Britney wants to bring charges of “abuse” against her father in conservatorship fight
The 'Stronger' singer also won the ability to hire her own legal representation, after criticising her previous representation's lack of action.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@britneyspears
Britney Spears has said she wants to charge her father with “conservatorship abuse” at a hearing in Los Angeles into the arrangement that’s been governing her life since 2008.
The singer, 39, has also been allowed to hire her own legal representation after criticising the lawyer who’s represented her since the conservatorship began.
It follows Britney’s explosive testimony last month where she detailed some of the abuses she alleges her father has committed.
“F*****g cruelty”
Addressing Judge Brenda Penny by telephone, Britney said she wanted an investigation to take place into her father, Jamie Spears, and his actions during the conservatorship, which he’s been in control of since 2008.
CNN reports the singer said: “I would like to charge my father with conservatorship abuse”, and that at times she felt like those in control of her were “trying to kill her”.
She also told the court that hair vitamins and coffee were among things she was denied, which she described as “f*****g cruelty”, adding: “Excuse my language but it’s the truth.”
Britney also gained a win as the court allowed her to hire her own attorney, with the notorious entertainment litigator Matthew Rosengart replacing Samuel Ingham, who’s represented the star since 2008.
CNN also reports that Ingham petitioned to resign from being Britney’s lawyer on the 6 July. He was appointed as her representation in the conservatorship back in 2008. Britney had criticised him for not doing enough to help her.
Speaking the hearing, Rosengart called on Jamie Spears to stand back from the conservatorship saying it was “in the best interest” of his client. He also questioned why Britney’s father was still involved.
“Violation of human rights”
Posting on Instagram following the hearing, Britney said she was feeling, “GRATITUDE and BLESSED !!!! Thank you to my fans who are supporting me … You have no idea what it means to me be supported by such awesome fans !!!!
“God bless you all !!!!! Pssss this is me celebrating by horseback riding and doing cartwheels today”
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The case to #FreeBritney has picked up pace in recent months following the release of two documentaries on the singer’s life and the financial arrangement that she’s been under since her public breakdown in 2007.
A number of celebrities have joined calls from fans to release the ‘Toxic’ singer from the controlling arrangement, with Madonna last week saying it was a “violation of human rights”.
In her testimony in June, Britney told the court that he father “loved” controlling her and that he had prevented her from getting married and removing her birth control. She also revealed she’s been battling depression, saying “I’ve lied and told the whole world ‘I’m OK and I’m happy.’ It’s a lie.
“I thought I just maybe if I said that enough maybe I might become happy, because I’ve been in denial. I’ve been in shock. I am traumatized.”
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