the law

Britney Spears Is ‘Afraid’ of Her Father, Loses Bid to Remove Him As Conservator

Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

In the latest development in the ongoing legal battle between Britney Spears and her father, Jamie Spears, over control of Britney’s career and finances, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny upheld Jamie’s conservatorship of his daughter at a hearing on Tuesday. However, Penny said she would consider future petitions for Jamie’s suspension or removal as conservator. Penny also appointed financial company Bessemer Trust as co-conservator, at Britney’s request. “My client has informed me that she is afraid of her father,” Britney’s attorney, Samuel Ingham, said at Tuesday’s hearing. “She will not perform again if her father is in charge of her career.”

Jamie was appointed Britney’s conservator in 2008 and has remained in that position for 12 years, even though conservatorships are usually temporary and only reserved for the “old, infirm and mentally disabled,” according to the Los Angeles Times. While Jamie stepped down as conservator of Britney’s person in September 2019, he remained the conservator of her estate, despite the singer’s public wish to have him removed. Tuesday’s hearing was set to review accounting of Britney and Jamie’s expenses as well as review multiple motions. Ingham added at Tuesday’s hearing that Britney and her father have not spoken in a “long while” and have no “viable working relationship.”

Update, 3:30 p.m.: Spears did not use her heaven-sent talent to write “Piece of Me” for fun. She’s a fighter — word to Xtina — and it’s clear from her most recent Instagram update. On Wednesday, the pop star posted a video of herself letting off some steam by boxing with her trainer. “OH THE PUNCH 🥊 in this video 💋💋😉😉 !!!!,” the musically inclined queen directs your attention to the audio. “I just like the sound of it !!! PS …. so glad we both got tested negative for COVID so my trainer could come over for a good workout session💥 !!!” You hear that punch? Fans may be worried about their idol being “afraid” following the disappointing hearing, but Spears has proved time and time again that she is stronger than you’d think.

Britney Spears Says She’s ‘Afraid of Her Father’