After years under a conservatorship—helmed by her father Jamie Spears—Britney Spears has delivered an impassioned speech in court to end the control over her life and money.
The 39-year-old entertainer appeared in front of a Los Angeles judge on June 24, addressing her concerns over the conservatorship, which has been in place since 2008.
Speaking to the court, Spears called the control over her life “abusive” and condemned her father for his involvement since the conservatorship came into effect 13 years ago.
“I want to end this conservatorship without being evaluated,” Spears said, per the Sydney Morning Herald. “This conservatorship is doing me way more harm than good. I deserve to have a life.”
“I truly believe this conservatorship is abusive,” the singer added. “I don’t feel like I can live a full life.”
Spears also shared that she wishes to marry her boyfriend Sam Asghari, who she has been dating for five years, revealing the pair wish to have a child.
“I have an IUD in my body right now that won’t let me have a baby and my conservators won’t let me go to the doctor to take it out,” she said.
The singer further addressed her recent social media posts, which have been under intense media scrutiny over the past several months.
“I’ve lied and told the whole world I’m OK and I’m happy. It’s a lie,” she said. “I’ve been in denial. I’ve been in shock. I am traumatised. Fake it ’til you make it, but now I’m telling you the truth, OK? I’m not happy. I can’t sleep. I’m depressed. I cry every day.”
#FreeBritney protestors gathered outside the courtroom to show support for the singer.
According to the New York Times, Spears’ conservatorship—which covers her person and her estate—was originally put in place when concerns over the singer’s mental health and substance abuse were brought to the court by her father, giving Jamie Spears control over his daughter’s $60 million fortune.
In 2019, a professional conservator took over control of Spears’ personal care on a temporary basis.
After Spears spoke, an attorney representing her father Jamie shared a statement on his behalf.
“Mr Spears is sorry to see his daughter suffering and in so much pain,” the statement read, per E! News. “Mr Spears loves his daughter and misses her very much.”
Following the hearing, many took to social media to share their support for the singer.
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