Was it misguided to #FreeBritney? Inside Britney Spears' toxic spiral from 'abusive' conservatorship to becoming 'completely dysfunctional and at risk of going broke' as experts claim the princess of pop needs an intervention

On November 12, 2021, Britney Spears celebrated 'the best day ever' as a judge called an end to her controversial conservatorship. 

It marked the end of 14 long years in which Britney's finances, career and personal liberties had been controlled by her father Jamie - a move he insisted was to protect her wellbeing, yet she claimed was 'abusive.' 

The 42-year-old Grammy winner had compared being under conservatorship to being a 'sex trafficking victim', detailing that she was made to work against her will, forced into taking birth control and had no control over seeing her sons or friends. 

Indeed, having heard Britney's emotive testimony it was hard not to sympathise, after all who would want to think of the princess of pop locked away in an ivory tower with no autonomy? 

Certainly not the fans who had championed the #FreeBritney campaign and wept openly outside the courtroom when her conservatorship was terminated. 

Yet three years on from the fateful ruling, it's beginning to look like cutting Britney off from her only support system was misguided. 

Was it misguided to #FreeBritney? Inside Spears' toxic spiral from 'abusive' conservatorship to being 'completely dysfunctional and at risk of going broke' (pictured in April)

For 14 long years Britney's finances, career and personal liberties were controlled by her father Jamie Spears who placed her under a conservatorship in 2008 (pictured in 2015) 

For years fans championed the #FreeBritney campaign and openly wept openly outside the courtroom when her conservatorship was terminated (pictured: #FreeBritney rally in 2021) 

In fact concerns are so great for the troubled mother-of-two that a Hollywood psychiatrist has now claimed that the best course of action would be placing Britney under another conservatorship, insisting she needs 'structure and supervision,' for her own protection.

Back in 2021, Dr. Charles Sophy's advice would have seen him cancelled by the #FreeBritney brigade, yet now even her staunch fans are fearing if terminating the conservatorship was in fact the best course of action for Britney. 

So where did it all go wrong for Britney? 

Having regained control of her social media in 2021, eyebrows were raised when Britney immediately began stripping off for nude selfies and filming herself dancing with a vacant expression. 

Her sons Sean Preston, 18, and Jayden James, 17, were said to be 'embarrassed' by her behaviour and in a tell-all interview alongside their father they soon declared that despite a conservatorship no longer dictating when they could see her, they were were in no rush to meet up. 

Jayden admitted 'it will take a lot of time and effort' to repair their relationship, explaining: 'I just want her to get better mentally. When she gets better I really want to see her again.'

Britney responded in fiery fashion that day with a freewheeling Instagram tirade in which she goaded Jayden to 'learn to pick up a book and read one before you resort to even thinking about my intellect sweetheart !!!' 

It was clear tensions were frayed between the trio when her sons did not attend her wedding to Sam Asghari, 29, earlier in the year. 

That union had also raised eyebrows among her inner circle. 

Sam began dating Britney in October 2016 after he was cast as her love interest in the music video for Slumber Party. In October 2021, amid her legal battle to end her conservatorship, they announced their engagement. 

Hollywood star Octavia Spencer was quick to warn Britney in the comments that she should 'sign a prenup', yet later apologised for her remarks and insisted she had intended to 'make the couple laugh not cause pain.'

Five months after Britney's conservatorship came to an end - in which she had been made to wear an IUD contraceptive device - Britney announced she was pregnant with the couple's first child. 

She shared the joyous news in April 2022 but a month later she wrote on Instagram that she had sadly lost the 'miracle baby' which they both longed for. She said that they would keep on trying for a child.

Two months later, the couple were married at her home in Thousand Oaks.

Having regained control of her social media in 2021, eyebrows were raised when Britney immediately began stripping off for nude selfies

Her sons Sean Preston, 18, and Jayden James, 17, were said to be 'embarrassed' by her behaviour and admitted they were were in no rush to meet up with their mother 

It was clear tensions were frayed between the trio when her sons did not attend her wedding to Sam Asghari, 29, earlier in the year 

It was certainly a fairytale spectacle, with the bride arriving in a carriage drawn by white horses and their hooves painted gold.

She told Vogue magazine at the time: 'We really wanted to make this a small and beautiful moment with family and friends.'

