Major Controversies Surrounding Britney Spears: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Britney Spears.

Britney Spears, dubbed the "Princess of Pop", is an American singer recognized for her significant cultural impact and role in reviving teen pop in the 21st century. Known for captivating stage performances, Spears has explored various musical genres, including pop, R&B, and electropop.

Sections (7)

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

2001: MTV Video Music Awards Performance

In 2001, Britney Spears performed her single at the MTV Video Music Awards with a caged tiger and a python, sparking controversy and criticism from PETA due to concerns about animal mistreatment. The performance was considered visually striking, featuring Spears with a white python in a steamy garden setting with dancers in zebra and tiger outfits.

January 2004: Marriage to Jason Allen Alexander

In January 2004, Britney Spears married her childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander in Las Vegas, Nevada. The marriage was annulled 55 hours later.

2005: Louis Vuitton Lawsuit over "Do Somethin'" Music Video

In 2007, Britney Spears was sued by Louis Vuitton over her 2005 music video "Do Somethin'" for upholstering her Hummer interior in counterfeit Louis Vuitton cherry blossom fabric, which resulted in the video being banned on European TV stations.

February 2006: Controversy Over Driving with Son on Lap

In February 2006, pictures surfaced of Britney Spears driving with her son, Sean, on her lap instead of in a car seat, leading to criticism from child advocates. Spears attributed the situation to a frightening encounter with paparazzi.

January 2008: Institutionalization and Conservatorship

In January 2008, Britney Spears was institutionalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center due to her worsening mental condition, after she refused to relinquish custody of her sons to Kevin Federline's representatives. Her visitation rights were suspended, Federline was given sole custody, and she was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold. By February, her father Jamie filed for temporary conservatorship.

December 2008: Release of 'Circus' Album and Conservatorship Extension

In December 2008, Britney Spears' sixth studio album, Circus, was released, after her conservatorship was extended indefinitely. It received positive reviews and debuted at number one in the United States and other countries.

2008: Conservatorship and Circus Album

In 2008, Britney Spears was placed under a conservatorship and also recorded the album Circus.

2009: Alleged End Date of Conservatorship

In January 2019 allegations arose that Britney Spears' conservatorship was supposed to have ended in 2009, which fueled the #FreeBritney movement.

January 2019: Allegations and Conservatorship Controversy

In January 2019 Britney Spears was allegedly held in a facility against her will after violating a no-driving rule, sparking the #FreeBritney movement.

March 2019: Resignation of Co-Conservator and Psychiatric Facility Admission

In March 2019, Andrew Wallet resigned as co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate after 11 years. That same month, 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 from the psychiatric facility.

May 2019: Hearing and Professional Evaluation of Conservatorship

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

2019: Withdrawal from Touring and Conservatorship Case

In 2019, Britney Spears withdrew from regular concert touring to focus on her conservatorship case, which led to the #FreeBritney movement.

August 17, 2020: Court Filing Regarding Conservatorship

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

November 2020: Approval of Bessemer Trust as Co-Conservator

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

February 2021: Premiere of Framing Britney Spears Documentary

In February 2021, the documentary Framing Britney Spears, which explores Britney Spears' career and conservatorship, premiered on FX.

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February 2021: Extension of Conservatorship Arrangement

On August 21, 2020, the established conservatorship arrangement for Britney Spears was extended until February 2021.

June 2021: Britney Spears Speaks to the Court About Conservatorship

In June 2021, Britney Spears spoke to the court, calling the conservatorship "abusive." Her statement received widespread media coverage and generated significant online support.

2021: Conservatorship Dissolved and Documentary

In 2021, Britney Spears' conservatorship was dissolved after she publicly testified against her family and management, and the documentary Framing Britney Spears was released.

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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 following her deleting her Instagram account.

September 2023: Welfare Check Initiated After Instagram Video

In September 2023, an additional welfare check was initiated when Britney Spears posted an Instagram video of herself dancing with knives, but her security team assured authorities that there was no immediate threat to her safety.

2023: Admission of Affair with Wade Robson

In 2023, Britney Spears admitted to engaging in an affair with Wade Robson. As a response to rumors, Spears wrote the ballad "Everytime" with Annet Artani.

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