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Britney Spears was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs on US 101 in California

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Britney Spears was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The pop star was arrested in March after being pulled over for reckless driving on US 101 in California.

The pop star was arrested in March after being pulled over for reckless driving on US 101 in California.

Britney Spears was charged in California on Thursday with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, authorities said.

The 44-year-old pop star was charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said.

An email sent to Spears’ representatives seeking comment was not immediately returned.

The criminal complaint did not specify what type of alcohol or drug, or what quantity, Spears is alleged to have used.

Spears, who has since been undergoing substance abuse treatment, was arrested on March 4 after being pulled over for driving her black BMW recklessly and at high speed on US 101 near her home, the California Highway Patrol said. She appeared intoxicated and underwent a series of field sobriety tests, after which she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs and taken to the Ventura County Jail, the CHP said.

She was released on bail the following day. The police concluded their investigation and turned the case over to the district attorney on March 23.

A representative at the time called Spears’ actions “utterly inexcusable” and said that ideally it would be “the first step in a long-overdue change that needs to happen in Britney’s life.”

Spears voluntarily entered a drug abuse treatment facility more than a month after her arrest, her representative said.

Spears’ hearing is scheduled for Monday. Since this is a misdemeanor charge, she is not required to appear in court, the prosecutor said.

The teen pop sensation and former Mickey Mouse Club star became a leading superstar of the 1990s and 2000s with hit songs like “Toxic,” “Gimme More,” and “I’m a Slave 4 U.” Most of her albums have been certified platinum, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, with two albums certified diamond: …Baby One More Time (1999) and Oops! …I Did It Again (2000).

Spears became the focus of tabloids in the early 2000s and a subject of public scrutiny as she battled mental illness and the paparazzi documented the details of her personal life.

In 2008, Spears was placed under a court-ordered conservatorship, largely run by her father and his lawyers, who would control her personal and financial decisions for more than a decade. The conservatorship was dissolved in 2021.

Since then, she has married and divorced, and released a best-selling autobiographical memoir titled The Woman in Me.

She has essentially retired from performing in recent years, releasing only a few collaborative singles since her last full-length album in 2016.

Britney Spears Sells Catalog of Hits for $500 Million

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Britney Spears (44), the 1990s teen pop superstar, caused a stir after reports surfaced that she had sold the rights to her entire music catalog for a staggering sum.

According to BBC.com, the deal is set to close on December 30, 2025. It’s no small matter—Spears is expected to pocket up to 200 million U.S. dollars from the buyer, the publisher Primary Wave.

Recently, as also reported by BBC.com, renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, and Shakira have also sold their catalogs to different parties.

Springsteen sold his song catalog to Sony in 2021 for 500 million US dollars. Meanwhile, Bieber reportedly signed a deal worth 200 million US dollars with Hipgnosis Songs Capital in 2023.

The company Primary Wave was founded two decades ago by music executive Lawrence Mestel after purchasing a 50 percent stake in Kurt Cobain’s Nirvana catalog. They are also very active in reworking the copyrights they acquired.

They seek ways to revitalize the music they’ve invested in, such as by hosting numerous “flip camps” where songwriters can sample and interpolate old songs to create new hits.

Additionally, Primary Wave produced a biographical film (biopic) about the life of the late global pop diva, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, in 2022.

Previously, her autobiography, titled The Woman In Me, also flew off the shelves like hotcakes. The memoir sold as many as 1.1 million copies in its first week of release alone back in 2023.

In the book, Spears details how every aspect of her life was controlled by others. Major Hollywood studio Universal Pictures has also announced its interest in adapting it into a film after successfully securing the rights to do so.

Britney is adored by her fans for her hit songs such as “Baby One More Time,” “Oops!… I Did It Again,” “Toxic,” and “Gimme More.” In early January 2024, Spears made a shocking statement regarding her music career.

Just so we’re all clear, most of that news is garbage!!!

At the time, she vowed she would never return to the industry that had made her a megastar. Through her official social media account, Spears also denied reports that she was currently seeking songwriters for her 10th studio album.

“Just so we’re all clear, most of that news is garbage!!! They keep saying I’m turning to random people to make a new album… I will never return to the music industry!!!” she wrote in an emotional tone.

