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In 2019, the #FreeBritney movement, a fan-led campaign initially called by many a joke run by conspiracy theorists, gained traction.
The movement’s organizers and supporters called for years to end the conservatorship restricting the rights and autonomy of pop star Britney Spears.
In 2021, the protest group’s hope of freeing Britney from her nearly 14-year conservatorship came true.
If you’ve just heard of this news, you might wonder why people called for Britney’s liberation.
After all, is the global superstar in jail? Was she ever? You might also want to know what conservatorship — a term frequently associated with Britney’s case — means.
LookUpInmate.org is a one-stop site for information about inmates and the criminal justice system in the United States.
This article discusses everything you should know regarding Britney Spears’ legal status, including whether the pop star is in prison.
Read to learn more about the pop icon’s legal struggles.
What’s Going On With Britney, and When Did It Begin?
To be clear, Britney Spears is not in jail.
The #FreeBritney campaign, which might have gotten you curious about the “Toxic” singer’s legal situation, was all about ending the conservatorship that has taken over Britney’s life since 2008.
The following sections detail Britney’s legal woes.
Why Was Britney’s Conservatorship Put Into Place?
In 2008, the California court put the “Princess of Pop” under conservatorship due to several bizarre incidents, including the following:
- Britney Spears shaved her head
- Spears attacked a paparazzo with an umbrella
- Britney locked herself and her younger son Jayden in a room to prevent the child’s father from taking him away
This behavior landed Britney in a psychiatric hospital under a 72-hour watch. Following these events, Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, petitioned for a conservatorship.
What Is a Conservatorship?
This legal status applies when a court appoints someone to manage a minor’s or incapacitated individual’s financial and personal affairs.
A conservatorship makes the conservator responsible for establishing and overseeing the individual’s physical well-being and living situation.
This legal arrangement may help protect those who need it most, especially those who can’t decide due to cognitive disabilities.
However, conservators may abuse this court-administered power. Examples of conservatorship misuse include physical abuse and financial exploitation.
What Does the Conservatorship Control?
The scope of conservatorship may depend on the jurisdiction and conservatorship type the court sets in place.
For example, in California, a general conservatorship grants a conservator all powers and responsibilities except those found unnecessary.
Meanwhile, a limited conservatorship restricts a conservator’s power to seven, depending on the conservatee’s needs. Here are three of these seven powers:
- Manage the conservatee’s living arrangements
- Consent to or deny the conservatee’s marriage decisions
- Access the conservatee‘s private documents
Spears’ Father Becomes Her Conservator
As mentioned, Jamie Spears, Britney’s father, became her conservator in 2008 during an eventful year.
The court initially granted Mr. Spears and attorney Andrew Wallet control over the pop star’s finances and other aspects of her life.
The conservatorship centered on claims regarding Britney’s undisclosed mental health problem and substance abuse.
Britney Reportedly Opposes Her Father’s Return As Head of the Conservatorship
Spears was “strongly opposed” to the court appointing her father as a “conservator of her person.”
In August 2020, Britney requested the California court to remove Jamie Spears as her sole conservator.
The pop star’s lawyer recommended Jodi Montgomery, a licensed professional conservator, to be a permanent conservator of Spears’ personal life.
Permission Granted for Britney to Expand Legal Team
In October 2020, the presiding court permitted the chart-topping singer to expand her legal team as she sought to remove her father from her conservatorship.
Jamie Spears had argued against the “Oops!…I Did It Again” hitmaker’s request to add more lawyers, saying it would be costly.
But Britney’s team countered through court documents that the pop singer disagreed with Mr. Spears’ career and financial plans for her.
Britney’s attorney stated that the pop icon needs a “qualified litigation counsel” to “place her on a level playing field” with her father.
Alleged Urgency in Suspending Britney’s Father From Estate Management
Jamie Spears asked the presiding judge to deny Britney’s immediate request to remove his conservator status.
He planned to contest his daughter’s petition at the September 29 court hearing.
Confidential court records indicate that Britney opposed the conservatorship more often than what had initially been known to people.