Her immediate family (including her parents, sister, and brother) were not invited, however, and her two sons did not attend. 

Their father Kevin's attorney told People that both sons were 'happy for their mum' and 'hopeful that Sam and Britney are starting a great future together.'

At the wedding itself there were signs that this wasn't a conventional union. 

The first dance, traditionally a bride and groom only affair, was instead Britney plus Madonna and Selena Gomez dancing to the bride's hit Toxic. 

It seemed to set the scene for marital life, with the couple splitting just a year later and citing 'irreconcilable differences'.

Britney, thankfully, had taken on Octavia's advice and signed a pre-nup, yet is said to be paying around $10,000 per month for him to live in a high-rise apartment in Los Angeles. Their divorce is yet to be finalised. 

While she found herself facing heartbreak and loss, Britney's newfound conservatorship freedom did allow her to revive her much-loved music career. 

She teamed up with Elton John to release Hold Me Closer - her first song in six years - and a remix of Elton's classic Tiny Dancer. 

Fans went wild for the track, sending it straight to No. 1 in 35 countries, while Elton expressed its hopes that the success would 'restore Britney's confidence', noting she'd been left 'broken' by her conservatorship. 

Sam began dating Britney in 2016 after he was cast as her love interest in her music video. In 2021, amid her legal battle to end her conservatorship, they announced their engagement (pictured 2019) 

Britney's newfound conservatorship freedom did allow her to revive her much-loved music career. She teamed up with Elton John to release Hold Me Closer in 2022 

However the eccentric dancing videos, pointed digs at family members and nude selfies continued, ultimately prompting the police to perform a welfare check on the singer. 

In January 2023, fans urged law enforcement to check on the star as a result of her erratic social media behaviour, which saw her days earlier claim she had changed her name to River Red

Fans were concerned the singer - who had recently addressed a seeming 'manic' episode in a restaurant with husband Sam - was in danger after deleting her Instagram for for the seventh time in less than a year.

Deputies from Ventura Co. Sheriff's Office were then sent out to her home home and determined 'there was no reason to believe she was in danger'.

In response, Britney took to Twitter to lament her lack of privacy and complained that she felt like she was being 'gaslit' and 'bullied.'

Although she stressed that police never 'entered' her house and stayed at her gate, she said the situation went 'a little too far.'

In contrast with her usual bubbly Instagram posts, Britney's Twitter statement was unusually sober and reserved. 

'As everyone knows the police were called to my home based on some prank phone calls,' she began. 'I love and adore my fans this time things went a little too far and my privacy was invaded.

She clarified that, 'The police never entered my home,' and they apparently left shortly after arriving at her gate after finding 'no issue.'

But the run-in with law enforcement over the 'prank phone calls' still left her feeling accosted.

She continued: 'This felt like I was being gaslit and bullied once the incident made it to the news and being portrayed once again in a poor and unfair light by the media. 

'During this time in my life, I truly hope the public and my fans who I care so much about can respect my privacy moving forward. All the love, B.' 

However, in October that same year, fans called the police out again after Britney shared an Instagram video of herself dancing with knives that she later claimed were 'fake.' 

She later hit out at law enforcement, sharing on Instagram: 'Is it a joke in the news again with welfare checks??? Come on America … we cooler than that, right???

'The officers came to my home and said they would not leave until they spoke to me as people do 4 minute performances with them,' she penned, and adamantly added, 'I am getting an apology.

'I've been bullied in my home for so long now…ITS ENOUGH! Don't talk about it, come on, let's DO!!!'

Britney then wrote, 'As my mom does the silent treatment when paps ask questions about her own daughter as if I'm in the wrong…nope it's an old game.'

In conclusion, she further slammed authorities showing up at her home and typed, 'People need to be responsible for their actions! It's about power for cops.'

The following month, Britney was able to have her say as she released The Woman in Me, an explosive memoir about her life in the spotlight and her troubles hidden in the shadows. 

It included accounts of the conservatorship that for years granted her father control of much of her life and her revelation that she had an abortion while dating Justin Timberlake more than 20 years ago.

She shared a statement on Instagram in which she explained that she had no intentions to 'offend anyone' in regards to her memoir, adding she has 'moved on and it's a beautiful clean slate from here !!!'

A bidding war was then said to have erupted between major studio over the rights to adapt the memoir into a film, TV series or documentary. 