Even so, she takes pride in the fact that she’s still creating music by writing at least 20 songs for others over the past two years. Spears really enjoys her role as a ghostwriter like that.

Spears has long been known as one of the world’s best-selling female pop artists, with over 150 million records sold worldwide. Her catalog includes nine studio albums since her debut in 1999.

Neither Spears’ representatives nor a spokesperson for Primary Wave immediately responded to requests for comment. As such, it remains unclear exactly what rights Primary Wave has acquired.

Sony Music is known to own and control the rights to Spears’ recording catalog. The singer is also understood not to be the songwriter for most of her hit songs. This means that the majority of her most valuable rights stem from the recordings themselves.

Under U.S. law, a song has two distinct types of copyrights that generate royalties for different parties. Music publishing royalties are tied to the song’s composition and lyrics, while recording royalties stem from the recording itself.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Primary Wave is one of the most well-known companies in the field of catalog acquisitions. They have purchased catalogs from major artists, such as the estates of the late Prince and Whitney Houston.

About FreeBritney

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Since April 2019, we have been raising awareness to end the conservatorship of Britney Spears and advocate reform of the probate court system.

The #FreeBritney movement advocates Britney Spears’s freedom from the 13 years long conservatorship over both her person and financial estate. When a conservatorship is established over an individual, they are denied their most basic civil rights.

  • Denied due process

  • Deprived of property

  • Deprived of liberty

  • Denied right to confront accusers

  • Denied right to trial

  • Denied right to counsel

  • Unlawfully confined and isolated

  • Unlawfully chemically restrained

“BRITNEY welcomes and appreciates the informed support of her many fans.”

— Britney’s court-appointed attorney Samuel D. Ingham III

Under the conservatorship, Britney Spears has been denied the freedom to make phone calls, operate a motor vehicle, send and receive mail, and access her finances.

A conservatorship is intended to protect the incapacitated individuals. Since the beginning of the conservatorship, Britney Spears has recorded 4 albums and performed in 4 world tours in addition to a 4-year Las Vegas residency.

Our Movement

  • Thousands of advocates around the world

  • Courthouse rallies in L.A. during every conservatorship hearing

  • Rallies in multiple cities to raise awareness

  • Consistently featured in news media

  • Multiple documentaries in production

  • Part of coalition of probate reform advocates

How It Happened

The video below explores the exact moment Britney Spears lost control of her life, the conservatorship as a whole and the people behind it. This is part 3 of a series from Deep Dive Productions.

What to Expect at a #FreeBritney Rally

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If you’re attending a #FreeBritney rally for the first time, we’re so excited to have you! Here’s some information to help you plan your day. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.

When and Where is the Rally?

July 14, 2021 · 1:30 PM Pacific
Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Los Angeles, CA (Google map)

Check our events page to see if your city is hosting a rally.

What Should I Bring?

We recommend bringing a #FreeBritney sign, water, snacks, sunscreen, a camera, and a portable phone charger. No sign? No problem, we will have extra signs to share.

As we will be outside in a public place, it’s best to keep all belongings on your person throughout the day.

What Happens at the Rally?

Although every rally may be somewhat different, they each have similarities. We chant, hold signs, march around the Courthouse (where our chants can be heard from Judge Penny’s courtroom!), conduct interviews with the press, and more.

Will Britney Attend the Hearing?

Britney is scheduled to speak to the judge at the June 23 hearing. We do not know if she plans to attend in person or virtually.

Unshackling Freedom: How to Support the #FreeBritney Movement and Combat Conservatorship Abuse

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Unshackling Freedom: How to Support the #FreeBritney Movement and Combat Conservatorship Abuse

The #FreeBritney movement has garnered global attention, leaving many questioning how a pop icon could lose her autonomy for over 13 years. Britney Spears’ conservatorship is not just a personal battle; it represents a broader issue of conservatorship abuse affecting countless families. Here’s how you can support this vital cause and help bring an end to injustices like hers.

