Major Controversies Surrounding Britney Spears: A Detailed Timeline

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

Britney Spears, an American singer dubbed the "Princess of Pop," significantly impacted 21st-century culture by reviving teen pop. Recognized for her stage presence and intricate dance routines, she remains a prominent figure in the music industry and a cultural icon.

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, Rolling Stone published a cover featuring a 17-year-old Britney Spears in lingerie, sparking controversy and calls for a boycott from the American Family Association due to its perceived mix of innocence and sexuality. Spears defended the image, asserting her strong morals and desire to break away from a bubblegum pop image.

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

In June 1999, Britney Spears began her first headlining ...Baby One More Time Tour in North America, receiving positive reviews and generating some controversy due to her outfits.

2001: Spears's MTV Video Music Awards Performance

In 2001, Britney Spears performed her single at the MTV Video Music Awards, featuring a caged tiger and a large albino python. This performance drew criticism from PETA, who alleged animal mistreatment and canceled plans for an anti-fur billboard featuring Spears.

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

In November 2002, Britney Spears's relationship with Justin Timberlake ended after three years. Timberlake released the song "Cry Me a River", the music video featured a Spears look-alike, which fueled 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". They were joined by Madonna, and both kissed her. The incident received a lot of publicity.

2003: Spears Comments on President Bush and Iraq War

In 2003, during an interview with Tucker Carlson, Britney Spears commented on President George W. Bush and the Iraq War, stating that "we should just trust our president in every decision that he makes", which was later included in Michael Moore's documentary.

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, stating that Spears "lacked understanding of her actions".

2005: Lawsuit from Louis Vuitton

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.

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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, which caused controversy.

2006: Highly Publicized Personal Problems

Starting in 2006, Britney Spears faced highly publicized personal problems and erratic behavior that significantly 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. She was also sued by Louis Vuitton.

January 2008: Institutionalization and Suspension of Visitation Rights

In January 2008, Britney Spears was institutionalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center due to her worsening mental condition after refusing to relinquish custody of her sons. Her visitation rights were suspended, and Kevin Federline was given sole custody.

May 2019: #FreeBritney Movement and Conservatorship Evaluation

In May 2019, following allegations of Jamie Spears's involvement in cancelling Britney Spears's residency and placing her in a psychiatric facility, the #FreeBritney movement was organized and Judge Brenda Penny announced a professional evaluation of the conservatorship.

2019: Withdrawal from Concert Touring

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

February 2021: Framing Britney Spears Documentary Airs

In February 2021, a television documentary titled Framing Britney Spears aired on FX.

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2021: Conservatorship Dissolved

In 2021, Britney Spears's conservatorship was dissolved after she publicly testified against her family and management for maltreatment.

January 24, 2023: Welfare Check at Residence

On January 24, 2023, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office performed a welfare check at Britney Spears's residence after receiving concerned calls from fans who noted she deleted her Instagram account.

September 2023: Additional Welfare Check

In September 2023, an additional welfare check was initiated when Britney 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.

2023: Admission of Affair with Wade Robson

In 2023, Britney Spears admitted to having an affair with Wade Robson. As a response to her break up with Justin Timberlake, Spears wrote the ballad "Everytime".

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