Having aired her thoughts in the memoir, Britney stayed mainly out of the spotlight in the beginning of 2024. 

She hit headlines again this month when it emerged she had settled the lingering issues in the court conservatorship controlled by her father.

Several elements had remained and dragged on in court, including final payments to the attorneys who helped operate the conservatorship. 

Britney's attorney Mathew Rosengart had also sought a public reckoning over what he said was financial malfeasance by Jamie and allegations of excessive surveillance of Briney.

All of that will now be dispensed with in the settlement whose terms were not disclosed in a series of filings last week, one of which said Jamie had been 'fully and finally discharged as Former Conservator of the Estate.'

Britney's lawyer said in a statement: 'Although the conservatorship was terminated in November, 2021, her wish for freedom is now truly complete.

'As she desired, her freedom now includes that she will no longer need to attend or be involved with court or entangled with legal proceedings in this matter. 

'It has been our honor and privilege to represent, protect, and defend Britney Spears.'

Jamie's attorney, Alex Weingarten, said the settlement was confidential at the insistence of her lawyer.

He shared: 'Jamie has nothing to hide and would be happy to disclose everything about every aspect of the conservatorship so that the public knows the actual truth.

'Jamie loves his daughter very much and has always done everything he can to protect her.'

Following the settlement, TMZ reported that friends of the singer branded her 'completely disfunctional' and claim she is in a worse mental and financial situation than she was when she was under conservatorship.

The insiders claimed that Britney is suffering from 'shocking and radical mood swings' and has become increasingly isolated.

One source told the site that those who have remained close to the star believe she was doing better while under conservatorship, which ended in 2021.

'She had lots of freedom in the conservatorship and the restrictions were there to protect her. She's not protected anymore,' claimed the insider.

In October 2023 fans called the police out again after Britney shared an Instagram video of herself dancing with knives that she later claimed were 'fake'

Concerns are so great for Britney that Hollywood psychiatrist Dr. Charles Sophy (pictured) has claimed that the best course of action would be placing her under another conservatorship

The star was also alleged to be in danger of blowing her $60million fortune after splashing out over a million dollars for each of her monthly trips to French Polynesia and Hawaii.

She has reportedly spent thousands on private jets and five star resorts for regular holidays, with an insider claiming: 'She cannot afford this... she is in danger of going broke'.

A noted Hollywood psychiatrist then claimed the best plan of action for Britney's wellbeing would be to place her under a new conservatorship. 

Dr. Charles Sophy appeared on TMZ Live on Monday after the reports and revealed that he wasn't shocked to see the news at all.

'No, it doesn't surprise me at all because the conservatorship was there for a reason, and even though, like you said, it might not have been with the right person, the actual process needs to be in place,' he said.

'When you have a mental illness of this degree, you need that kind of structure, supervision, and most importantly, to take your medication.'

In 2019, there were reports that  Britney was being held against her will in the conservatorship - that was allegedly supposed to end in 2009 after just one year - because the singer was refusing to take her medication. 

Dr Charles claimed that the spiral in Britney's health now could be a repeat incident, claiming: 'I think that's probably what's happened here. This is a no-medication situation.

'Because of the erratic behavior, the manic-y spending of money, recklessness, destroying people around her, no one can feel safe around her, no one can control her, she's out of control, on many levels.'

When asked how she could be treated now, Dr Charles admitted: 'Well, these kinds of situations run into a wall, eventually.'

'Either she'll hurt herself, she might hurt someone else, or she could be 5150'd because she's not able to take care of herself.

'Any of those situations will push her to a place where then medication can be given to her against her will.'

Britney was initially entered into the conservatorship on February 1, 2008 after she refused to relinquish custody of her sons to ex Kevin Federline and she was committed to the psych ward (pictured January 2008 at a hearing regarding visitation rights for her sons) 

TMZ's Harvey Levin then confessed that he couldn't see a judge ordering Britney to be put into another conservatorship given the public outcry that happened.

Yet Dr Charles responded: 'Well, I understand that, but at the end of the day, hopefully a judge would make the decision in the best interest of that patient, and if that's what she requires, even for a temporary amount of time, that's what she would require.'

When asked if there is an argument that can be made that getting out of the conservatorship was a 'horrible thing' for Britney, Dr Charles responded: 'Absolutely.

