In a court hearing in Los Angeles yesterday, Judge Brenda Penny formally ended the conservatorship arrangement the star had been in with her father since 2008. Instead a separate conservatorship would be put in place with John Zabel, an accountant chosen by the singer’s legal team. Ms Spears posted a video of her having a flying lesson shortly after news that her fathers’ role was suspended, which she captioned “on cloud nine right now”.
Her lawyer Mathew Rosengart announced that it was his “hope and expectation” that the singer’s conservatorship would be fully terminated at a hearing on November 12.
Mr Spears was appointed his daughter’s conservator in 2008 amid concerns for her mental health.
Yet earlier this year the pop icon made a series of explosive claims that her father had abused his position.
These claims have been repeatedly denied by Mr Spears, while his lawyer stressed his client loved his daughter “unconditionally” and had “tried to do what is in her best interest.”
Read More: Emma Raducanu in video aged 11: ‘Maybe one day I’ll win a grand slam’
However in February, the singer’s fiancée, Sam Asghari slammed Mr Spears for his involvement in their relationship.
In an explosive Instagram Story, Mr Asghari, who has been in a relationship with Ms Spears since 2016 said: “I have zero respect for someone trying to control our relationship and constantly throwing obstacles in our way.
“In my opinion Jamie is a total d***.”
Mr Asghari later claimed to TMZ: “Once [Mr Spears] starts treating his daughter right then we can be on good terms.”
A source told US weekly in May 2019: “Sam has been an absolute dream come true for Britney.
“He is such a positive light in her life.”
A conservatorship is granted by a court for individuals unable to make their own decisions, like those suffering from dementia or mental illness.
Ms Spears’ conservatorship was split into two parts ‒ one granting control of her estate and finances, and another for her as a person.
Her father was initially in control of both parts of the conservatorship but in 2019 stepped down as her personal conservator for personal reasons.
Court records obtained by The New York Times claimed that the Lucky singer pushed for years to end her conservatorship and that it restricted aspects of her life including who she dated and the colour of the kitchen cabinets.
Fans had supported Ms Spears through the #FreeBritney campaign since 2019 and have expressed delight over this week’s developments.
A rally was held outside the court in California while fans also gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square on Wednesday.
Host of Pieces of Britney podcast Pandora Sykes, told BBC Radio 4 it was “really good news” the conservatorship would remain in place temporarily.
She added: “If it had been terminated […] there wouldn’t be any opportunity for Britney’s team to gain access to Jamie’s correspondence.”