Britney Spears: dad Jamie suspended from conservatorship after 13 years as singer says she’s on ‘cloud 9’

Britney Spears fans have been celebrating after her father has been suspended as her conservator
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Britney Spears’s father has been suspended from his role overseeing the pop superstar’s estate and the conservatorship controlling her life could be terminated by the end of the year, a US court heard.

Judge Brenda Penny said after hearing from both sides, the elder Spears being suspended was in the “best interests” of the singer.

Britney Spears, pictured performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, said she felt on “cloud 9” when she heard the judgement (image: Getty)Britney Spears, pictured performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, said she felt on “cloud 9” when she heard the judgement (image: Getty)
Britney Spears, pictured performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, said she felt on “cloud 9” when she heard the judgement (image: Getty)
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At a glance: 5 key points

- A judge in Los Angeles said Jamie Spears remaining in charge of his daughter’s money was no longer tenable

- He had held the role since 2008, when Spears, 39, was deemed unfit to look after herself after suffering a series of mental breakdowns

- She had been pleading for her father to be ousted from the conservatorship – a complex legal arrangement usually reserved for the very old or infirm – and got her wish on Wednesday

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- Jamie, 69, was ordered to turn over the relevant documents to John Zabel, a certified public accountant, who has been appointed temporary conservator of the singer’s 60 million dollar (£45 million) estate until December 31

- Jamie’s legal team had forcefully argued against his suspension, instead claiming termination of the arrangement was the correct course

What’s been said

During a heated hearing on Wednesday, Mathew S Rosengart, Spears’s newly appointed lawyer, argued forcefully for Jamie’s removal, demanding an end to the “Kafka-esque nightmare” his client was suffering.

Britney Spears’ attorney Mathew Rosengart speaks to the press and #FreeBritney activists after a hearing in which Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, was removed by a judge as conservator of her estate (image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)Britney Spears’ attorney Mathew Rosengart speaks to the press and #FreeBritney activists after a hearing in which Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, was removed by a judge as conservator of her estate (image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Britney Spears’ attorney Mathew Rosengart speaks to the press and #FreeBritney activists after a hearing in which Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, was removed by a judge as conservator of her estate (image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The elder Spears remaining involved with the conservatorship was “toxic and untenable”, he said, and his daughter would be “extraordinarily distraught” if he stayed in the post.

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“He must be suspended today,” Mr Rosengart told the court, “not because a lawyer is arguing it but because Britney Spears is pleading for it.

“Sometimes judges are asked to make very hard decisions. This is not such a decision. This is not such a case. This is a very easy decision.”

#FreeBritney activists protest during a rally held in conjunction with a hearing on the future of Britney Spears’ conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on September 29 in Los Angeles (image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)#FreeBritney activists protest during a rally held in conjunction with a hearing on the future of Britney Spears’ conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on September 29 in Los Angeles (image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
#FreeBritney activists protest during a rally held in conjunction with a hearing on the future of Britney Spears’ conservatorship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on September 29 in Los Angeles (image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Background 

What has been described as the world’s most famous conservatorship was catapulted back into the public eye earlier this year following the release of documentary Framing Britney Spears.

In June, Spears delivered bombshell testimony in open court, demanding the end of the “abusive” arrangement.

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Among the allegations made during a shocking 23-minute speech were claims she was being forced to use a contraceptive device to prevent her having more children and was unable to marry.

The following month Spears returned to court and called for her father to be prosecuted for conservator abuse, which he denies.

Yesterday’s historic moment was celebrated wildly by members of the #FreeBritney movement who had gathered outside Los Angeles Superior Court.

Supporters of the singer Britney Spears call for an end to the 13-year conservatorship led by the popstar’s father, Jamie Spears and Jodi Montgomery, who control her finances and business dealings (image: Kate Green/Getty Images)Supporters of the singer Britney Spears call for an end to the 13-year conservatorship led by the popstar’s father, Jamie Spears and Jodi Montgomery, who control her finances and business dealings (image: Kate Green/Getty Images)
Supporters of the singer Britney Spears call for an end to the 13-year conservatorship led by the popstar’s father, Jamie Spears and Jodi Montgomery, who control her finances and business dealings (image: Kate Green/Getty Images)

Reacting to the news on social media, Spears, who was not in court while her father participated virtually, said she was “on cloud 9 right now” while sharing a video showing her at the controls of a plane.

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Mr Rosengart said the Spears estate was being run into the ground while her father was in charge and reiterated the singer would not perform again with him in control.

And he alleged Jamie, represented by his lawyer, Vivian Thoreen, wanted the conservatorship wound up to avoid having his files closely examined.

The new conservator was nationally recognised and award-winning, Mr Rosengart said, especially compared to Jamie who he said had a history of gambling and alcohol issues.

Mr Rosengart said it was essential the conservatorship was terminated but only in an “orderly fashion”.

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Jamie’s immediate suspension was of paramount importance, he said.

Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears (image: AFP/Getty/File picture)Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears (image: AFP/Getty/File picture)
Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears (image: AFP/Getty/File picture)

Ms Thoreen said she “vehemently” contested the “unsubstantiated” claims and defended her client’s “impeccable” record as conservator.

Jodi Montgomery remains conservator of Spears’s personal affairs.

A hearing to discuss the termination of the conservatorship is now set for November 12.

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