Britney Spears is one of those rare artists in music history who has had a major impact on the industry and pop culture. She was known at the time as the “Pop Princess” and defined a new era of pop music that is still happening today. In the late 90s, she was seen as the force behind the new teen pop era. Today, Her influence is seen all over the current pop landscape, with artists such as Charlie XCX, The Weeknd, Lana Del Ray, Lady Gaga, and many others who cite her as an influence. 

It’s safe to say that her legacy as a pop icon has been around for years and likely will be for a very long time. But what happened to her? Why has she seemed to slowly disappear from the public consciousness? Well, the answer isn’t as simple as public disinterest or retirement.  

 It started in 2006 when Britney filed for divorce from her husband – Kevin Federline – and agreed to have joint custody of their kids. Later, around the autumn of 2007, she lost custody of her kids by the court, reasoning was never unveiled. At this point months later, under the influence, Spears locked herself in a bathroom with her kids, refusing to give up custody to her ex-husband. The next day she was taken to a mental facility and had to give up her visitation rights, giving Federline full custody. On top of this -multiple incidents involving the paparazzi- led to her father requesting to put her under a conservatorship.

 For those who are unaware a conservatorship is a legal status in which a guardian manages a person’s life. They have authority over the person’s life and finances, essentially a babysitter for someone over 18. After this happened Spears life was altered for the next 13 years. Her decision-making was taken from Spears- she wasn’t allowed to have kids, was forced to perform and do tours, and was forced to take mood-control drugs that have potentially very harmful side effects. The first time Britney publicly spoke about her state she said, “This conservatorship has done me way more harm than good” and “I deserve to have a life”. She described it as traumatizing and abusive. Her whole life was monitored and controlled, which in my opinion is excessive even for a conservatorship. She was exploited for money by her own family because of her fame and talent. Later was refused access to the money she made for herself. 

Once this came out to the public, the “Free Britney” movement started. People protested and went to the streets of California chanting and holding up signs. This movement began before anything was confirmed, based on suspicion of what was happening. However, it wasn’t until the court hearing went public around summer 2021 and everything was confirmed, that the “Free Britney” movement gained huge traction. Spears stated how wonderful it was that so many people cared enough about her well-being to do this for her. Finally, in November of 2021, Britney was released from the conservatorship and was given her life back.

This story is an example of how evil the music industry can be. Hollywood exploits its greatest talent and permanently traumatizes them for the sake of making more money. From my perspective, it’s insane how this kind of exploitation can happen under everyone’s noses. Rich people can hide anything they want with enough money and that’s the terrifying part.