Most people know Britney Spears as a very successful artist that influenced the revival of teen pop during the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress, she sold millions of records worldwide.
But for nearly half of Britney’s career, she has been under a conservatorship by her unsupportive father, giving her little control over her life. This recently came to light through Framing Britney, a documentary by The New York Times that explains Britney’s iconic career and where she is now. This documentary influenced the resurgence of the #FreeBritney movement on social media.
What is conservatorship and how did this happen?
A conservatorship occurs when an individual is appointed to care for another adult who is unable to care for themselves. As Britney suffered from serious personal and mental issues throughout her career, her father, Jamie Spears, successfully filed for a conservatorship, where he is in control of his daughter’s finances. Britney’s father never played a supportive role in her life growing up, and many believe he took advantage of her vulnerable state for his own benefit. Twelve years later, Britney is still under this conservatorship. At 38 years old, she has minimal control over her life – personally and professionally.
Thus, the FreeBritney movement emerged, thanks to the power of social media.
Her loyal fans wholeheartedly believe that Britney does not support the conservatorship and wants to live her life freely and is capable to do so. The #FreeBritney hashtag was started by fans 12 years ago when the conservatorship began. But until this documentary, it did not get much recognition.
Framing Britney brought back the #FreeBritney movement which is now buzzing on social media. Since the release of this documentary, the #FreeBritney hashtag has been trending on all social platforms, and has brought people together, from fans to other Hollywood stars, to fight for Britney’s freedom.
Hopefully the amplification of social media will be instrumental in freeing Britney from this unfortunate situation.