For example, a 2016 court report said Spears felt that the conservatorship had become an “oppressive and controlling tool against her.”
In 2019, Britney told the court she felt forced by the conservatorship to remain in a mental health institution and to perform against her will.
These instances may be the reason for Britney’s urgent call to suspend her father from her conservatorship.
Britney’s Father Discloses No Communication Since August 2020
In a December 2020 CNN interview, Jamie opened up regarding his and Britney’s conservatorship battle.
During the conversation, Jamie said he had not spoken to his daughter since Britney’s legal team filed to remove him as Britney’s head conservator in August 2020.
Mr. Spears claimed that he and Britney were on good terms before the filing.
Jamie Spears Fails in Bid for Sole Conservatorship of Britney’s Estate
In February 2021, Mr. Spears lost his bid to return as the sole conservator of Britney’s estate. He became a co-conservator alongside a wealth management firm.
Jamie’s Attorney Talks to Good Morning America, Claims Jamie “Saved Britney’s Life”
In February 2021, Vivian Thoreen, Jamie Spears’ attorney, guested on Good Morning America (a U.S. T.V. show) to explain Britney’s conservatorship and defend Mr. Spears’ role in it.
Thoreen suggested that Mr. Spears “saved” his daughter Britney’s life via his role as the pop star’s conservator.
Jamie’s Lawyer Speaks Out Again
In a March 2021 interview, Thoreen said that Mr. Spears‘ ultimate wish was for Britney to no longer need conservatorship protection.
She added that Jamie did not claim to be a “perfect” parent but believed in his decisions for his daughter’s personal life and career.
Los Angeles Court Rejects Britney’s Attempt to Oust Father From Conservatorship Leadership
In June 2021, Judge Brenda Penny denied the months-old petition by Samuel Ingham III, Britney’s then-attorney, to remove Mr. Spears from her conservatorship.
Judge Denies Britney’s Repeated Request to Remove Father From Conservatorship
As mentioned, Judge Penny of the Los Angeles Superior Court denied Britney’s legal team’s June 2021 petition to remove Jamie Spears from her conservatorship.
However, the judge’s denial was nothing new.
Mr. Ingham filed a request to remove Jamie Spears from the conservatorship for the first time in November 2020.
At the time, Judge Penny denied the petition. However, the judge did not rule out future petitions for Mr. Spears’ suspension or removal.
Anticipation of Britney’s Remote Court Address in Upcoming Hearing
In April 2021, the court approved Ms. Spears’ request to address the court managing her conservatorship status hearing.
Judge Penny scheduled the status hearing for June 2021.
Britney Spears appeared in a courtroom remotely on June 23 for the hearing regarding her conservatorship, saying she wanted the legal arrangement to end.
Judge Brenda Penny Allows Britney to Engage Her Own Legal Representation
Before Britney addressed the court in June 2021, Judge Penny allowed the pop artist to hire her own lawyer. She hired Mathew Rosengart, who attended the hearing in person.
Rosengart is a prominent American lawyer who has won high-profile cases, such as Sean Penn’s defamation lawsuit and a multi-year $20 million arbitration for his client Credit Suisse.
Britney Addresses Court With a 24-Minute Speech
During her 24-minute speech in the June 2021 hearing, Britney stated the following revelations and requests:
- She wanted to end the conservatorship.
- Britney claimed she had been drugged against her will and was prevented from marrying and removing her IUD (intrauterine device), a birth control device.
- She said she did not know she could petition the court to terminate the conservatorship.
- Spears also said she wanted her speech open to the public.
What Has Britney Spears Said?
The pop star petitioned the court to end the “abusive” legal arrangement and said she was “traumatized.”
Britney insisted that the conservatorship did her way more harm than good before adding, “I deserve to have a life.”
Spears also thanked fans involved in the #FreeBritney campaign for their support.
What Has Jamie Spears Said?
Meanwhile, Mr. Spears reiterated that he loved his daughter “unconditionally” and that he did what he could to serve her best interests.
