A New York Times documentary called “Framing Britney Spears” has brought the so-called Princess of Pop’s conservatorship to light.
What We Know:
- A conservatorship is a legal concept where a guardian is appointed by a judge to manage the finances of another who is deemed unable on their own. Florida representative Matt Gaetz called on the House Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing on said court-ordered conservatorships. Gaetz, along with Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan submitted a letter to committee chair Rep. Jerry Nadler stating that conservatorships strip individuals of their civil rights, specifically referring to the case of Britney Spears.
“The House Committee on the Judiciary is charged with safeguarding the rights affording to Americans by the U.S. Constitution. These rights include having the free will to guide one’s own affairs and the legal autonomy over one’s own finances. When situations suggest the unjust deprivation of those rights by the government, we have an obligation to conduct oversight and explore potential remedies.”
- Spears has been in an ongoing legal battle with her father, James Spears over control of her estate. James became a co-conservator in 2008 after Spears’ public breakdown and became the sole conservator in 2019 after attorney Andrew Wallet resigned. Spears filed a court petition in November to remove her father from her conservatorship and place a financial institution as the sole conservator.
- While Spears’ petition was denied, the court appointed Bessemer Trust as a co-conservator of her estate. In February, NBC reported that her father lost his bid to remain as the sole manager of Spears’ finances. Another hearing is scheduled to take place in March.
Spears’ conservatorship has been the subject of controversy for over a decade. The release of the Times’ documentary has brought forth a wave of public support from fans and celebrities alike, with the social media movement #FreeBritney trending online.
