What you need to know about the #FreeBritney movement
Britney Spears was a critical part of my childhood. I grew up dancing and singing along to her pop music hits, and even today I find myself throwing some Britney Spears classics on when I want a good throwback. She’s the ‘Princess of Pop’, a pop culture icon. Known for her early 2000s music, dance skills, and TV appearances, Britney certainly has not left the spotlight during her 30-year career. What many people don’t know is that for the past 12 years Britney Spears has been in a court mandated conservatorship in which her father, Jamie Spears, manages her person and her estate.
What is a conservatorship?
A conservatorship is established by a court order where a guardian (or multiple guardians) are granted full control over a person's wealth and assets, or their “person”, which includes daily life, and health decisions. Conservatorships are appointed if that person is physically unable to manage their estate or person on their own. This is typically seen in elderly individuals that suffer from dementia or other physical/mental limitations that require another individual to take care of them and their decisions. Conservatorships have an indefinite timeline, considering most people who are granted conservatorships are of old age. When younger adults are under a conservatorship, that is where this policy can get dicey.
So, why is Britney in a conservatorship?
Throughout the year of 2007, Britney Spears gained attention for her breakdowns, including the infamous one where she shaved her head and assaulted a paparazzi’s car with an umbrella. It’s important to note that during this time, it was the peak of TMZ and tabloid culture. Celebrities were hounded by the paparazzi and were followed everywhere with no regard for their privacy. Fans speculated that Britney’s breakdown in 2007 was because she had had enough of the paparazzi, and in a way it was a cry for help. In February of 2008, Britney was put in an involuntary psychiatric hold, and her father Jamie Spears and attorney Andrew Wallet were granted a temporary conservatorship over her at this time. Then, in October of 2008, this conservatorship was changed to permanent. This was because of concern for Britney’s mental well being. Yet just one month after this all occurred, Britney was back to work releasing her Circus album and filming a documentary. Many believe that Britney no longer needs to be under conservatorship, and her father is taking advantage of the control he has over Britney.
#FreeBritney Movement
Britney fans believe that she should not be placed in a conservatorship, and that she herself doesn’t want it either. In November of 2020 Britney announced that she refuses to perform until her father, Jamie Spears, is no longer in charge of her career. An interview with Britney’s lawyer also showed us that Britney is scared of her father. Fans have shown immense support towards Britney on social media, and even in person by showing up at her court hearings. The #FreeBritney movement is a way to bring awareness to conservatorships, and the discrepancies within Britney’s conservatorship specifically. The overarching goal of this movement is to give Britney the freedom she deserves from her father Jamie.
How can I support the movement?
I recommend watching the Framing Britney Spears documentary episode on Hulu to learn more about the Free Britney movement. You can also sign this Change.org petition. Show your support by using the #FreeBritney hashtag on social media in order to help spread awareness for the movement.