Britney Spears is free of her conservatorship
After nearly 14 years, Britney Spears has been freed from her conservatorship.
Associated Press, USA TODAY
Britney Spears is still on “cloud nine” after being freed from her conservatorship after nearly 14 years.
Days after a Los Angeles judge officially terminated her conservatorship, the pop star said she toasted to her newfound “freedom” with a glass of bubbly. “What an amazing weekend… I felt like I was on cloud 9 the whole time,” Spears wrote on Instagram Monday. “I actually got my first glass of champagne at the most beautiful restaurant I’ve ever seen last night.”
She added: “I mean after 13 years … I think I’ve waited long ENOUGH!”
Spears, who turns 40 on Dec. 2, said the celebratory festivities will continue until the rest of the year: “I’m celebrating my freedom and my B day for the next two months!”
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On Friday, Judge Brenda Penny ruled that “the conservatorship of the person and estate of Britney Jean Spears is no longer required” and “hereby terminated.” Spears was originally placed under a conservatorship in 2008 at the age of 26 after suffering a public breakdown that played out before the paparazzi.
The ruling sent a shockwave of joy through a crowd of supporters gathered outside the Los Angeles courthouse, as well as all over social media.
Roughly 500 supporters cheered and shot confetti in the air. Online, celebrities including Cher, Paris Hilton and Lady Gaga congratulated Spears. Spears’ fiance Sam Asghari showed his support on Instagram shortly after the hearing ended, writing: “History was made today. Britney is Free!”
Her lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, joined in the praise while speaking to reporters after the hearing Friday: “I’m so proud of (Spears). I thank her for her courage and poise and power. I thank her for our relationship.”
In her Instagram post on Monday, Spears thanked Rosengart and said he “truly turned my life around.”
“I’m so happy my lawyer … came into my life when he did… I’m forever thankful for that,” wrote Spears, who hired Rosengart in July following an explosive court testimony into her “abusive” conservatorship.
Spears also thanked her fans for their continued support. “What a sight seeing so many people celebrating my victory …. I love my fans so much.”
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This is not the first time Spears has commented on her terminated conservatorship.
After court on Friday, Spears shared an Instagram video of her fans celebrating outside of the courtroom after the hearing.
“Good God I love my fans so much it’s crazy!” wrote Spears. “I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day !!!! Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen.”
But although the conservatorship might be over, the hearings in Spears’ case are not. The next one is scheduled for Jan.19, possibly to deal with remaining motions and petitions in her case file.
Contributing: Charles Trepany, Maria Puente
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