Mr. Spears stepped down as Britney’s conservator following her July 2021 petition to replace her father with another conservator.
Attorney of 13 Years Resigns From Britney’s Legal Team
Britney’s court-appointed lawyer, Samuel Ingham III, resigned from the pop star’s conservatorship case. Ingham legally represented Spears throughout her 13-year conservatorship.
Ingham and Spears’ working relationship soured when the singer gave an explosive testimony, describing her conservatorship as “abusive.”
Britney’s Official Filing to Oust Father As Conservator
Britney hired a new lawyer a month after she broke her silence regarding her conservatorship.
In July 2021, Mathew S. Rosengart, a former federal prosecutor and high-powered Hollywood lawyer, filed a detailed petition to oust Mr. Spears from the complex legal setup.
Britney Seeks Full-Time Appointment for Temporary Co-conservator Jodi Montgomery
In July 2021, Britney’s co-conservator, Jodi Montgomery, reportedly opposed Jamie Spears’ conservator status.
Insiders said Britney was “happy” with Montgomery’s actions.
That same month, the global superstar officially “requested the resignation” of Mr. Spears.
Britney asked for Montgomery to be named her permanent conservator.
Reports of Jodi Montgomery Preparing Britney for Conservatorship Exit
Jodi Montgomery had acted as Britney’s temporary conservator after Jamie Spears temporarily relinquished the role due to health issues.
Montgomery advocated for Spears’ wishes against her father.
A July 2021 report said Montgomery resolved to do everything she could to free Britney from conservatorship.
Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Free Britney and Conservatorship Abuse Victims
In July 2021, two members of the House of Representatives proposed the FREE (Freedom and Right to Emancipate from Exploitation) Act.
This legislation allows the conservatees to replace their conservators or private guardians.
The increasing public outrage regarding Britney Spears’ conservatorship prompted the proposal.
Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, and Charlie Crist, a Florida Democrat, co-sponsored the bill.
Manager Resigns After Britney’s Distressing Court Appearance
Larry Rudolph, Britney’s longtime manager, who helped shape Britney’s career since her musical debut, resigned from the singer’s team.
Rudolph’s resignation in July 2021 occurred weeks after Britney’s harrowing court appearance.
Britney’s former manager stated that he had not been in contact with Britney in over two years. He added that the singer had expressed her desire to retire from performing, making his services unnecessary.
Reports of Britney’s Medical Team Backing Jamie Spears’ Removal
According to Britney’s co-conservator, Jodi Montgomery, the pop star‘s medical team supported the removal of Jamie Spears as head of her conservatorship.
Montgomery also proposed replacing Jamie with Britney’s nominee, Jason Rubin, a certified public accountant.
Jamie Spears Files to Terminate Britney’s Conservatorship: Jamie Spears’s Official Resignation As Britney’s Conservator
In August 2021, Mr. Spears submitted a document to the Los Angeles Superior indicating his desire to step down as the conservator of Britney’s real estate.
Thoreen, Jamie’s lawyer, said there was no basis for suspending or removing his client from the conservatorship.
However, Mr. Spears relinquished his role, thinking that a public battle with his daughter over conservatorship would not serve her best interest.
His daughter’s repeated pleas influenced his decision to end the legal arrangement in court.
Jamie Spears Requests Legal Fee Coverage From Britney
In December 2021, Mr. Spears asked his daughter to continue paying the attorney fees of $1,200 per hour.
The public scrutinized Mr. Spears’ request since he no longer had a role in Britney’s legal arrangements. Moreover, the pop icon has publicly denounced her father several times.
One person who condemned Mr. Spears’ request was Britney’s lawyer, Mathew Rosengart. Rosengart reportedly called the filing “shameful” in a statement issued on December 20, 2021.
Lynne Spears Formally Opposes Jamie’s Request for Britney to Cover Legal Fees
Lynne Spears, Britney’s mother, also fought against Jamie Spears‘ formal request to have Britney pay for his legal fees during their conservatorship dispute. Lynne described Jamie’s request as “procedurally and substantively improper.”
