Activists, Celebs Rally to #FreeBritney After Her Heartbreaking Testimony – NewNowNext

by Sam Manzella 6/24/2021

Britney Spears is begging a judge in Los Angeles to free her from a longstanding conservatorship that has granted her father full control of her life, and LGBTQ+ Twitter users and fellow celebrities have her back.

On Wednesday (June 23), the beloved pop singer gave a rare and gut-wrenching testimony detailing how the 13-year conservatorship has traumatized her. As The New York Times reports, Spearss father, James P. Spears, was granted legal authority over Britneys life in 2008 after she was involuntarily hospitalized for mental health issues. More than a decade later, the conservatorship is still in place, meaning Britney has virtually no autonomy in her day-to-day life.

During her emotional, uninterrupted 20-minute statement, Britney spoke at length about how her father has used his legal authority to keep her heavily medicated, compel her to work against her will, and force her to keep her IUD inserted, preventing her from having any more children. I truly believe this conservatorship is abusive, she told the court. I dont feel like I can live a full life.

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images

The fan-led movement to #FreeBritney from her conservatorship has been ongoing for years and reentered the cultural zeitgeist after the premiere of the documentary Framing Britney Spears earlier this year. But Britneys testimony on Wednesday marked a turning point in how the 39-year-old singer has publicly discussed the matter.

Its embarrassing and demoralizing what Ive been through, and thats the main reason I didnt say it openly, she added. I didnt think anybody would believe me.

Needless to say, Britneys LGBTQ+ fans across social media believe her and are standing with her as she battles to end the conservatorship.

Britney also got messages of support from fellow celebrities, including Mariah Carey, Halsey, and even her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake.

Bless Britney and I hope with my whole heart she is awarded freedom from this abusive system, Halsey tweeted on Wednesday. She deserves it more than anything. I admire her courage speaking up for herself today.

Find a transcript of Britneys full testimony here.

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Activists, Celebs Rally to #FreeBritney After Her Heartbreaking Testimony - NewNowNext