Dispute with US pop star: Spears’ father wants to give up guardianship

In the dispute over her guardianship, the US singer Britney Spears has achieved success: her father Jamie Spears has agreed to give up his duties. Fans and friends of the singer celebrate.

Pop singer Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, has announced that he will be giving up guardianship for his daughter after 13 years. At the right time, he will do so, according to a document filed with the Superior Court in Los Angeles, which was published by US media. The 69-year-old’s lawyers further stated that a “proper transition” for the appointment of a new guardian was a condition.

Britney Spears’ attorney Mathew Rosengart saw the development as a great victory for his client. Jamie Spears should, however, immediately resign as guardian, he said in a message published by the industry journal “Variety”.

“Shameful Attacks”

In July, Rosengart had applied to the court to replace his father Jamie as guardian of the famous daughter Britney Spears. He accused the father of “shameful and reprehensible attacks” on Britney. One wants to continue to check whether the father, as a guardian, has unlawfully enriched his daughter’s assets in the past few years, said Rosengart.

Jamie Spears’ lawyers stressed that the father acted in the best interests of the daughter from the start. There are no real reasons to remove Spears as guardian, the court records say. However, he was the target of “unjustified” attacks and wanted to avoid a public fight with his daughter for guardianship.

Next appointment in September

The next trial in the matter is due to take place at the end of September, when Jamie Spears’ resignation could be officially confirmed.

The singer has been under her father’s tutelage since 2008 after suffering a breakdown due to personal and professional problems. At first, Jamie Spears managed his daughter’s wealth and personal affairs. In 2019 he gave up some tasks, but remained responsible for finances.

Abuse of guardianship?

At two court hearings in June and July, the singer violently attacked her father and raised allegations against her family, carers and lawyers. She described the guardianship as abusive and called for an end to the regulation. “This guardianship does me more harm than good. I deserve to have a life.”

Numerous fans, friends and supporters of the singer celebrated the news on social networks. Reality star Paris Hilton wrote on Twitter: “That was so long overdue.” She is glad “that Britney is on her way to finally being free”.

Spears has had a lot of prominent support for a long time, including from Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Courtney Love, rapper Iggy Azalea and her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake.

With information from Marcus Schuler, ARD Studio Los Angeles