In surprise move, Britney Spears' father asks for conservatorship to end

File Picture

Jamie Spears, the father of Britney Spears, has asked a Los Angeles court to end the pop singer's 13-year conservatorship, saying circumstances have changed in recent months.

In an unexpected development, Jamie Spears, who in 2008 set up the court-sanctioned arrangement that governs the singer's personal and business affairs, said in a court filing that he believed the judge should "now seriously consider whether this conservatorship is no longer required".

"If Ms. Spears wants to terminate the conservatorship and believes that she can handle her own life, Mr. Spears believes she should get that chance," read the petition to terminate the legal arrangement.

Britney Spears, 39, has been seeking for months to have her father removed as the overseer of her $60 million estate. She told the court in June the arrangement was abusive and humiliating.

Jamie Spears said for the first time last month he was willing to step down but gave no timeframe. Britney Spears also has a second guardian in charge of her personal and medical affairs.

Tuesday's petition went further than the previous attempt, asking the court to end the conservatorship entirely.

"Ms. Spears has recently demonstrated a level of independence that calls into question whether a conservator of the person is required," the filing said, citing the singer's hiring a lawyer of her own choosing and driving alone again.

The decision to end the conservatorship rests with Los Angeles judge Brenda Penny. The matter is due to be discussed at a hearing on September 29.

The Stronger singer was placed under the conservatorship in 2008 after suffering a public mental health breakdown. The nature of her mental health issues has never been revealed.

In late 2009, she returned to performing, recording several more albums, and going on sell-out world tours until her last performance in late 2018. The conservatorship then came under increasing scrutiny from fans in the #FreeBritney movement.

Spears, who posts frequently on her Instagram page from her mansion outside Los Angeles, did not refer to the petition by her father on Tuesday.

More from Entertainment

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.