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Celebrity

30th Sep 2021

Britney Spears’ father suspended from conservatorship

Sarah McKenna Barry

Members of the #FreeBritney movement celebrated the latest update in the conservatorship case.

A judge has suspended Jamie Spears from his daughter Britney’s conservatorship in the singer’s ongoing legal battle.

At a hearing in the Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday, Judge Brenda Penny ruled that it would be “untenable” for Jamie to remain in charge of his daughter’s personal and financial affairs.

Judge Penny then ordered him to hand all documents to certified public accountant John Zabel, who has been appointed as the temporary conservator of the star’s estate.

Jamie’s legal team argued against the suspension, and called instead for the termination of the legal arrangement.

Britney’s lawyer Matthew Rosengar agreed with the judge that the suspension of Mr Spears was in his client’s “best interests”.

Mr Rosengar also described Jamie Spears as a “cruel, toxic, abusive man” throughout the hearing.

He added: “She wants him out of her life today rather than a lingering and toxic presence. Britney deserves to wake up tomorrow without her father as her conservator.”

Mr Spears had stepped down temporarily from his role overseeing Britney’s personal affairs in 2019, citing health issues. However, he had been in control of her finances.

Previously, Britney’s legal team claimed that Jamie Spears was seeking $2 million in payouts before withdrawing from his role in the conservatorship.

Around the world, members of the #FreeBritney movement celebrated the latest update in the star’s legal battle.

The legal arrangement was first put in place in 2008, and was the subject of the 2021 documentary Framing Britney Spears.

Over the summer, Britney spoke in court about the impact the conservatorship has had on her life.

She said: “I’ve told the whole world I’m OK, it’s a lie. I truly believe that this conservatorship is abusive. My request is to end the conservatorship without being evaluated like before.”