Deprived of custody, Britney Spears' father James went to court to force his daughter to pay the costs of attorneys who "are involved in proceedings regarding Jamie's current fiduciary duties related to termination" of custody.

"The early payment of James 'attorneys' fees is essential for a quick and effective end of guardianship to allow Britney to take control of her life as James and Britney want it," said a statement in the Variety's possession.

James Spears, who served as the artist's guardian from 2008 to 2021, notes that by standing up to protect his daughter from those who, he said, tried to take advantage of her disability, he “devoted himself to protecting his daughter's health and assets, as he did throughout her life, excluding opportunistic and self-interested parties to her. "

Spears emphasizes that he selflessly fulfilled his tasks all these years, and after that he was forced to incur expenses "due to unfounded claims."

He considers his own bankruptcy as a result of the current situation to be contrary to the “social order”.

Britney Spears' lawyer Matthew Rosengart reacted with condemnation to the request of the artist's father.

“Guardianship was terminated and Mr. Spears was dismissed in disgrace.

In the circumstances, his request is not only legally unfounded, but also outrageous.

Britney has eloquently testified about the pain her father inflicted on her, and this only aggravates her.

A father who loves his daughter doesn't do that, ”says Rosengart.

Earlier, the media spotlight was also on the financial manager and head of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group Louise Taylor, whose activities are largely associated with the history of the guardianship of Britney Spears.

On Sunday, December 19, the New York Times published a report raising the question of Taylor's possible illicit enrichment at the expense of Britney Spears. According to the publication, the artist's father turned to the company for advice and a loan at the beginning of 2008, and less than a month later he received custody of his daughter. He soon sent the singer on an international concert tour and hired Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group to manage her finances. Over the next decade, Louise Taylor became one of the leading entertainment managers.

As a result of an investigation by The New York Times, based on court documents, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group papers, financial reports and comments of more than 70 people, one way or another connected with Taylor's custody or business, it became known that shortly after the start of custody in the name of Britney Spears opened accounts with a small firm.

It is co-founded and co-owned by Louise Taylor.

In addition, it turned out that on behalf of Britney Spears Taylor, fees were paid for legal services.

Also, tens of thousands of dollars were transferred from the Spears charitable foundation to the account of a Christian organization with which Taylor and her husband are associated, and James Spears from time to time donated funds to the church run by the Taylors.

It is not yet known whether Britney Spears was aware of what the money she earned was being spent on.

The artist's lawyer intends to find out whether James Spears, Louise Taylor and other persons involved in the case received funds on an illegal basis.

  • James Spears

  • AP

  • © Nick Ut

Britney Spears came into the custody of her father after the court found her partially incompetent.

This was preceded by a series of scandalous incidents - an attack on a photographer, shaving his head baldly.

By a court decision, the artist could not independently manage finances, go to doctors, choose a lawyer, and also drive vehicles. 

While under guardianship, the singer continued to perform on stage, record and release albums.

At the same time, guardianship was regularly extended.

Over time, the topic began to be discussed more actively on social networks, and Spears fans demanded that the artist be freed from control. 

In 2019, BritGram podcast hosts Tess Barker and Barbara Gray noticed Spears disappearing from the media space. A little later, the singer's fans and colleagues (including Paris Hilton, Rose McGowan and Miley Cyrus) began to actively spread the hashtag #freeBritney. Interest in the topic was fueled by documentaries about Britney Spears. The tapes touched on the topic of guardianship. 

The singer began to fight for her release back in 2020, but serious "shifts" in business began to appear in 2021. In early summer, while speaking in a Los Angeles court, Britney Spears complained about the conditions of custody. She noted that her every step is monitored, she is given inappropriate medications, she is limited in time and budget. Spears said she plans to get the guardianship stopped, and also announced her desire to sue her controlling relatives. 

Then the court did not release Spears from custody, concluding that she was "unable to manage her finances, resist deception or undue influence."

The change followed in mid-July, when Spears was allowed to choose a lawyer herself.

In August, James Spears announced his decision to abandon guardianship.

In September, during a regular session, the Los Angeles court removed the artist's father from custody of her.

In November, the same authority ended its full custody of Britney Spears and her property.