Britney Spears finally settles legal battle with father over conservatorship
What's the story
Pop star Britney Spears has successfully concluded a lengthy legal battle with her father, Jamie Spears, over allegations of financial mismanagement during her conservatorship.
The settlement was officially finalized in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday (local time), per a report by the New York Times.
The primary point of contention in this dispute was Jamie's handling of Britney's wealth and his legal expenses.
Context
Why does this story matter?
In the aftermath of her highly publicized breakdowns, a court-approved conservatorship—akin to guardianship—was established in 2008.
This legal arrangement—typically reserved for individuals unable to care for themselves due to age, infirmity, or mental disability—placed Jamie and lawyer Andrew Wallet in charge of overseeing Britney's life and finances.
For 13 years, the conservatorship remained in effect.
However, amid growing public scrutiny and mounting calls for Britney to regain control of her affairs, the conservatorship was terminated in 2021.
Legal battle
Britney's legal team worked to protect her from Jamie's costs
Britney's legal team, led by attorney Mathew S. Rosengart, worked diligently to protect their client from shouldering her father's legal costs.
The conflict primarily arose from allegations that Jamie had misused his position as Britney's conservator until September 2019, awarding himself a reported $6M.
The specifics of the settlement remain undisclosed, but Rosengart confirmed on Friday that Britney had achieved her goal of total liberation.
Freedom attained
'Settlement allows both Jamie and Britney to avoid trial': Report
"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," stated Rosengart.
This settlement allows both, Jamie and Britney, to avoid a trial over the alleged financial misconduct during her conservatorship.
The case has been under intense media scrutiny since Britney openly addressed a Los Angeles court on June 23, 2021, expressing feelings of being "traumatized" and "imprisoned by her conservators."
No new beginnings
Meanwhile, Britney has no plans to return to music
Following the termination of her conservatorship, the singer has seen over 2M copies of her best-selling memoir, The Woman in Me, fly off the shelves. She has also collaborated musically with Elton John and Will.i.am.
Despite these successes, she has stated that she no longer prioritizes music in her life.
Addressing rumors about a new album on Instagram, Britney clarified, "They keep saying I'm turning to random people to do a new album...I will never return to the music industry."