Britney Spears may speak out on conservatorship for first time in years as court date approaches
Los Angeles, California - Britney Spears' plight has garnered more attention since the release of the documentary Framing Britney Spears. It is very unusual for a young person to be in a legal conservatorship, and fans wonder if the upcoming court date could signal a change.
According to Page Six, Britney has requested an expedited court hearing and will likely be speaking on her own behalf for the first time in many years.
Britney was put in a legal conservatorship in 2008 after a public mental breakdown, with her father Jamie in charge of her estate. This included her massive finances, all career choices, and even decisions regarding her general wellbeing.
The New York Times documentary Framing Britney Spears brought to light just how unusual the legal situation is, given that conservatorships are normally reserved for the elderly who can no longer handle their own affairs.
The #FreeBritney movement spread from celebrity allies to fans, but with very little response from Britney herself.
Since 2019, Jodi Montgomery, a family friend, has been managing the conservatorship after allegations surfaced that Jamie had been physically abusing Britney's son.
In November, co-conservator Bessemer Trust was added by the court, and it was Britney's hope that they would be made the sole conservator.
At the present time, Jodi is set to continue as "conservator of the person," meaning she would make decisions about Britney's personal life, with Jamie still making estate decisions.
Jamie has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in the management of Britney's affairs in the form of "legal fees" that Britney's mother and Jamie's ex-wife Lynne says are "improper" and should be refunded to Britney.
Britney hasn't publicly asked for an end to the conservatorship
Britney's lawyer, Sam Ingham III, reported to the judge, "The conservatee has requested that I seek from the court a status hearing at which she can address the court directly." The only other details shared were that the hearing would be regarding the "status of the conservatorship."
Women's Health Magazine reported that Jamie’s attorney Vivian Lee Thoreen said about Britney, "If she wants to end her conservatorship, she can file a petition to end it."
Britney recently posted to Instagram, "Am I okay? Yes, I am totally fine," sharing that she was taking a break from work for a little while to enjoy her family.
Cover photo: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire