The statement was filled with damning allegations against her management team and family. Her claims include that the conservatorship won’t allow her to have more children, that she was forced by a therapist to take lithium against her will, and that she was “abused” by a previous therapist.
She also compared being forced to work against her will to “sex trafficking”, and said that she wants to sue her family.
She said the times she has reassured the public that she is OK and happy have been “a lie”.
“I’ve been in denial. I’ve been in shock. I am traumatised. You know, fake it till you make it,” she said.
“But now I’m telling you the truth, OK? I’m not happy. I can’t sleep. I’m so angry it’s insane. And I’m depressed. I cry every day.”
What happens now?
Los Angeles probate judge Brenda Penny praised Spears when she concluded her testimony.
“I just want to tell you that I certainly am sensitive to everything that you said and how you’re feeling and I know that it took a lot of courage for you to say everything you have to say today, and I want to let you know that the court does appreciate your coming on the line and sharing,” she said.
She told the star that a request needs to be formally lodged with the court before she could come to a decision on ending the conservatorship. The hearing finished without resolution.
It may be the last time the public hears from Spears in court – her court-appointed lawyer, Samuel Ingham III said the singer had outlined all she wanted to say and is in favour of any future proceedings being sealed.
Ingham said Spears had not officially requested to file a petition to end the conservatorship, but he plans to talk with his client about formally filing for termination.
For the conservatorship to be removed, California law states that the burden is on Spears to prove she can manage her own affairs.
