A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Britney Spears.
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.
April 1999: Rolling Stone Cover Controversy
In April 1999, the cover of Rolling Stone featuring a 17-year-old Britney Spears in suggestive attire sparked controversy, with the American Family Association calling for a boycott. Spears defended the images and her morals.
2001: MTV Video Music Awards Performance Controversy
In 2001, Britney Spears' MTV Video Music Awards performance, featuring a caged tiger and a large albino python, drew criticism from PETA, leading to controversy.
November 2002: Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River" Release
In November 2002, Justin Timberlake released "Cry Me a River", with a music video insinuating that Britney Spears had cheated on him, fueling relationship controversy rumors.
August 2003: MTV Video Music Awards Performance
In August 2003, Britney Spears performed "Like a Virgin" with Christina Aguilera at the MTV Video Music Awards, during which they were joined and kissed by Madonna, causing a media sensation.
2003: Comments on President Bush and the Iraq War
In 2003, Britney Spears commented on President George W. Bush and the Iraq War, saying that "we should just trust our president in every decision that he makes", which was later included in Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11.
July 2004: Engagement to Kevin Federline
In July 2004, Britney Spears became engaged to Kevin Federline, stirring media attention due to his recent breakup and ongoing pregnancy of his ex, Shar Jackson.
February 2006: Driving Controversy
In February 2006, photos surfaced of Britney Spears driving with her son on her lap instead of in a car seat, leading to public criticism.
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.
September 2011: Criminal Single Release and Controversy
In September 2011, Britney Spears released "Criminal" as the fourth single from Femme Fatale, sparking controversy over the use of replica guns in the music video filmed in a London area affected by the 2011 England riots.
2016: Lip-Syncing Controversy
In 2016, Refinery29 noted lip-syncing during Britney Spears' live performances was a "well-known fact" with Spears commenting on the topic, stating that the playback is mixed with her live voice due to intense dancing.
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.
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.
2023: Affair Admission
In 2023, Britney Spears admitted to engaging in an affair with Wade Robson.