Understanding Conservatorship Abuse

Conservatorships are legal arrangements typically designed for individuals who are incapacitated. However, in Britney’s case, her conservatorship has been a tool for control rather than protection. Here are some critical points to consider:

  • Basic Human Rights Denied: Under the conservatorship, Britney has faced restrictions on her personal and financial decisions.
  • Financial Exploitation: The conservatorship generates revenue for those managing it, often at the expense of the individual’s well-being.
  • Widespread Issue: Conservatorship abuse is not unique to Britney; many families across the U.S. face similar predicaments.

How You Can Support the #FreeBritney Movement

Taking action can feel empowering, especially when advocating for someone’s freedom and rights. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Amplify the Message

Use your social media platforms to spread awareness. Share posts, articles, and updates about Britney’s story and the #FreeBritney movement. Every share counts in amplifying the call for change.

2. Participate in Protests

Joining protests and public rallies helps demonstrate widespread support. Check for local events and participate actively.

3. Educate Yourself and Others

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself on conservatorship laws and their implications. Share this knowledge with others to create a ripple effect of awareness.

4. Support Related Organizations

Contributing to organizations fighting for the rights of those under conservatorships can make a significant difference. Look for non-profits advocating for legal reforms and support services.

5. Sign Petitions

Petitions are a powerful way to show support for legislative change. Look for and sign petitions that advocate for reforming conservatorship laws to protect individuals’ rights.

Conclusion

The #FreeBritney movement is about much more than one person’s fate; it’s about the urgent need to address conservatorship abuse across the country. Every action you take can contribute to creating a change, restoring freedom, and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable individuals. Together, let’s advocate for an end to conservatorship abuse and help those who can’t help themselves.

Jamie’s Objections Overruled

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Bessemer Trust Company granted equal power as co-conservator of Britney’s estate

It’s been nearly impossible to avoid the #FreeBritney movement this past week. From social media and local news, to talk shows and international broadcasts, it seems like everyone is buzzing about The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears.

The documentary premiered on FX and Hulu on Friday, February 5, and there have since been over one million tweets referencing Britney Spears. While the documentary could only include 75 minutes’ worth of material, it managed to introduce a whole new crowd to the #FreeBritney movement. It only briefly touched on the corrupt probate court system and failed to mention Lou Taylor, but it certainly provided an overview that was easy for the public to understand. It seems like the world has finally taken a vested interest in Britney Spears, the human being, and not just Britney Spears, the pop icon.

On the heels of the documentary, there was another court hearing in Britney’s case today. In light of the recent media attention, there was certainly a feeling of hopefulness leading up to it. Since March 2019, Jamie Spears had been acting as sole conservator of Britney’s estate, which grants him the power to make all decisions related to her finances. In November 2020, the judge approved the appointment of Bessemer Trust Company as co-conservator, and it seemed that all parties were in agreement that Jamie and Bessemer would share equal power. However, just last month, attorneys for Jamie Spears filed objections to the appointment, requesting modifications which were argued today in court.

The hearing consisted of the usual back-and-forth. Jamie’s attorney, Vivian Thoreen, withdrew one of her objections, and Britney’s court-appointed attorney, Samuel Ingham, argued against the remaining ones. Thoreen also insisted that Ingham’s petition to appoint Bessemer was ambiguous and needed to be clarified. Ultimately, Judge Penny overruled the objections and both sides agreed to work together to “get a better sense of where this conservatorship is headed.” Specifically, Jamie and Bessemer will work together on a budget proposal and portfolio allocations.

Today’s outcome is being touted as a victory in Britney’s case, as her father will now share the control he maintains over Britney’s estate with Bessemer Trust Company. While the outcome was to be expected, some fans were disappointed that Judge Penny didn’t terminate the conservatorship in its entirety.

There seems to be a general lack of urgency in Britney’s case. Issues are frequently continued to subsequent hearings, and there have been no significant changes in recent years. It’s not hard to imagine why one might want to prolong this case. Attorneys on all sides make a substantial amount of money, and prolonging it continues the influx of income. It’s also worth noting that Britney pays for her court-appointed attorney, the attorneys for Jamie Spears, and the additional litigators on both sides.

As the #FreeBritney movement continues to grow and receive international media attention, we must keep the momentum. Whether you’ve been here since the early days or you’re just joining the fight, don’t forget to check out our Take Action page and continue using your voice on social media and beyond.