'You know, hindsight is 20/20, but look at it. She's slowly unraveling and it was in place and she wasn't unraveling. She might not have been happy, but she was stable... She needs medication. She's out of control.'

Britney was initially entered into the conservatorship on February 1, 2008, with Judge Reva Goetz placing her father Jamie and attorney Andrew M. Wallet, as conservators.

This happened when she refused to relinquish custody of her sons to ex Kevin Federline and she was committed to the psych ward of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold.

She continued to work and release albums throughout her time in the conservatorship, though she entered a psychiatric ward again in 2019 due to stress from her father Jamie's near-fatal colon rupture.

The #FreeBritney campaign began to gain momentum in 2020 and the following year The New York Times' Emmy-nominated television documentary Framing Britney Spears only snowballed the public outcry at her conservatorship. 

TIMELINE OF BRITNEY'S COMPLEX CONSERVATORSHIP AND HOW IT BEGAN

Britney with her father, brother and mother in 2006. Her parents separated 

2002 -  Jamie Spears and Lynne Spears divorce. 

Britney breaks up with Justin Timberlake around the same time.

2004 -  Britney marries Kevin Federline.

2005 - Britney and Kevin welcome their first child, Sean Preston Federline. 

2006 - Jayden James Federline, Britney and Kevin's second child, is born. 

2007 - Britney, struggling through a custody battle and split with Kevin, shaves her head and attacks a paparazzo's car.

2008 - Jamie Spears files for conservatorship of Britney, claiming she is not legally well enough to make her own decisions. 

Britney in 2008 for a custody hearing as part of her split with Kevin Federline. Jamie Spears in court in 2008 getting the conservatorship

2009-2019 - QUIET CONSERVATORSHIP YEARS

The conservatorship - which had been temporary - is extended  every year. 

In court papers, Jamie's attorneys describe how she is making more money. 

JANUARY 2019 - THE ARRANGEMENT STARTS TO CRUMBLE

Britney in 2019, in the grips of the conservatorship, in Las Vegas at her residency

Britney announces an 'indefinite' work hiatus and cancels her lucrative Las Vegas residency.

Jamie files paperwork asking for the conservatorship to be extended beyond California, to apply in Hawaii, Louisiana and Florida as well.  

He steps down as her primary conservator after allegations he abused one of her sons but is still listed as one of those in charge. 

EARLY 2020 - Britney, Jamie and Jamie-Lynne are in Louisiana together for two weeks.  

The #FreeBritney movement is picking up. 

Jamie's attorneys claim everyone is happy together and enjoying spending time together in quarantine.  

NOVEMBER 2020- Britney's attorneys claim in papers that she is afraid of her father and asks for Bessemer Trust to be put in charge. 

Her fans start speculating over her cryptic Instagram posts and videos that she wants a way out.  

DECEMBER 2020 -  The conservatorship is extended until September 2021.

FEBRUARY 5, 2021 -  Framing Britney Spears debuts on Hulu.

The conservatorship that Britney was put under is ordinarily used in situations where older, perhaps senile people, can no longer look after their own affairs. 

Fans are concerned for her well-being and have demanded that she be released from the control of her father, Jamie

It gives control over to an appointed conservator for the best interest of the recipient but in most cases, the recipient is not healthy enough to make their own money, unlike Britney who makes millions. Under the rules of the probate conservatorship, Jamie now has equal control over her estate to a third party and an attorney, Andrew Wallet. 

Wallet derives a salary of $426,000 a year from Britney's estate. 

He, Jamie and the third party who was brought on recently can make deals on her behalf and restrict her visitors.

JUNE 23, 2021 - BRITNEY SPEAKS OUT IN COURT  

Britney and her boyfriend Sam Asghari

In an emotional testimony, Britney told the court that she had suffered psychologically for years as a result of the conservatorship which she said was so restrictive, she wasn't allowed to remove her IUD birth control. 

JUNE 30, 2021 - JUDGE DENIES BRITNEY'S REQUEST TO REMOVE JAMIE 

Judge Brenda Penny, responding to Britney's November 2020 request, refuses to remove Jamie from the agreement. 

She doesn't say why but she does invite her attorney to file paperwork to end it, which he doesn't. 

