Judge denies Britney Spears’ request to bring forward vital conservatorship hearing
The 39-year-old singer's bid for freedom has suffered a setback.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@britneyspears
A judge has denied a request from Britney Spears’ lawyer to bring forward a court hearing that could see her father, Jamie Spears, being removed from the conservatorship arrangement that has ruled the singer’s life since 2008.
Matthew Rosengart applied earlier this month for the hearing to be brought forward to 23 August, rather than being held on 29 September. On Monday (9 August) Judge Brenda Penny rejected the request without prejudice, meaning another request could be made.
The ‘Stronger’ singer, 39, has previously told a court in Los Angeles that her father should be charged with “conservatorship abuse”, which followed her emotional testimony in June.
“Every day that passes is another day of avoidable harm”
The New York Times reports that the hearing in question could see Jamie Spears being removed or suspended from the conservatorship.
Mr. Rosengart, who took over as Britney’s legal representation in the case in July, is quoted in the paper as saying as part of the request, “Every day that passes is another day of avoidable harm and prejudice to Ms. Spears and the Estate”. It also reports the request was supported by Britney’s medical team and her personal conservator Jodi Montgomery
Lawyers for Jamie Spears are also understood to have supported the hearing being brought forward but argued against Mr Spears being removed from the arrangement.
Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, has been a co-conservator of the star’s $60 million estate since 2008, following her widely-publicised personal troubles in 2007. He relinquished his role overseeing her personal affairs in 2019, but retained control over her finances and business. Conservator Jodi Montgomery is currently in charge of Britney’s person.
Posting on Instagram, the ‘Toxic’ singer announced she would be taking a break from social media saying, “In a system where I’ve felt completely hopeless for so long, at least I do have a platform to share !!!! As Selena Gomez says it best – The world can be a nasty place … I know it … you know it … kill them with kindness.
“Unfortunately the news has been pretty nasty saying horrible and mean lies about me so I’m gonna post a little less from now on.”
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“I don’t feel like I can live a full life”
In June, the singer opened up in court about the conservatorship. She likened her treatment to “slavery” and “sex-trafficking”, and alleged that her father “loved” controlling her.
She also claimed she was prevented from getting married and coming off contraception, and that she’s been struggling with depression. She told the court: “I don’t feel like I can live a full life.”
The last year has seen the Free Britney movement gain traction with the release of documentaries examining the singer’s life, and celebrities joining in calls for Britney to be released.
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