On Sept. 29, a court removed Britney Spears' father from custody, which allowed him to control her personal life and finances.
Jamie Spears was appointed the singer's guardian in 2008 after two mental breakdowns. In the U.S., such legal restrictions are used for people who cannot make decisions for themselves, for example, dementia or other mental illnesses.
At a hearing in Los Angeles, Judge Brenda Penney officially terminated Jamie Spears' custody. The role of Britney's financial manager has now been taken over by accountant John Zabel, who was chosen by her legal team. A new hearing is set to occur in the next 30-45 days to determine whether Britney should be released entirely from any custody.
The court sided with the 39-year-old pop star after she testified emotionally in court on June 23. Britney accused her father of keeping her in a mental hospital against her will, forcing her to take powerful drugs and birth control to prevent her from getting pregnant. She wanted to get married and have a baby.
"I just want my life back," she said. - I genuinely believe this custody is forced."
On July 14, the singer again accused her father of abuse. Britney's lawyer Matthew Rosengart said Jamie Spears tried to extort $2 million from his daughter to end custody. He believes Spears should remain "under the temporary supervision" of John Zabel until his alleged abuse is investigated.
Britney Spears' case has received widespread publicity, and as many as three documentaries about her life have been released in the last month. After the court ruling, the singer's fiancé Sam Asgari backed her on Instagram stories, while she limited herself to a video of her first flight at the wheel of a light-engine plane.
"Freedom Britney! Congratulations! - He wrote. - She did it. Her fans are called an army for a reason."
