Britney Spears' father filed Tuesday a petition to end Britney's conservatorship. This was a significant victory for Britney after her father held the reins for her estate for over 13 years.
The petition of James "Jamie" Spears to Los Angeles County Superior Court was seen by NBC News. It states that his daughter "is entitled for this Court to now seriously consider whether this conservatorship may no longer be necessary." Britney Spears' situation has changed, according to the filing. A conservatorship could not be established.
He also claimed that Britney Spears's guardianship should be terminated by the probate code, but she said she would not.
"The conservatorship helped Ms. Spears through a major life-changing event, help her to rehabilitate, advance her career, and organize her finances and affairs. The filing stated that things have changed recently. "Ms. Spears has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the conservatorship's control and has asked this Court to let her live again."
Britney Spears, 39 years old, tried to expel her father twice from her case in the past two years. She claimed last year that she refused to perform while he retained control over her in any capacity. During her June 23 testimony before the Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny, she said that her father had "ruined" her life and that he "loved to hear" her suffering while he exercised his power over it.
She claimed that her conservatorship was abusive and that she was told that she would not be allowed to see her children if her father or management didn't agree with her.
Mathew Rosengart was appointed as her attorney. He filed a petition last month to remove Jamie Spears and asked for a replacement by a professional accountant. Rosengart claimed that Jamie Spears was not acting in the best interest of his daughter and suggested that he might have mishandled her finances.
Continue the story
Rosengart stated Tuesday that the petition to end conservatorship was a huge legal victory and "vindication".
Rosengart stated that "It seems that Mr. Spears believes it is possible to avoid accountability or justice, including sitting for an sworn deposition, answering other discovery under the oath, and but as we evaluate his filing, which was inappropriately sent before it was served upon counsel, our investigation will continue."
Penny was expected at the hearing to rule on Penny's petition Sept. 29.
Jamie Spears' petition is a huge win for #FreeBritney supporters who have spent many years protesting the conservatorship. Many #FreeBritney supporters are Britney Spears fans who were concerned that her father would exploit her for his own gain.
Jamie Spears repeatedly denied any allegations of abuse in both legal filings as well as public comments.
Jamie Spears responded to the petition to have him removed. He stated that he was willing to step down "when the time is right", but that the transition must be ordered and contain a resolution of all matters. He argued that he was not required to be removed immediately and asked the court to reject any "false accusations."
Lynne Spears' allegations were specifically brought up by him. She also submitted a declaration stating that she did not believe he was acting in the best interest of their daughter. She stated that Jamie Spears' "absolutely microcontrol" of their daughter through threats and coercion had made it a relationship of fear and hatred.
Lynne Spears stated that she was involved in the case during a time of "crisis" which began in 2018 and continued for the next year. Britney Spears was being seen by Jamie Spears' "sports enhancement" doctor during that time. She claimed that the doctor was prescribing "an entirely inappropriate medicine to my daughter."
Jamie Spears refuted the claim, stating that Lynne Spears had not received the necessary level of treatment and care for her mental illness. Britney Spears endorsed the Harvard-trained psychiatrist after an interview.
He also denied coercing his daughter to do anything, including forced inpatient treatment.
The filing stated that if the public had all the facts about Ms. Spears' life, including her highs and lows, as well as all her addictions and mental health problems, and all of her challenges during the Conservatorship, they would be able to praise Mr. Spears for his work and not condemn him.
It stated that the public doesn't know all the facts and has no right to know them. Therefore, there will not be any public redemption for Mr. Spears.
Rosengart demanded Jamie Spears resign immediately last month. He accused him in court documents, accusing him of trying to extort money out of his daughter's estate.
Rosengart wrote that Mr. Spears and his counsel have been notified: The status quo is unacceptable and Britney Spears won't be extorted. "Mr. Spears is trying to barter suspension or removal in exchange of approximately $2 million in payment, on top the millions that Mr. Spears has already reaped from Ms. Spears estate by his associates, it's a non-starter."
