Jamie Spears 13 year conservatorship over daughter Britney Spears ended in 2021. However, it also damaged their relationship.
Britney Spears was just 16 years old when she rose to global fame after releasing her single “Baby One More Time.” The song rose to the top of the worldwide pop charts and announced her debut in the music industry in 1999.
By 2004 Britney had morphed into a big entertainment star. She was no longer an innocent teenage star but a global sex symbol. Britney had also starred in the feature film “Crossroads,” which grossed more than $60 million worldwide.
Everything was going well for Britney professionally, and she even fell in love and married backup dancer Kevin Federline. However, their relationship was widely criticized because Federline’s girlfriend was pregnant then.
The pair became parents to son Sean Preston in 2005, but just a year later, Britney found herself in hot water. The singer got filmed driving her car with her infant son in her lap. Her behavior led to a national debate about her parenting skills.
However, just months later, the singer gave birth to her second child, Jayden James. Surprisingly, two months later, Britney filed to divorce Federline, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Yet, more problems were at hand for the music star.
Britney Spear’s Family and Health Problems
After the divorce in 2007, Britney frequented nightclubs partying with other celebrities. Around this time, she also shaved her head in a California beauty salon. The music star’s erratic behavior led to her spending some time at a treatment center in California. A couple of months later, she was battling Federline for the custody of their kids.
Britney also became estranged from her mother, and the singer turned in a disastrous performance at that year’s MTV Video Music Awards. The singer danced sluggishly on stage and poorly lip-synced her songs.
Britney was accused of being an unfit mother during the custody battle by her ex-husband Federline. He also raised questions about her mental health. In January 2018, Britney suffered another mental breakdown and had to undergo psychiatric evaluation after refusing to return her sons to their father after their court-appointed visit.
By the end of that month, Britney found herself in the hospital for another evaluation. However, while in the hospital, Britney became a bone of contention between her parents, Jamie and Lynne, and her manager, Sam Lutfi.
Jamie Becomes Britney’s Conservator
Britney’s parents accused Lutfi of being a bad influence on their daughter and trying to control her life. Her father, Jamie, went to court and obtained control over Britney’s personal, professional and medical matters by becoming her conservator.
A court grants a conservatorship to people who cannot make their own decisions. Although Jamie first obtained a temporary conservatorship, it was extended indefinitely later that year.
Jamie’s lawyers argued that the conservatorship was necessary to protect Britney. They noted her life was in shambles, and she was in pain physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially.
By 2013, Britney looked to have finally overcome her demons, although she was not in charge of her affairs. The singer continued to work and release music, rehabilitating her image. She also began her four-year concert residency in las Vegas.
Jamie Steps Down As Conservator Temporarily
In 2019, Britney announced she was taking a break from work because of her father’s health. However, just months later, Jamie declared he was temporarily stepping away as her conservator.
Around this time, reports emerged that Britney told her lawyers she did not want Jamie to continue as her conservator. The singer did not want him to be in charge of her career, and according to a lawyer, she would not return to the stage as long as Jamie stayed her conservator.
The #FreeBritney Movement Starts
In April 2019, the #FreeBritney movement was kick-started by the “Britney’s Gram” hosts Tess Barker and Barbara Gray. They claimed to have received anonymous information from a credible source who alleged Jamie was controlling Britney.
Also, Britney’s mother appeared to support the movement by liking tweets written in support of her daughter. One of the tweets read:
“I really hope you are supporting Britney in trying to end [her] conservatorship. I really hope your ailing ex husband isn’t keeping your daughter somewhere against her will.”
Jamie Steps Down As Conservator
In September 2019, Britney’s ex-husband Federline filed a police report against Jamie over an alleged physical altercation. He accused Jamie of getting into an argument that turned physical with Britney’s eldest son Sean.
Afterward, Sean and Jayden were granted a restraining order against their grandfather. However, authorities did not charge Jamie citing “insufficient proof that a criminal offense was committed.”
Days later, Jamie filed a legal document to temporarily step down as his daughter’s conservator, citing personal reasons. A Judge in Los Angeles then approved Britney’s longtime care manager Jodi Montgomery to temporarily take over.
Britney Speak Out on Conservatorship
In June 2021, Britney Spears appeared in court in her long battle with her father, Jamie Spears, over her conservatorship. According to a court investigator’s report, she told the court Jamie had too much control over her life.
Britney stated that Jamie controlled and decided who she dated and became friends with. The singer noted that the conservatorship had become an oppressive and controlling tool against her.
During a virtual appearance in court that same month, Britney asked the judge to end her conservatorship without being evaluated by a therapist. However, the singer did not want to visit a therapist and instead requested one see her at home.
Jamie Is Suspended As Conservator
In September 2021, County Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny announced the termination of Jamie Spears as Britney Spears’ conservator. The judge also stated no medical evaluation would be needed, which all parties consented to.
After the news was announced, Britney took to social media to celebrate with her fans. The singer shared a video of her fans cheering the decision, which she captioned:
“Good God I love my fans so much it’s crazy !!! I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day !!!! Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen ????”
Meanwhile, her attorney Mathew Rosengart explained they had prepared a financial safety net for Britney as a new trust. So all of her assets held by the existing conservator would then be transferred into the trust. He also lauded Britney for her courage and power.