Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that Britney accused her father of having “too much control” in her life as early as five years ago, citing confidential court records that E! News has not independently verified. A court investigator wrote in 2016, “She articulated she feels the conservatorship has become an oppressive and controlling tool against her.”
Fans have been rallying around the #FreeBritney movement to end her conservatorship, which gained steam after the “Framing Britney Spears” documentary came out this year. Social media users also began decoding her Instagram messages, as she assured fans in April, “Yes, I’m totally fine. I’m extremely happy. I have a beautiful home, beautiful children. I’m taking a break right now, because, um, I’m enjoying myself.”
Per her court hearing on Wednesday, that’s not the case. She said that the conservatorship is abusive, explaining that she wants it to end.
According to Jamie’s attorney, Vivian Thoreen, he’s trying to protect her from exploitation.
“I understand that every story needs a villain, but people have it so wrong here,” Vivian said on Good Morning America in February. “This is a story about a fiercely loving, dedicated and loyal father who rescued his daughter from a life-threatening situation. People were harming her, and they were exploiting her. Jamie saved Britney’s life.”
During the June 23 hearing, Jamie’s attorney read a statement on his behalf: “Mr. Spears is sorry to see his daughter suffering and in so much pain. Mr. Spears loves his daughter and misses her very much.”