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 a highly influential American singer celebrated for her impact on 21st-century music and credited with reviving the teen pop genre. Recognized for her captivating stage presence and genre-bending explorations across pop, R&B, electropop, and adult contemporary, she remains a prominent figure in popular music.

Sections (7)

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

April 1999: Controversy over Rolling Stone Cover

In April 1999, Britney Spears' Rolling Stone cover, which depicted a 17-year-old Spears in an exposed bra and hot pants while cradling a Teletubby, sparked controversy. The American Family Association (AFA) criticized the image, calling for a boycott of her albums. Spears defended the photos and asserted her strong morals.

June 1999: ...Baby One More Time Tour Begins

In June 1999, Britney Spears began her first headlining ...Baby One More Time Tour in North America, which was positively received by critics but also generated some controversy due to her racy outfits.

November 2002: End of Relationship with Justin Timberlake and Release of "Cry Me a River"

In November 2002, Britney Spears' three-year relationship with Justin Timberlake ended, and Timberlake released the song "Cry Me a River", which featured a Spears look-alike in the music video, fueling rumors of infidelity.

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August 2003: MTV Video Music Awards Performance with Madonna and Christina Aguilera

In August 2003, Britney Spears opened the MTV Video Music Awards with Christina Aguilera, performing "Like a Virgin". Halfway through the performance, they were joined and kissed by Madonna, which became a highly publicized event.

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

In 2003, Britney Spears commented on President George W. Bush and the Iraq War, expressing trust in the president's decisions.

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: Lawsuit from Louis Vuitton 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.

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February 2006: Driving Incident with Son Sean

In February 2006, Britney Spears faced public criticism after pictures surfaced of her driving with her son, Sean, on her lap instead of in a car seat.

2006: Highly Publicized Personal Problems

From 2006, Britney Spears's erratic behavior and personal struggles were heavily publicized, affecting her career and public image.

January 2008: Institutionalization and Conservatorship

In January 2008, Britney Spears was institutionalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center due to her worsening mental condition. Subsequently, her father Jamie filed a temporary conservatorship suit, granting him and attorney Andrew Wallet temporary control over her affairs.

2008: Conservatorship and Circus Album

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

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2016: Lip-syncing Accusations and Defense

In 2016, Britney Spears faced continued scrutiny over alleged lip-syncing during live performances, which some defended as a necessary part of her high-energy shows that involve strenuous dance routines. Spears herself defended her use of playback, stating that she sings and dances simultaneously and feels she doesn't get enough credit for it.

March 2019: Andrew Wallet Resigns and Spears Enters Facility

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

April 22, 2019: #FreeBritney Protest

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.

2019: Withdrawal from Concert Touring

In 2019, Britney Spears withdrew from regular concert touring to focus on her conservatorship case.

August 17, 2020: Spears' Desire to Alter Conservatorship

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

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June 2021: Spears Speaks Out Against Conservatorship

In June 2021, Britney Spears spoke to the court calling her conservatorship "abusive". She said she had lied by "telling the whole world I'm OK and I'm happy", and that she was traumatized and angry. The statement generated widespread media coverage.

2021: Conservatorship Dissolved and Documentary Release

In 2021, Britney Spears' conservatorship was dissolved after she publicly testified against her management team and family for abuse. 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 calls from fans concerned about her Instagram activity.

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, which later were confirmed as fake.

2023: Admission of Affair with Wade Robson

In 2023, Britney Spears admitted to engaging in an affair with Wade Robson, adding more context to the rumors and controversies that swirled around her relationship with Justin Timberlake in the early 2000s.