In case you hadn’t heard, Britney Spears has finally been freed from her conservatorship, in a huge victory for the pop star and the broader #FreeBritney movement, which she openly acknowledged toward the end of her years-long legal battle.
A judge in Los Angeles officially brought an end to the legal arrangement on Friday (November 12), after 13 years of Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, controlling her personal life, finances, and career. Jamie himself had expressed strong opposition to ending the arrangement before agreeing to step down in August this year, and subsequently filing to end the conservatorship.
Following the decision, Britney took to social media to share her reaction. “Good god I love my fans so much it’s crazy,” she wrote on Twitter, alongside a video that shows #FreeBritney campaigners celebrating her freedom. “I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day!” the singer added. “Best day ever… praise the Lord… can I get an Amen?”
Many friends, fans, and fellow celebrities have also shared their congratulations on social media. Amid the general outpouring of joy are messages from Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Marina Diamandis, and Jedward (obviously). Donatella Versace (AKA the designer of Britney’s wedding dress), said: “My heart is smiling for you, Britney. Congratulations on your regained and deserved emancipation.”
“I’m so happy that this day has finally come,” added longtime friend Paris Hilton. “This moment is so long overdue. Britney Spears is finally free!!! You’re the most resilient, kind and inspiring soul. We all love you so so much! Your best days are yet to come!”
In a November 13 tweet, Lady Gaga wrote: “I have loved Britney Spears her whole career. I looked up to her, admired her strength — she empowered so many people and still does. I couldn’t be more happy for you today. You never deserved what happened.”
Britney’s fiancé, Sam Asghari, also marked the occasion on Instagram, writing: “History was made today. Britney is Free!”
The conservatorship first began in 2008, following a five-day admission to a psychiatric hospital, and was supposed to end in 2009. The fight to end it has been depicted in multiple documentaries, including the New York Times’ Framing Britney Spears and Controlling Britney Spears, and Netflix’s Britney vs Spears.
After these documentaries aired, several celebrities spoke out in support of Spears, including Hilton, Miley Cyrus, and Christina Aguilera. Courtney Love, who has also celebrated the new decision, shared a tearful performance of “Lucky” earlier in 2021, in a show of solidarity.
In the end, LA judge Brenda Penny’s ruling in favour of Britney Spears’ request to end the conservatorship was not opposed by any of the parties involved. There were some caveats, however, with Penny saying that an accountant who served as a temporary conservator should retain some powers to settle ongoing financial issues.
Take a look at some of the messages congratulating Spears on her legal victory below.