Britney Spears is attempting to remove her father as her sole conservator, after he has had control over much of her personal life, career and estate for 12 years.
In a document filed to the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles on Monday (17 August) by Spears’ lawyers, the singer stated that she is “strongly opposed” to having her father, Jamie, “return as conservator of her person” and is petitioning that her temporary conservator, Jodi Montgomery, become his permanent replacement.
Spears’ father had temporarily stepped down as conservator in 2019 citing health problems, but was due to resume the role this year.
Spears’ lawyers believe the move will be “aggressively contested by James Spears”, however they said the conservatorship “must be changed substantially” to reflect the “major changes in [Spears’] current lifestyle and her stated wishes”.
Conservatorship is when a guardian or protector is appointed by a court to manage the life of someone due to physical or mental limitations. Spears’ conservatorship was put in place in 2008 after she suffered a public breakdown in 2007.
It has been the subject of widespread online protests this year. The #FreeBritney movement was launched by fans who believe Spears is “trapped”, and one petition, with more than 100,000 signatures lobbying for Spears’ freedom, claims: “Her father doesn’t allow her to drive, all of her calls & messages are monitored, she’s not allowed to vote, hang with anyone or spend her money without permission. And if she breaks a ‘rule’ he threatens to have her kids taken away.”
Earlier this month, Jamie called the #FreeBritney campaign “a joke” and said he is tired of rumours that she is being exploited.
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