Britney Spears has been under her father’s tutelage for years. In her fight against it, the singer is supported by many fans. Now “#FreeBritney” actually seems to be a reality soon.
Los Angeles – For Britney Spears it is another significant step on the way to a self-determined life: After 13 years, the singer’s father wants to step down as guardian for his daughter.
James Spears filed an application to the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday to end guardianship, US media reported unanimously. NBC News quoted the application as saying that his daughter has the right to have this court seriously examine whether guardianship is no longer necessary. The living conditions of the 39-year-olds have changed “to such an extent that the reasons for the appointment of a guardian no longer exist”.
Numerous Spears fans celebrated the news on social networks – often with the hashtag “#FreeBritney”, which many supporters had used in recent months to support the singer. “Finally,” wrote a user on Instagram. “A new era is dawning,” said a Twitter user.
In early September, Britney Spears’ attorney, Mathew Rosengart, had already urged her father to resign as guardian immediately. Rosengart accused James – also known as Jamie – Spears of continuing to try to enrich himself on his daughter. James Spears had announced a month ago that he would step down at the “right time” and referred to a “proper transition” to appoint a new guardian as a condition for his departure.
Even after this announcement, the jubilation was great: “I’m so happy to hear this news,” wrote reality star Paris Hilton (40), who has long been friends with Spears, on Twitter. “It was so long overdue, but I’m so glad that Britney is finally on her way to be free.” Singer Cher commented a month ago that she “couldn’t be happier.”
Britney Spears has been under her father’s tutelage since 2008 after she collapsed mentally due to personal and professional problems. Initially, James Spears managed his daughter’s wealth and private affairs. In 2019 he stepped down, but remained responsible for finances. Co-guardian Jodi Montgomery is responsible for the singer’s personal concerns, including medical concerns.
The motion now filed by James Spears goes on to say that the guardianship helped Britney Spears overcome a severe life crisis, rehabilitate and advance her career, and put her finances and affairs in order. “But things have changed recently.” Britney Spears had expressed her frustration at the level of control that the guardianship had placed on her and asked the court to give her her life back.
At two court hearings in June and July, the singer violently attacked her father in emotional speeches and raised allegations against her family, carers and lawyers. She feels that her family and managers have taken advantage of her. She is controlled by everyone and cannot determine her own life, explained the singer of hits such as “Oops! … I Did It Again “or” Baby One More Time “. She was threatened and was very afraid of her father. In places the pop star broke out in sobs.
Rosengart now told CNN that the father’s motion represented another legal victory for Britney Spears. He added that Britney Spears would “continue to explore all possibilities.” Another hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for September 29th. dpa