Lynne also stated that Jamie’s firm’s request for compensation had not been “performed in good faith for the benefit” of Britney.
Britney’s Attorney Anticipated the End of Her Conservatorship in the Year 2021
There appears to be no evidence that Britney Spears’ attorney, Mathew Rosengart, anticipated the end of the pop star’s conservatorship in 2021. But as mentioned above, Rosengart played a significant role in ending Britney’s conservatorship in November 2021.
Judge Brenda Penny Officially Suspends Jamie Spears As the Conservator of Britney’s Estate
On September 29, 2021, Judge Penny suspended Mr. Spears from Britney’s conservatorship. The judge said that the existing conservatorship situation reflected a toxic environment requiring the immediate suspension of Jamie Spears.
Following Mr. Spears’ suspension, the court named John Zabel, a certified public accountant, as Britney’s temporary conservator. Jodi Montgomery also remains Britney’s conservator.
On November 12, 2021, Britney Spears’ Conservatorship Comes to an End
Judge Penny ruled to terminate the pop icon’s almost 14 years of conservatorship. The ruling comes ahead of Britney’s 40th birthday.
Rosengart described November 12, 2021, as a “monumental day for Britney Spears.” He also thanked the #FreeBritney movement for helping to end the legal arrangement.
Britney Spears: My Family Should All Face Legal Consequences for Their Involvement in the Conservatorship
In November 2021, Britney posted an Instagram video saying her family “should all be in jail” for their part in her restrictive conservatorship.
As you learned, Britney Spears was born to Jamie Spears (father) and Lynne Spears (mother).
Britney has two siblings: Bryan Spears (older brother) and Jamie Lynn (younger sister).
In January 2022, Jamie Lynn told Alex Cooper from the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that she had no role in Britney’s conservatorship. She read texts between her and her sister to prove her support.
Meanwhile, Bryan also spoke about the conservatorship in July 2020 on the “As Not Seen on T.V.” podcast.
In one episode, Britney’s brother said the conservatorship had “been a great thing for our family, to this point” and that they kept hoping for the best.
Contrary to Reports, Britney Spears Has No Plans to Reconcile With Her Ailing Father, Jamie
An August 2023 report from TMZ (Thirty Mile Zone) claimed that Britney Spears was considering reconciling with her estranged father.
Sources claimed that the Grammy winner wanted to reach out to Jamie, who was ill. She allegedly expressed this desire following a recent split from her husband, Sam Asghari.
Some may remember that in 2019, Britney announced an indefinite work hiatus from work to care for her father, who was recovering from a life-threatening illness.
Britney’s 911 Call Reporting Conservatorship Abuse on the Eve of Court Appearance
A July 2021 report from the New Yorker alleged that Britney called 911 to report herself as a conservatorship abuse victim.
She allegedly called the hotline a day before her shocking June 23 court address, during which she described herself as “depressed” and “traumatized.”
What Is This “Free Britney” Stuff?
As you learned, the “Free Britney” movement was a fan-led cause that sought to free Britney Spears from conservatorship and advocated for the pop icon’s freedom.
The initiative gained momentum when “#FreeBritney” became a trending social media campaign.
Why Are Fans Concerned About Britney’s Well-Being?
Experts, Spears’ fans, and fellow entertainers worried that the Grammy-winning artist was earning a fortune for her conservators while being deprived of her individual rights, such as spending her money.
Public Figures Close to Britney Speak Out Regarding the Conservatorship
Celebrities rallied behind the “Free Britney” advocacy to help Spears regain control of her life.
Some well-known people who expressed public support for Britney include the following:
- Miley Cyrus
- Rose McGowan
- Lady Gaga
- Christina Aguilera
Britney’s Mother Advocates for Her Daughter’s Regaining Control of Life
Aside from fans and fellow creatives, family members have also advocated for Britney’s autonomy.
In July 2021, attorneys for Lynne Spears (Spears’ mother) filed a petition in the Los Angeles Superior Court, asserting that Britney was well enough to care for herself.
