarding Spears's case is often described as bipartisan.[163][164] Gaetz appeared and spoke at a #FreeBritney rally on July 14.[180]
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".[181] 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.[182]
Entertainment industry[]
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;[183] 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.[184] 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".[185][186]
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,[187] and Christian Siriano.[107]
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.[188][189][190] Late-night television hosts Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher also voiced support for Spears during their programs in the days after the testimony.[191] 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.[192]
In July 2021, more individuals spoke in support of Spears, including first ex-husband Jason Alexander, former associate Sam Lutfi, family friend Jaqueline Butcher,[3] Iggy Azalea,[120] Elon Musk,[193] will.i.am,[194] AJ McLean,[195] Dolly Parton,[196] and Ariana Grande.[197] 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.[198]
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.[114] That month, Jimmy Kimmel also commented on the case.[199] In October, Spears also received support from Olivia Rodrigo[200] and Adele.[201]
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.[152]
Film and television examinations[]
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),[109] and the BBC's The Battle for Britney: Fans, Cash and a Conservatorship (2021).[202]
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.[203] A feature-length Netflix documentary, titled Britney vs Spears, was released on September 28, 2021.[204][205]
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.[206] 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.[207]
Notes[]
- ^ a b Chosen by opposing side.
- ^ Stands for "formerly", or an individual who resigned from the position before its termination.
- ^ Stands for "removed", or an individual who was suspended and/or removed from the position before its termination.
- ^ a b Does not participate in a court-ordered or legal capacity.
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