Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Britney Spears news - as it happened: Lawyer praises pop star’s courage as conservatorship finally ends

Relive the day’s dramatic events as Britney Spears’ long-standing conservatorship comes to an end after 13 years.

Matt Mathers,Elizabeth Aubrey
Friday 12 November 2021 19:54 EST
Comments
Watch live outside LA court as Britney Spears' conservatorship is decided

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

After more than 13 years, Britney Spears’ long-standing conservatorship has ended.

At at hearing in LA this afternoon (12 November) at Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Brenda Penny said the conservatorship that has overseen the singer’s personal life and finances should be terminated with immediate effect.

Back in June, Spears told the court in an emotive testimony that the conservatorship that took over her entire life had left her feeling both exploited and traumatised. Spears requested for an end to the conservatorship without undergoing any further a psychological evaluation.

Today, Judge Penny agreed saying there was “no need for a capacity declaration” of Spears, noting that it had been a voluntary conservatorship. She went on to say: “the conservatorship of the person and estate of Britney Jean Spears is no longer required.”

A conservator will continue to work to settle “ongoing financial concerns related to the case” (via The New York Times) for an interim period but the conservatorship is “effective today...thereby terminated,” according to Judge Penny.

There were cheers outside the court in Los Angeles as supporters became aware of the judge’s decision, which was made following a 30 minute hearing.

Spears will now have a say in controlling her own finances and has the freedom to make her own medical and personal decisions for the first time since 2008.

The result today could change legislation

According to Britney Spears’ lawyer, the result today could result in a significant change to legislation when it comes to conservatorships in. the future.

“Courts are using this case to pass legislation to ensure there is no more abuse of power upon people, if it can happen to Britney it can happen to anyone,” he told a press conference after the hearing.

Elizabeth Aubrey12 November 2021 23:23

Britney calls conservatorship end ‘best day ever’ as her fans celebrate in streets

Britney’s fans are overjoyed at the news - here is some more reaction from her fans as the news came in.

Elizabeth Aubrey12 November 2021 23:28

Donatella Versace leads reactions to ‘Britneypendence day’

And in the celebrity world, fashion designer Donatella Versace is leading the reactions to news that Britney is finally free of her conservatorship.

You can read more about how Britney’s famous fans are reacting here:

Britney Spears: Donatella Versace leads reactions to ‘Britneypendence day’

Fashion designer Donatella Versace has been among those reacting to the pop star’s release from her longstanding conservatorship

Elizabeth Aubrey12 November 2021 23:31

Britney’s fans break out into a rendition of ‘Stronger'

Britney’s legion of fans outside the court broke out into a rendition of the singer’s hit song, “Stronger”, soon after the Judge ruled in favour of ending her conservatorship.

You can watch the moment here:

Elizabeth Aubrey12 November 2021 23:39

ICYMI: Here’s everything that happened inside the court today

Earlier today, Judge Brenda Penny ended the conservatorship that had controlled Spears’ life for the past 13 years.

Here’s everything that happened in court.

Britney Spears’ controversial conservatorship ended after 13 years

Singer now has full control of her life for first time since 2008

Elizabeth Aubrey13 November 2021 00:02

Pop icon Cher has joined those celebrating the news of Britney’s freedom with a jubilant, emoji-filled Twitter post:

Kevin Perry13 November 2021 00:16

What freedoms has Britney Spears got back now her conservatorship has ended?

The news that the conservatorship which has controlled pop star Britney Spears’ life for the last 13 years has officially ended has been greeted with an outpouring of joy from fans, famous friends and Spears herself. But what difference will the decision actually make to her life?

We outline the ramifications here:

What freedoms has Britney Spears got back now her conservatorship has ended?

After the announcement that Britney Spears’ conservatorship is coming to an end after 13 years, what will change for the pop icon?

Kevin Perry13 November 2021 00:30

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in