The appeal contended that the pop star should be allowed to choose her conservatorship lawyer.
Kevin Federline’s Wish for Britney’s Health and Happiness for the Sake of Their Sons
Kevin Federline, Britney’s ex-husband, had also supported Britney’s journey to freedom.
In June 2021, Mark Vincent Kaplan, Federlines’s divorce attorney, shared his client’s thoughts regarding Britney’s conservatorship.
According to Kaplan, Federline said the best thing would be for Britney to be “healthy and happy.”
Kaplan added that Federline respects Britney and only hopes for his ex-wife because “when the best for her is achieved, it is best for the kids.”
In 2008, the Los Angeles court awarded sole custody to Federline and suspended Spears’ visitation rights.
The pair have been through several custody battles. However, a September 2019 report said they entered a new custody agreement.
The “Toxic” singer would get 30% unsupervised custody, while Federline would have 70%.
Britney’s Longstanding Battle to Terminate Conservatorship
Based on the information above, here are crucial takeaways from Britney Spears’ yearslong struggle to terminate conservatorship:
- The pop star was under a conservatorship beginning in 2008 and ending in 2021.
- The court placed her under this legal arrangement due to her mental health condition.
- Britney attempted to end the conservatorship throughout the years, claiming that the setup was restrictive, abusive, and unnecessary.
- Britney’s conservatorship case progressed significantly following the #FreeBritney movement’s success.
- The pop star first addressed the court regarding her conservatorship in June 2021.
- After being allowed to hire her lawyer, Britney hired Mathew Rosengart, who helped her remove Jamie Spears from the helm of her conservatorship.
- In September 2021, L.A. Superior Court Judge Penny suspended Mr. Spears’ status as Britney’s conservator.
- In November 2021, the judge officially terminated Britney’s conservatorship, thus restoring her freedom after 13 years.
First Taste of Stardom
On September 29, 1998, Britney released her debut single, “…Baby One More Time,” a song the Grammy website calls a “perfect pop confection.”
The title track of Spears’ 1999 debut album turned the Louisiana singer into an instant superstar. It brought her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Personal Struggles Burst Into Public View
The pop princess’ struggles have generated intense public interest for many years.
Ms. Spears documented some of these unfortunate events in her memoir, “The Woman in Me.”
The book mentions some notable issues she faced, including the following:
- Relationship with Justin Timberlake: Britney describes her past relationship with the former NSYNC member as “magnetic” and her breakup with him devastating.
NSYNC was an American boy band created in Orlando, Florida, in 1995. The group had chart-toppers, including “Bye Bye Bye” and “This I Promise You.”
- Spears’ conservatorship: Spears was under a conservatorship that governed her life and career for 13 years. This legal status ended in 2021.
- Tabloid and paparazzi snooping: The New York Times reported that Britney felt “too much in the public eye, too scrutinized.”
Framing Britney Spears Film Premieres
“Framing Britney Spears” is an Emmy-nominated documentary detailing the story of Britney Spears’ 13-year-long struggle under a court-ordered conservatorship.
The documentary premiered on February 5, 2021, on F.X. (a cable television channel) and Hulu (a streaming platform).
Sam Asghari Expresses Gratitude to Fans in Rare Public Statement
After the release of “Framing Britney Spears,” the pop star received overwhelming support from longtime fans and fellow celebrities opposing Britney’s conservatorship.
Acknowledging the outcry from fans, the singer’s boyfriend, model, and actor Sam Asghari released a rare statement to People magazine regarding his relationship with the star and, seemingly, his support of the #FreeBritney movement.
Las Vegas Residency
Spears’ Las Vegas concert residency, “Britney: Piece of Me,” lasted four years. The superstar performed this act from December 2013 to December 2017 at Planet Hollywood.
The American entertainer said she only had a $2,000 weekly allowance despite earning millions from her Las Vegas performances.
Spears said that any mistakes carried “very harsh” consequences, adding that the conservatorship came with a “lot of fear.”
