It’s been 13 years, but Britney Spears is finally a free woman. A Los Angeles judge on Friday (Nov 12) granted a petition to terminate the 13-year conservatorship that has controlled every aspect of her life, during a hearing that lasted less than 30 minutes.
Emotional testimony Britney delivered at a hearing on June 23 broke a log jam. Fans had been protesting on the singer’s behalf for years. But once the former X Factor USA judge and pop superstar revealed how unhappy she was under the arrangement, things moved quickly.
In her testimony, Britney shared that she felt the conservatorship was abusive and it’s “my wish and my dream for this to end.” Two weeks later, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny allowed the singer to hire an attorney of her own choosing.
The lawyer, Mathew Rosengart quickly went to work, succeeding in having Britney’s father Jamie Spears suspended as conservator of Britney’s estate and launching an investigation into the alleged abuse. Jamie Spears filed a petition on Sept 7 to end the conservatorship. But Rosengart argued it was an attempt to leverage a settlement and avoid accountability.
With Jamie Spears no longer a conservator, he is no longer entitled to attorney-client privilege. That opened up decades of financial records and communications to Britney’s new team.
Jamie Spears vehemently denies any wrongdoing. In a Nov. 1 filing, he claims to have nothing to hide and will “unconditionally cooperate in transferring all files regarding the estate to Britney’s counsel without delay.”
“…conservatorship of Ms. Britney Jean Spears is no longer required”
Just after 2 p.m. with Penny ruled “effective today the conservatorship of Ms. Britney Jean Spears is no longer required.” Britney did not attend the hearing, but her parents appeared virtually.
Rosengart told the court that John Zabel, who had been appointed temporary conservator of Britney’s estate, will stay on in a limited capacity for a short period of time, in order to put a “personal and financial” safety net into place.
The next hearing is set for Jan. 19 to address the pending accounting and other lingering issues.
Meanwhile, outside of the courtroom, Britney’s fans celebrated, yelling, screaming and throwing pink confetti. Britney posted a short clip on social media with the caption: “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 ???? #FreedBritney”
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 ?????? ???? #FreedBritney
?: @AbbyShalawylo pic.twitter.com/yk1vO3H02L
— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) November 12, 2021
