Jul 14, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Britney Spears can pick lawyer in conservatorship case, judge rules

Shawna Chen

Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic via Getty Images

A Los Angeles judge ruled Wednesday that Britney Spears can select her own attorney in her conservatorship battle.

What she's saying: The pop star broke down in tears during Wednesday's hearing, telling the judge that she was "extremely scared" of her father, James "Jamie" Spears, NBC News reports. "I’m here to get rid of my dad and charge him with conservatorship abuse," she added, saying, "this conservatorship has allowed my dad to ruin my life."

Spears called her father's 13-year-long conservatorship "abusive" last month in a revealing testimony that triggered a flood of support.
"I want to press charges against my father today," Spears said, per CNN. "I want an investigation into my dad."

State of play: Spears' father has had court authority over Spears since 2008 when she experienced a mental health episode. The conservatorship oversees her finances, health and whereabouts, but Spears said her father established extreme restrictions.

The judge on Wednesday approved her court-appointed lawyer’s formal request to step down, as well as his replacement — Spears’ chosen attorney Mathew Rosengart, a prominent Hollywood lawyer and former federal prosecutor.

Go deeper... Axios Re:cap: Britney Spears speaks out on her conservatorship

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Britney Spears can pick lawyer in conservatorship case, judge rules

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