References
- The #FreeBritney movement finds its moment: ‘All the hard work was worth it’
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/nov/14/freebritney-movement-britney-spears-conservatorship - No, Britney Spears Isn’t Actually in Jail: Here’s What ‘Free Britney’ Is About
https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/is-britney-spears-in-jail-what-do-her-supporters-want-to-free-britney-from.html/ - Britney Spears Feared Her Family Would Kill Her, She Writes in New Book
https://time.com/6326001/britney-spears-book-family-conservatorship-fears - Conservatorship Definition, How It Works, Types, Alternatives
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/conservatorship.asp - Conservatorships
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/conservatorships - Where the Key Players in Britney Spears’ Conservatorship Stand Today
https://time.com/6315686/britney-spears-conservatorship-key-players/ - Britney Spears ‘strongly opposed’ to her father being sole conservator
https://web.archive.org/web/20231028142050/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-08-18/britney-spears-conservatorship-jamie-spears - Britney Spears allowed to expand legal team amid conservatorship battle
https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/international/britney-spears-allowed-to-expand-legal-team-amid-conservatorship-battle-9f2de927-024c-44b4-9c6e-0c960f14200a - Britney Spears’ father speaks out as she requests to remove him as conservator of her estate
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/15/entertainment/britney-spears-father-jamie-spears-conservatorship/index.html - Jamie Spears’ lawyer speaks out on Britney Spears conservatorship: ‘People have it so wrong’
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/jamie-spears-lawyer-speaks-britney-spears-conservatorship-people-76092708 - Britney Spears asks to address court at hearing on her conservatorship
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/britney-spears-requests-address-court-hearing-her-conservatorship-n1265537 - Mathew S. Rosengart
https://www.gtlaw.com/en/professionals/r/rosengart-mathew-s - Britney Spears’ Court-Appointed Lawyer Resigns From Conservatorship Case
https://variety.com/2021/music/news/britney-spears-samuel-ingham-resign-conservatorship-1235012511/ - Britney Spears’ Attorney Files Petition Requesting Jodi Montgomery as Permanent Conservator
https://variety.com/2021/music/news/britney-spears-attorney-jodi-montgomery-conservatorship-1234937791/ - Britney Spears’ Longtime Manager Larry Rudolph Resigns As Singer Weighs Retirement
https://deadline.com/2021/07/britney-spears-manager-resigns-singer-retirement-rumors-freebritney-conservatorship-1234786585/ - The 6 Things To Know About The ‘Free Britney Spears’ Movement
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrasternlicht/2020/07/16/the-6-things-to-know-about-the-free-britney-spears-movement/?sh=7a6a82b363d5 - Britney Spears Calls on Stars to Speak Out Against “Abusive System” After Conservatorship’s Termination
https://www.eonline.com/news/1310474/britney-spears-calls-on-stars-to-speak-out-against-abusive-system-after-conservatorships-termination - Britney Spears’ mom says pop star can care for herself, should pick her own lawyer
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/britney-spears-mom-says-pop-star-can-care-herself-should-n1273294 - Kevin Federline Wants Britney Spears to Be ‘Healthy and Happy,’ Says Lawyer: ‘The Kids Love Their Mother’
https://people.com/music/britney-spears-ex-kevin-federline-wants-her-healthy-happy-lawyer/ - 10 Ways Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” Changed Pop Music Forever
https://www.grammy.com/news/britney-spears-baby-one-more-time-song-25th-anniversary-changed-pop - ‘I Had Been Exploited:’ Takeaways From Britney Spears’s Memoir
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/arts/music/britney-spears-memoir-takeaways.html - NSYNC Biography
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1245374/bio/ - ‘Framing Britney Spears’
https://www.nytimes.com/article/framing-britney-spears.html - A Britney Spears Documentary Is Coming Next Month
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a35290279/nyt-britney-spears-documentary/ - Britney Spears Announces Final ‘Piece of Me’ Las Vegas Residency Shows
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/britney-spears-announces-final-piece-of-me-las-vegas-residency-shows-126555/