Britney Spears, pop icon who experienced abuse during her conservatorship, discusses the events leading up to her conservatorship, manipulation and financial control, and her attempts to break free. The hosts also explore emotional movie experiences and the media's role in shaping public perception of a famous pop star facing mental health issues.
Britney Spears' conservatorship stripped away her personal freedoms and controlled all aspects of her life, leading to a decade of constant control and surveillance.
Britney faced obstacles and resistance when attempting to break free from the conservatorship, highlighting the challenges she experienced in maintaining personal freedom while fighting to escape.
Britney Spears' case shed light on the need for conservatorship reform and sparked a broader conversation about the rights of individuals under similar arrangements, promoting compassion and understanding for those facing mental health struggles.
Deep dives
Britney's struggle under the conservatorship
Britney Spears, a world-renowned pop star, has been under a conservatorship since her infamous breakdown in 2007. Despite her continued success in her career, fans believe she wants to be free from this legal binding. Early attempts to break out of the conservatorship were unsuccessful, as she was monitored and controlled at all times. Brittany's every move was scrutinized and her access to her children and personal freedoms were limited. She was forced to finance the conservatorship herself, even though her money was not hers to control. With her personal desires ignored and her rights stripped away, Brittany lived in a state of constant control and surveillance for over a decade.
Britney's failed attempt to hire her own attorney
In 2009, Brittany made a secret attempt to hire her own attorney, showing her lack of confidence in the court-appointed lawyer. The plan was hatched by her former manager and ex-boyfriend. Journalist Jenny Alisku was involved and witnessed Brittany signing a petition requesting a change in legal representation. However, the judge denied the petition, claiming that Brittany was fine with her current lawyer. This failed attempt highlighted the challenges Brittany faced in trying to escape the conservatorship.
Living under the conservatorship
Brittany Spears was controlled by the conservatorship, which extended to all aspects of her life. She was monitored and had limited privacy, unable to make her own decisions or communicate freely. Despite being a top-selling pop star and successful performer, Brittany's agency and financial control were taken away. The conservatorship profited off of her while restricting her independence. Any attempts by Brittany to challenge or escape the conservatorship were met with resistance and manipulation.
The struggle to break free and the ongoing fight
Britney Spears made efforts to break free from the conservatorship, but faced obstacles and control at every turn. The balance between working to maintain some level of personal freedom and wanting to escape the conservatorship made it challenging for her. The Free Britney movement gained momentum, bringing awareness to the discrepancies and fighting for Britney's rights. Despite the ongoing fight, Britney lived under the conservatorship for over a decade, deeply impacting her personal and professional life.
Britney Spears' Fiery Testimony and the Unraveling of the Conservatorship
In 2021, Britney Spears delivers a powerful testimony in court, revealing the extent of the control exerted over her in the conservatorship. She details being denied basic forms of autonomy, such as not being allowed to have her IUD removed against her will. This testimony sparks a turning point in the public's perception of the conservatorship, leading to the unraveling of the system. Shortly after, her longtime business manager and court-appointed attorney resign, aligning themselves with Britney. An outside attorney successfully petitions the court, allowing Britney to choose her own legal counsel for the first time in 13 years. Eventually, Britney's father officially steps down from the conservatorship, and in November 2021, the court rules in Britney's favor, ending the conservatorship after 13 years.
The Larger Conversation: Conservatorship Reform and Shifting Attitudes
Britney Spears' case highlights the need for conservatorship reform and raises awareness about the rights of individuals under such arrangements. Discussions around conservatorship reform gain momentum as people recognize that many individuals, not just famous ones like Britney, may lack the chance to prove their capacity or break free from restrictive guardianships. The spotlight on Britney's case also prompts reflection on how she was once subjected to public ridicule and judgment, criticizing her mental health and personal struggles. The hope is that society has evolved to be more compassionate and understanding, challenging the old narrative of stigmatizing and mocking individuals during their difficult times.
Grant takes Maia on a trip down memory lane… to 2007! Together we revel in our love of Britney Spears and our shock at the way her conservatorship abused her. Along the way we reflect on how Britney was treated during a difficult period in her life, and the ways we hope that would be different today.
00:00:00 Catch-Up
00:13:32 Free Britney
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