JULY 1, 2021 - BESSEMER TRUST RESIGNS AFTER BEING PUT IN CHARGE WITH JAMIE

A day after the judge's ruling, Bessemer Trust, which had been brought on, resigned, saying they were never aware that Britney wanted to end the conservatorship. 

In a court filing, the company's attorneys said: 'We heard her and respect her wishes.' 

JULY 5, 2021 - BRITNEY'S LONG-TIME MANAGER RESIGNS

Larry Rudolph wrote a letter to Jamie and the conservatorship to say he was no longer needed since Britney wanted to retire. 

He said he hadn't spoken to her for two years but had been told by others that she wanted to step down. 

JULY 6, 2021 - BRITNEY'S ATTORNEY STEPS DOWN 

Sam Ingham, the attorney appointed to represent Britney in 2008, steps down after failing to file paperwork to terminate the conservatorship, despite her pleas. 

JULY 14, 2021 -BRITNEY WINS RIGHT TO CHOOSE HER OWN LAWYER

A Los Angeles court granted Britney the right to choose a lawyer to help her end her conservatorship, after she told a judge the current situation was 'allowing my dad to ruin my life.' She chose former federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart as her new attorney. 

JULY 23, 2021 - BRITNEY FLASHES HER BOOBS ON INSTAGRAM

Singer's semi-nude post was hailed by fans including Paris Hilton as evidence of her determination to become a 'free woman'.

JULY 27, 2021 - LYNNE SPEARS AGREES TO TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF HER DAUGHTER

The singer's mother's attack on Jamie gives her a powerful new ally in her bid to be freed.

AUGUST 12, 2021 - JAMIE SPEARS AGREES TO STEP DOWN AS CONSERVATOR

Jamie's lawyers filed court documents saying that he will step down, and provide an orderly transition to another conservator.

He said that he was doing so because he felt a public argument with his daughter was not in her best interests. 

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 - JAMIE SPEARS FILES TO END THE CONSERVATORSHIP

Jamie states that his daughter 'is entitled to have this Court now seriously consider whether this conservatorship is no longer required.' 

The filing went on to say that Britney Spears' circumstances have changed 'to such an extent that grounds for establishment of a conservatorship may no longer exist.' 

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 - JAMIE SUSPENDED FROM CONSERVATORSHIP 

LA Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny ruled to suspend Jamie as the conservator of Britney's estate. 

Accountant John Zabel has been named as the temporary replacement conservator. 

NOVEMBER 2, 2021 - JAMIE FILES TO END THE CONSERVATORSHIP IMMEDIATELY, RELINQUISHING ALL FINANCIAL CLAIMS 

Jamie Spears filed court documents declaring that he was leaving the arrangement immediately, handing over all documents, and not seeking any financial benefit. 

NOVEMBER 12, 2021 - JUDGE TERMINATES BRITNEY'S CONSERVATORSHIP 

A Los Angeles judge ordered an end to the conservatorship that controlled Britney's life - and $60 million fortune - for the 13 years.

'The court finds that the conservatorship of the person and estate of Britney Jean Spears is no longer required,' Judge Brenda Penny told a LA Superior court hearing - where Britney did not appear.

'Therefore, as of today, the conservatorship is hereby terminated.'

APRIL 11, 2022 - BRITNEY ANNOUNCES SHE IS EXPECTING

More than four months after the end of her conservatorship, Spears - who said that she was forced to be on birth control due to the conservatorship - announced she was 'having a baby' and implied she and Asghari had gotten married.

MAY 14, 2022 - BRITNEY SAYS SHE LOST BABY IN MISCARRIAGE

Spears took to Instagram in a joint message with Asghari to say they had lost the child they were expecting. 

In a statement, they said, 'It is with deepest sadness we have to announce that we have lost our miracle baby early in the pregnancy. 

'This is a devastating time for any parent. Perhaps we should have waited to announce until we were further along however we were overly excited to share the good news.' 

JUNE 10, 2022 - BRITNEY AND SAM MARRY AT HER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOME 

Spears and Asghari wed at her Southern California home in a ceremony that came nine months after they announced they were engaged to one another.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 - CALIFORNIA CHANGES CONSERVATORSHIP LAWS IN WAKE OF SPEARS CASE 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom inked a bill that limited conservatorships granting legal guardianship over people in the wake of the pop star's case. 

The law mandates judges put to the record all alternatives to a conservatorship before implementing one.