
Britney Spears is one huge step closer to being free. On Sept. 7, Jamie Spears—the star's father and her conservator for 13 years—filed a petition to end his daughter's conservatorship altogether, in what her lawyer called "a massive legal victory for Britney Spears, as well as vindication."
"Recent events related to this conservatorship have called into question whether circumstances have changed to such an extent that grounds for establishment of a conservatorship may no longer exist," reads the filing, as seen by People.
"Ms. Spears has told this Court that she wants control of her life back without the safety rails of a conservatorship," the filing continues. "She wants to be able to make decisions regarding her own medical care, deciding when, where and how often to get therapy. She wants to control the money she has made from her career and spend it without supervision or oversight. She wants to be able to get married and have a baby, if she so chooses. In short, she wants to live her life as she chooses without the constraints of a conservator or court proceeding."
Jamie Spears had previously agreed to step down as conservator "when the time is right" after initially refusing to step down at all. But for Britney Spears' lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, this wasn't enough: The singer's father should step down immediately, he said.
This new court filing therefore represents a huge leap forward for Britney Spears' case. "As Mr. Spears has said again and again, all he wants is what is best for his daughter," the filing continues. "If Ms. Spears wants to terminate the conservatorship and believes that she can handle her own life, Mr. Spears believes that she should get that chance."
Jamie Spears wanted to step down only if certain financial demands were met, but Rosengart was fully opposed to this settlement. "Having exposed his misconduct and improper plan to hold his daughter hostage by trying to extract a multi-million dollar settlement, Mr. Spears has now effectively surrendered. There is no settlement," Rosengart told People.
He continued, "To the extent Mr. Spears believes he can try to avoid accountability and justice, including sitting for a sworn deposition and answering other discovery under oath, he is incorrect and our investigation into financial mismanagement and other issues will continue."
Commenting on Britney Spears' latest Instagram post, fans flocked to express their joy at this new development. "YOURE ABOUT TO BE FREE BABY GIRL!!!!!!" wrote one, while someone else said, "So excited for you babe, we’re gonna get you out of there."
Related Stories
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for Her
She also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Eugenie Welcomes Second Baby
This name!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Finally, Stylish Summer Jewelry You Can Sweat, Swim, and Shower in
Waterproof pieces you can keep on all summer long.
By Emma Childs
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors