Challenges in the Life of Britney Spears in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Britney Spears faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Britney Spears, the "Princess of Pop," is a highly influential American singer and one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 150 million records sold. She is credited with spearheading the revival of teen pop in the late 1990s and early 2000s and became the best-selling teenage artist of all time. Spears remains a significant figure in popular music.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

June 2004: Cancellation of Onyx Hotel Tour

In June 2004, Britney Spears canceled the Onyx Hotel Tour after injuring her left knee during a music video shoot for "Outrageous".

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2005: Lawsuit from Louis Vuitton

In 2005, Britney Spears was sued by Louis Vuitton over her 2005 music video "Do Somethin'" for using counterfeit Louis Vuitton fabric in her Hummer, resulting in the video being banned on European TV stations.

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February 2006: Driving Incident with Son Sean

In February 2006, photos surfaced of Britney Spears driving with her son, Sean, on her lap instead of in a car seat, causing controversy.

2006: Personal Problems and Public Image Decline

In 2006, Britney Spears faced highly publicized personal problems that negatively impacted her career and public image.

October 2007: Loss of Custody of Sons

In October 2007, Britney Spears lost physical custody of her sons to Kevin Federline.

2007: MTV Video Music Awards Presentation Criticism

In 2007, Britney Spears' MTV Video Music Awards presentation was widely criticized due to her unsteady dance steps and minimal lip-syncing of the words.

January 2008: Hospitalization and Conservatorship

In January 2008, Britney Spears was hospitalized after refusing to relinquish custody of her sons and was placed under a conservatorship led by her father, Jamie Spears, and attorney Andrew Wallet.

2008: Suffered mental breakdown and conservatorship

In 2008, Britney Spears suffered a mental breakdown and was involuntarily placed in a conservatorship.

2008: Britney Spears Foundation Deficit

It was reported in 2008 that the Britney Spears Foundation had a deficit of $200,000 ($292,087 in 2024).

January 2009: Restraining order against Lutfi, Ghalib, and Eardley

In January 2009, Britney Spears and her father Jamie obtained a restraining order against Sam Lutfi, Adnan Ghalib, and Jon Eardley, accusing them of conspiring to control her affairs.

2011: Closure of The Britney Spears Foundation

In 2011, after Britney Spears went through conservatorship, her father and lawyer Andrew Wallet zeroed out The Britney Spears Foundation, leading to its closure.

October 2016: Marie Claire UK Cover and Anxiety Revelation

In October 2016, Britney Spears appeared on the cover of Marie Claire UK, revealing she had suffered from crippling anxiety and that motherhood helped her overcome it.

2016: Las Vegas Concert Residency

In 2016, during Britney Spears' Las Vegas concert residency, her dance abilities were criticized by some, while others praised her flawless performance, despite earlier knee injuries and personal problems.

2017: Reflection on Mental Health and Career Breaks

In 2017, Britney Spears reflected on the need to prioritize her mental health and take breaks during her career, acknowledging past struggles and the desire to please others.

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 after her father suffered a near-fatal colon rupture.

March 2019: Conservator Resignation and Psychiatric Facility

In March 2019, Andrew Wallet resigned as co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate. Spears also 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 West Hollywood City Hall, demanding Britney Spears' release from the facility.

May 2019: Judge Orders Evaluation of Conservatorship

In May 2019, Judge Brenda Penny ordered a professional evaluation of Britney Spears' conservatorship.

August 17, 2020: Court Filing Regarding Conservatorship Wishes

On August 17, 2020, Britney Spears' lawyer submitted a court filing documenting her desire to alter her conservatorship, instate Montgomery as permanent conservator, and replace Jamie as conservator of her estate.

November 2020: Bessemer Trust Approved as Co-Conservator

In November 2020, Penny approved Bessemer Trust as co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate alongside Jamie.

February 2021: Framing Britney Spears Documentary Premiere

In February 2021, Framing Britney Spears, a documentary about Britney Spears' career and conservatorship, premiered on FX.

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June 2021: Spears Speaks Out Against Conservatorship in Court

In June 2021, Britney Spears spoke to the court calling the conservatorship "abusive". Her court statement received widespread media coverage, generating over 1 million shares on Twitter, over 500,000 messages using the tag #FreeBritney, and more than 150,000 messages with a new hashtag referencing the court appearance, #BritneySpeaks.

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 concerned calls from fans due to her deleted Instagram account. She was found to be safe and in no danger.

2023: Revealed abortion experience

In her 2023 memoir, Britney Spears revealed that she had an abortion in late 2000 while dating Justin Timberlake, after he said they were not prepared for parenthood.