Photo Credit: Russavia / CC by 3.0
In spite of fans’ far-reaching protests – and the chilling testimony of Britney Spears – a judge has officially refused to remove the 39-year-old artist’s father as conservator.
Judge Brenda J. Penny just recently ruled against dissolving or substantially modifying the 13-year-old conservatorship, which has been the subject of much media attention (and ample fan criticism) as of late. In denying Britney Spears’ request without prejudice, the presiding judge specified that the “Toxic” artist “is substantially unable to manage his or her financial resources or to resist fraud or undue influence” and “has voluntarily requested appointment of a conservator and good cause has been shown for the appointment.”
Previously, other judges also declined to do away with the conservatorship entirely – albeit while reducing the role that James Spears plays in his daughter’s affairs. The 68-year-old was set to co-manage the finances of Britney (who has a net worth – or estate worth, that is – of $60 million, per Forbes) with New York City-headquartered family office Bessemer Trust, for instance.
But seemingly in response to the PR nightmare (fueled by Spears’ opposition to the arrangement, of course) associated with remaining part of the conservatorship, Bessemer Trust this afternoon moved to withdraw from the assignment. It’s unclear at this time which entity or individual will serve as a replacement.
Judge Penny proceeded to highlight the “additional powers,” besides those “otherwise provided by law,” that the conservators can jointly exercise. Among said powers are the ability “to pursue opportunities related to professional commitments and activities” and “to select, invest in and monitor the particular investment vehicles for the conservatorship estate.”
The conservators must file an accounting on or before Tuesday, March 1st, 2022, the judge stated in closing, while the case’s next hearing is slated to arrive on Wednesday, July 14th.
Predictably, given the highly charged (and much-publicized) nature of the matter, all manner of fans and artists are taking to social media to weigh in on the ruling. Jamie Lynn Spears addressed the subject earlier this week – and faced pushback from Britney diehards – and Bryan Spears, Britney’s 44-year-old brother, said during a podcast interview that the conservatorship has “been a great thing for our family, you know, to this point.”
Lastly, Iggy Azalea voiced support for Britney Spears in a lengthy message late last night, writing: “During the time we worked together in 2015, I personally witnessed the same behavior Britney detailed in regards to her father last week and I just want to back her up & tell the world that: She is not exaggerating or lying.
“I saw her restricted from even the most bizarre and trivial things: like how many sodas she was allowed to drink. Why is that even necessary?
“Her father conveniently waited until literally moments before our BMAs performance when I was backstage in the dressing room & told me if I did not sign an NDA he would not allow me on stage. … Jamie Spears has a habit of making people sign documents while under duress it seems, and Britney Spears should not be forced to co-exist with that man when she’s made it clear it is negatively impacting her mental health.”
Can B. Spears take this matter to the supreme court? And, I don’t see any Judges going around trying to control Rock Stars who drink, drug and party their lives up as they like, and they have a huge influence on many young listeners. Something is not right about this whole setup. I hope it does not come to a tragedy before people wake up.
At least give her a chance to see if she can manage on her own. Probational freedom? Uh, that really sound sick, but give her a chance. This is just another example as to why I advise people not to loath the wealthy or the poor, for they both have their own set of problems –seen or inseen– i.e. you can suffer either way.
Thank you for your thoughtful insight, Sigmund.
This whole thing is ugly. Give Spears her life back and allow her to shed all those hanger-ons who leech off her fortune. It’s stupid. If she makes bad choices, has more kids, marries idiots or drinks/drugs herself to death that is her choice. It happens to many others and they don’t get this kind of bullshit treatment.
Do any of you people know what it takes to get a conservator appointed for an adult? Any idea?
You ever gone through that? No, I bet you haven’t.
Maybe for grandma who had Alzheimer’s, or somebody who got in an accident and is now a quadriplegic. Those are the more common examples.
Some of you want her to bang more K-Feds and push out more puppies at age 40. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Maybe she could get back into drugs and die miserably and broke in a few years. At least she’d be doing what she wanted. It would give the media something to write about. I make my living off the evening news. Just give me something, something I can use. People love it when you lose, they love dirty laundry. Kick ’em when they’re up. Kick ’em when they’re down.
Nobody “wants” her to do anything that is detrimental to her life. Where did you get that notion from?
She’s toxic, huh? How long have you known her? I didn’t think so. What a jackass you are.
There is a reason she has a conservator. She is a certified wing nut drugged-up looney Hollywood poptart who represents the fiber of America.
America is fucked. And, if America is fucked, the world is fucked.
I know. I grew up in communist China.
How long have you personally known her? Didn’t think so.
From all the comments you post, you would definitely be a “certified wing-nut”.
The only thing fucked is you. Your life is a joke.
I love you.