A new report claims the Princess of Pop has opposed her conservatorship for years without anyone knowing.
Confidential documents obtained by The New York Times reveal Britney Spears opposes the conservatorship that allows her father, Jamie Spears, control of her finances and life.
According to The Guardian, the 39-year-old hit maker rarely comments about this court-approved arrangement. This procedure has removed her right to independence since 2008, but she is trying to gain control of her life all along.
In the documents the Times, which jointly produced the Britney documentary, reveals the singer-songwriter has repeatedly defied the conservatorship.
"She articulated she feels the conservatorship has become an oppressive and controlling tool against her," a court investigator said in 2016.
At the time, Spears felt her father had "too much control" over her and had the power to decide who she would date and friend. It also included the control over how she would design her home, among others.
These confidential documents came to light a day before the mother-of-two would finally address the issue publicly in the continuation of her conservatorship's hearing. This would be an important move in her lengthy battle against her father's conservatorship that has been shrouded in secrecy for years.
With the help of her court-appointed lawyer, Spears is now fighting for transparency. Last year, she made it known that she no longer wanted her father to control her life.
So, what is a conservatorship and how does it work in California? Reuters said it is an arrangement in which a person or organization is given the right to protect and manage another's finances or personal care if a judge considers that person cannot control their life.
This is usually given to older people, developmentally disabled or other individuals who temporarily or permanently have mental or physical disabilities. From here, a conservator will take over to look after that individual.
The conservator can be a relative, friend, or a professional who can be responsible for the individual's decisions - from making investments to managing finances and more. Any changes that need to be made will require court approval.
When it comes to restrictions, the court has to determine how much freedom an individual can have. In Spears' case, she can perform, post on social media, receive an allowance, have a boyfriend and more.
However, she can ask a judge to end the conservatorship at any time - but a court-appointed investigator has to evaluate the case. Spears must prove she can handle her personal and financial affairs. She is yet to make that request.
