Major Controversies Surrounding Britney Spears: A Detailed Timeline

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

Britney Spears, the "Princess of Pop," is an American singer who rose to fame as a teenager and significantly impacted popular music. With over 150 million records sold, she's among the best-selling music artists globally. Spears is credited with reviving teen pop in the late 1990s and early 2000s and remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (7)

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

April 1999: Rolling Stone cover controversy

In April 1999, Britney Spears' Rolling Stone cover, featuring her in revealing attire, sparked controversy. The American Family Association called for a boycott of her albums, but Spears defended the images.

2001: Performance at MTV Video Music Awards

In 2001, Britney Spears performed her single at the MTV Video Music Awards. The performance featured a caged tiger and a large albino python. PETA criticized the performance, alleging mistreatment of the animals and scrapping plans for an anti-fur billboard featuring Spears.

November 2002: End of relationship with Justin Timberlake

In November 2002, Britney Spears' relationship with Justin Timberlake ended after three years. Timberlake released the song "Cry Me a River", and its music video, featuring a Spears look-alike, fueled rumors of Spears engaging in an affair.

2003: Comments on President George W. Bush and the Iraq War

In 2003, Britney Spears stated in an interview that "we should just trust our president in every decision that he makes" regarding President George W. Bush and the Iraq War.

January 2004: Marriage to Jason Allen Alexander

In January 2004, Britney Spears married Jason Allen Alexander in Las Vegas, Nevada. The marriage was annulled 55 hours later, citing Spears' lack of understanding of her actions.

July 2004: Engagement to Kevin Federline

In July 2004, Britney Spears became engaged to Kevin Federline, whom she had met three months earlier. Federline had recently broken up with actress Shar Jackson, who was still pregnant with their second child.

2005: Lawsuit by Louis Vuitton

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 fabric.

February 2006: Driving incident with son Sean

In February 2006, pictures surfaced of Britney Spears driving with her son, Sean, on her lap instead of in a car seat, prompting criticism from child advocates. Spears claimed it was due to a frightening encounter with paparazzi.

2006: Highly publicized personal problems

Starting in 2006, Britney Spears' erratic behavior and personal problems became highly publicized, negatively impacting her career and public image.

2007: MTV Video Music Awards performance panned

In 2007, Britney Spears' presentation at the MTV Video Music Awards was widely criticized. Critics noted that she struggled with her dance steps and appeared to only mouth the words to the song.

January 2008: Hospitalization and Conservatorship

In January 2008, Britney Spears refused to relinquish custody of her sons. She was hospitalized and placed under a conservatorship led by her father, Jamie Spears, and attorney Andrew Wallet, giving them control of her assets.

2008: Media attention on professional and personal life

In 2008, Britney Spears' appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards was seen as a sign of professionalism after facing a previous disastrous performance and losing control of her life.

2016: Lip-syncing during live performances

In 2016, Britney Spears faced criticism for lip-syncing during live performances, though some defended it as part of the spectacle. Spears herself acknowledged using playback due to the demands of her dancing, but claimed she also sings live.

2016: Las Vegas concert residency criticism

In 2016, Britney Spears' Las Vegas concert residency received mixed reviews, with some critics observing that her dancing appeared stiff and robotic, while others praised her performance as flawless.

March 2019: Resignation of Co-conservator and Entry into Psychiatric Facility

In March 2019, Andrew Wallet resigned as co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate after 11 years. Britney Spears entered a psychiatric facility amidst stress from her father's illness that same month.

April 22, 2019: Fan Protests for Spears' Release

On April 22, 2019, fans protested outside the West Hollywood City Hall and demanded Britney Spears' release amidst conservatorship concerns.

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 for Conservatorship Alterations

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: Approval of Bessemer Trust as Co-conservator

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

February 2021: Premiere of "Framing Britney Spears" Documentary

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

June 22, 2021: The New York Times Obtains Confidential Court Documents

On June 22, 2021, The New York Times obtained confidential court documents stating that Britney Spears had pushed for years to end her conservatorship.

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. Spears was found to be safe.

September 2023: Additional welfare check initiated

In September 2023, an additional welfare check was initiated when Spears posted an Instagram video of herself dancing with knives.

2023: Confession about affair with Wade Robson

In 2023, Britney Spears admitted to engaging in an affair with Wade Robson, following initial denials of possible relationships with Limp Bizkit's frontman Fred Durst.