#FreeBritney has finally come full circle.
On Friday, Los Angeles Judge Brenda Penny ruled it was time for the conservatorship Britney Spears has been under since 2008 to end.
“The conservatorship of the person and estate of Britney Jean Spears is no longer required,” Penny said, per the New York Times.
Spears’ attorney, Matthew Rosengart, addressed fans gathered outside the courthouse following the hearing and praised Spears.
“Britney did this and I was her partner and I followed her lead,” he said, making reference to the virtual appearance the pop star made at a June 23 hearing, when she addressed the court and spoke about what her life has been like under the conservatorship.
“I’m so proud of her because not only did she shine a light on this conservatorship, but she shines a light on conservatorships from California to New York,” Rosengart added.
The attorney also thanked fans in the #FreeBritney movement who have been calling for the conservatorship to end for years.
“I want to thank all of you,” Rosengart told the crowd. “I’ve been asked so many times about Britney’s fans and you guys are absolutely the best, are essential. Britney loves you.”
Earlier this month, the “Toxic” singer’s father Jamie Spears filed documents requesting that a judge end Britney’s conservatorship immediately. In August, Jamie first announced he would be stepping aside from his role in the conservatorship, but the move was not immediate.
Jamie’s decision to give up managing the conservatorship came after public interest in Spears’ situation piqued following the release of the New York Times Presents documentary, “Framing Britney Spears” on FX and Hulu in February 2021, and amid pressure from those involved in the “Free Britney” movement.
The ACLU also took an interest in Britney’s case in July 2021, filing an amicus brief supporting the pop star’s wish to choose her own conservatorship attorney. She was later granted permission, and brought in Mathew Rosengart.
Rosengart petitioned the court in July to remove Jamie, and have a CPA appointed to handle the estate portion of Britney’s conservatorship. Jamie had been Britney’s estate conservator since 2008. He was, however, suspended as conservator in Sept. 2021, following a petition from the pop singer.
Britney’s personal conservator has been Jodi Montgomery, who was appointed by the court in 2019. Before that, Jamie Spears held that role.
On Friday, the judge authorized the current conservator of the pop star’s estate — CPA John Zabel — to continue on as there are still financial details to resolve, including estate planning and putting funds into a trust for the singer, the Times reported.
The “Piece of Me” singer was placed under a conservatorship following a very public breakdown that saw her being placed twice on 5150 involuntary psychiatric holds in Los Angeles in 2008.
