He again refused attempts to exclude him from guardianship

Britney Spears' father: I'm still worried about her mental health

Spears has been under guardianship since 2008 after she suffered a mental breakdown.

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Singer Britney Spears' father yesterday rejected attempts to exclude him from custody of his daughter's fortune, saying there had been recent discussions about whether Spears would be placed back in a mental health facility for evaluation.

Jamie Spears, who is in charge of personal and medical affairs for the singer, Jodi Montgomery, contacted him in early July to express concern that Spears was not taking her medication properly, Jamie Spears said in court documents.

"Montgomery felt that Spears was out of control," he added.

Jamie Spears said Montgomery raised potential options, including using a provision in California law that allows a person to be held for psychiatric evaluation if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.

Spears, 39, gave an emotional public speech in June in a Los Angeles court hearing the custody case, calling it offensive and saying she wanted to return to her normal life.

Spears was placed under a court order in 2008, after she suffered a mental breakdown, the nature of which was not disclosed.

Last month, her attorney filed a formal request for Jimmy Spears to step down from his role as guardian of his daughter's estate, saying his presence in her life was harmful.

Montgomery's lawyer said she had concerns about Spears' mental health, but her father misinterpreted their conversation.

"At no time did Montgomery notify Spears that Britney Spears is currently eligible to be held for psychiatric evaluation," he said in a statement issued in response to the court documents.

"Montgomery believes that her father's presence as a guardian has had a serious impact on the singer's mental health," the statement said.

• Spears describes guardianship as "abusive", and her lawyer considers her father's presence in her life "harmful."

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