Life is full of challenges, and Britney Spears faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Britney Spears, often called the "Princess of Pop," is an American singer who significantly impacted popular music. Credited with reviving teen pop in the late 1990s and early 2000s, she has sold over 150 million records globally, establishing herself as one of the best-selling music artists worldwide. Her influence on the pop music landscape is undeniable.
June 2004: Onyx Hotel Tour Cancellation
In June 2004, the Onyx Hotel Tour was canceled after Britney Spears injured her knee during the music video shoot for "Outrageous".
2006: Publicized Personal Problems
Britney Spears' erratic behavior and personal problems in 2006 were highly publicized, negatively affecting her career and public image.
October 2007: Loss of Custody
In October 2007, Britney Spears lost physical custody of her sons to Kevin Federline.
2007: MTV Video Music Awards Presentation
In 2007, Britney Spears gave an MTV Video Music Awards presentation which was widely panned by critics, as she "teetered through her dance steps and mouthed only occasional words".
January 2008: Hospitalization and Conservatorship
In January 2008, Britney Spears was hospitalized and placed under a conservatorship led by her father, Jamie Spears, after refusing to relinquish custody of her sons.
2008: Conservatorship
In 2008, Britney Spears was involuntarily placed in a conservatorship following a highly publicized breakdown, marking a significant turning point in her personal life.
2008: Spears' Foundation reported a deficit
In 2008, it was reported that The Britney Spears Foundation had a deficit of $200,000, indicating financial challenges for the charitable organization.
January 2009: Restraining Order
In January 2009, Britney Spears and her father obtained a restraining order against Sam Lutfi, Adnan Ghalib, and Jon Eardley.
2010: Gwyneth Paltrow's character inspired by Spears
In 2010, Gwyneth Paltrow's character in the film Country Strong was inspired by Britney Spears' treatment by the media, showing the impact of Spears' personal struggles on creative works.
2011: Spears Foundation closed
In 2011, after Britney Spears went through conservatorship, her father and lawyer Andrew Wallet zeroed out The Britney Spears Foundation effort, leading to its closure.
October 2016: Marie Claire UK Cover and Interview
Britney Spears appeared on the cover of Marie Claire UK for the October 2016 issue, where she discussed her past anxiety and how motherhood helped her overcome it.
2017: Reflecting on Mental Health
In 2017, Britney Spears reflected on her past struggles, acknowledging the need for breaks and taking responsibility for her mental health throughout her career.
January 4, 2019: Indefinite Hiatus and Residency Cancellation
On January 4, 2019, Britney Spears announced an indefinite hiatus and the cancellation of her Las Vegas residency due to her father's illness, marking a pause in her career.
January 2019: Conservatorship Allegations
In January 2019, Britney Spears was allegedly held in a facility against her will after she violated a no-driving rule, according to a fan podcast. The allegations gave rise to a movement to terminate the conservatorship, #FreeBritney.
March 2019: Andrew Wallet Resignation and Psychiatric Facility
In March 2019, Andrew Wallet resigned as co-conservator of her estate after 11 years, and Britney Spears entered a psychiatric facility amidst stress from her father's illness.
April 22, 2019: Fans Protest for Spears' Release
On April 22, 2019, fans protested outside the West Hollywood City Hall and demanded Britney Spears' release, showing support amid conservatorship concerns.
May 2019: Judge Orders Conservatorship Evaluation
In a May 2019 hearing, Judge Brenda Penny ordered a professional evaluation of Britney Spears' conservatorship, indicating legal scrutiny.
2019: #FreeBritney Movement
In 2019, Britney Spears' legal battle over her conservatorship gained significant media attention, leading to the establishment of the #FreeBritney movement.
August 17, 2020: Spears' Desire to Alter Conservatorship
On August 17, 2020, Britney Spears' court-appointed lawyer, Samuel D. Ingham III, submitted a court filing that documented Spears' desire to have her conservatorship altered, marking a push for more control over her life.
November 2020: Bessemer Trust Approved as Co-Conservator
In November 2020, Penny approved Bessemer Trust as co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate alongside Jamie, changing the dynamics of her conservatorship.
February 2021: "Framing Britney Spears" Documentary Premiere
In February 2021, the documentary "Framing Britney Spears" premiered on FX, bringing renewed attention to her career and conservatorship.
June 22, 2021: Court Documents Reveal Spears' Push to End Conservatorship
On June 22, 2021, confidential court documents obtained by The New York Times revealed that Britney Spears had pushed for years to end her conservatorship, intensifying public interest in her case.
2021: Conservatorship Termination
In 2021, Britney Spears' conservatorship was terminated after her public testimony, in which she accused her management team and family of abuse. This marked a significant victory after a long legal battle.
January 24, 2023: Welfare Check at Spears' Residence
On January 24, 2023, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office performed a welfare check at Britney Spears' residence after receiving several calls from concerned fans, highlighting the ongoing public interest in her well-being.
September 2023: Additional Welfare Check
In September 2023, an additional welfare check was initiated when Spears posted an Instagram video of herself dancing with knives. Her security team assured the attending officer that there was no immediate threat to her safety, and the officer departed.