It’s rare for the singer to directly address the court
Britney Spears is set to make a rare personal address to the LA court handling her ongoing conservatorship.
It was confirmed yesterday (April 27) that the pop icon will speak on June 23, though it’s currently unclear what she wants to address.
“My client has requested a hearing at which she can address the court directly,” Britney’s lawyer Samuel Ingham told the court. “My client has asked that it be done on an expedited basis.”
The 39-year-old has been under conservatorship since 2008, when she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for five days. Her battle has faced increased public scrutiny in recent years thanks to the fan-launched #FreeBritney movement, which seeks to free Britney from the legal arrangement.
In February, the case attracted even more attention following the premiere of a New York Times documentary titled Framing Britney Spears. Although she never watched the film, Britney said last month that she was “embarrassed” by it, adding: “I cried for two weeks and well… I still cry sometimes!!!!”
Britney has repeatedly asked for her father, Jamie Spears, to be removed as her conservator. In March, the artist’s lawyers requested that temporary conservator Jodi Montgomery take on the role permanently. Jamie has consistently defended his position, asserting that he has “and will continue to provide unwavering love and fierce protection against those with self-serving interests, and those who seek to harm (Britney) or my family”.
Despite all the unwanted attention, Britney took to Instagram last week to partake in a fan Q&A, during which she said she is “extremely happy”. “I have a beautiful home, beautiful children. I’m taking a break right now because I’m enjoying myself.”
Read Dazed’s feature about what conservatorships are like for everyday people here.