Britney, her Father, and the Battle for Freedom

Late last year I recall fans expressing their concerns over Britney Spears. It all began when her fans rightfully noticed that in a lot of her Instagram videos, posted at different times – often some days or even weeks apart – that she would be wearing the exact same clothes and would have the same make up. This suggested that these videos were made at the same time but were being posted at different times on her page.

Fans were quick to insinuate that Britney was in some sort of danger and that someone else had control over her social media pages. Soon after this, Britney posted to her Instagram page that she was not in any danger, that she was okay and that she was the one in control of her social media pages. In the video however, Britney appeared lethargic and like she was speaking against her will. Consequently, fans did not take her words in this video for what they were and continued to want to find out what was really going on behind closed doors.

It was believed at the time that Britney’s father, Jamie Spears had something to do with all of this. Jamie has been Britney’s legal guardian for 12 years due to a court agreement. This sparked a “Free Britney” movement all over social media and the pop star was trending for a while.

It seemed at the time that fans were grasping at straws and that they were exaggerating what was happening in Britney’s life. But wait for it… a few weeks later, news came out that Britney had applied and lost a court bid to remove her father’s control over her estate!

It was reported that Jamie’s lawyer argued against this in court saying that he has always acted in Britney’s best interests. Around 2008 is when Britney lost custody of her two sons following her divorce and a stand-off with the police where she refused to give up custody of them. Don’t forget the infamous head shave and attack of the paparazzi car with an umbrella incident too. After this it is reported that Britney also went to rehab several times and was placed in psychiatric care.

Till this day Britney has no custody of her sons and the rumour is that she is not allowed to see them unless this is permitted by her father or by those acted on his behalf. Again Britney argues that he has made it impossible for her to make music, perform and do any work in the public domain but Jamie reminded the court that since he was in charge of her affairs, she has released five albums, had a four year residency in Las Vegas and was a judge on the American X-Factor.

The court is of the opinion that Britney is not fit to be in control of her own affairs or make good decisions with her career/life. I hope that one day Britney and her father can sort their differences out to at least find some middle ground with some of the issues they face. Fans would absolutely love to hear more music from Britney and see her in the public as they used to. But apparently the father and daughter are not in speaking terms.

Regardless of whether Britney continues to struggle with her mental health, I think the public should remember that this is difficult and emotionally demanding to face. For Britney to be so famous, it makes this experience much worse because she is in the public eye. She should not have to be honest with the public about any of the legal goings on or about her mental health.

As much as it is lovely to see fans raising concerns and starting a movement, which I am sure touched Britney, we just have to trust the justice system that justice is being served and that Britney’s best interests are being protected.

Sharon Shumbambiri

@SharonAtTheBar