-
- November 18, 2021
This past Friday, US Judge Brenda Penny, ended the conservatorship that has controlled the life of pop sensation, Britney Spears since 2008. While Spears has been fighting for years to reclaim her freedom, the #FreeBritney movement picked up steam this past year. Documentaries such as “Framing Britney Spears,’ attracted attention to the case and revealed to the general public just how oppressive conservatorships can be.
In 2008, Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, set up the conservatorship due to the singer’s public struggles with mental health issues. Conservatorships grant a person legal guardianship over an adult, giving them control over the conservatees’ financial affairs and oftentimes daily life. While Britney may have been out on successful tours and performing over these years, many aspects of life that we all take for granted, she had no control over. Not only did she not have a say over her own finances, but the autonomy over her own body was denied, when she was refused the request of having her IUD removed.
Many conservatees are trapped in the bind of not being able to prove their ability for independence. However after a long struggle, the fight for freedom move forward at a hearing in June. Spears delivered an empowered speech on the “abusive” nature of the conservatorship and its restrictions prevented her from having any control over her life. In July, she was then able to hire the attorney of her choosing, Matthew Rosengart, who actively worked towards separating her from Jamie Spears. Jamie’s conservatorship was suspended in September as his presence was cited as a “toxic environment.”
Friday November 12, 2021, was finally the day where Britney was set free and the conservatorship terminated. It was a joyous occasion as devoted fans rallied around the courthouse, showing their unwavering support for the singer. The chanting of “Britney! Britney! Britney!” held strong as her song “Stronger” blasted in the air. The lyrics from the 2000 song have never rung truer as in it she asserts, “I’m not your property as from today, baby / You might think that I won’t make it on my own / But now I’m stronger than yesterday / Now it’s nothing but my way.” While Spears didn’t attend the hearing, she posted a loving video on Instagram, thanking her fans for all their support during her long battle.
There is hope that the success and publicity of Spears battle will help bring awareness and support for other conservatees in oppressive situations. However, this is not the end as Mr. Rosengart plans to investigate Jamie Spears on the mismanagement of the singer’s funds. More hearings are to follow and while there is still much to do, Spears and her unconditionally devoted fans will take a minute to celebrate this milestone.
