As Britney Spears’ controversial conservatorship battle continues, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has publicly announced its support for the pop star.

“People with disabilities have a right to lead self-directed lives and retain their civil rights,” the organisation tweeted. “If Britney Spears wants to regain her civil liberties and get out of her conservatorship, we are here to help her.”

Spears’ conservatorship began in 2008 after her alleged breakdown in 2007. Over the last few years, the conservatorship has become a rallying point for fans in the #FreeBritney movement, who believe that the singer is being exploited. Last week, it was announced that Spears’ conservatorship would be extended until at least February 2021.

“Conservatorships can result in serious financial, physical, or emotional abuse,” the ACLU added.

In a document filed by Spears’ lawyers to the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles on August 17, the singer stated that she is “strongly opposed” to having her father, Jamie, return as “conservator of her person” after he temporarily stepped down from the role in 2019 due to health reasons. She is petitioning that her temporary conservator, Jodi Montgomery, become his permanent replacement.

The document also opposes her father’s control over her estate, adding: “Britney… strongly prefers to have a qualified corporate fiduciary appointed to serve in this role.”

A petition by members of the #FreeBritney movement alleges: “Her father doesn’t allow her to drive, all of her calls and messages are monitored, she’s not allowed to vote, hang with anyone or spend her money without permission. And if she breaks a ‘rule’ he threatens to have her kids taken away.” Spears has yet to comment on the movement.