The Britney Spears conservatorship finally looks set to end. So what happens next?
Britney Spears is potentially finally set to be freed today from the conservatorship that has controlled her life for more than 13 years.
A hearing in the high-profile case is due to take place in Los Angeles this afternoon – later this evening UK time – and after years of legal battles both public and private, Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny is widely expected to terminate the legal agreement, or at least begin the process.
It comes after Spears spoke publicly in open court for the first time in June, delivering a bombshell statement in which she described the conservatorship as abusive and condemned her father Jamie Spears and others who have controlled it. At a follow-up hearing in September, her father – who has strenuously denied any wrongdoing – was removed by the judge from his role in the agreement.
Spears has not performed live for several years. Pic: Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx/AP
One key issue on ending the arrangement completely is whether the judge has ruled that a medical evaluation of the singer be carried out, something Spears had resisted earlier in the year. It is not known whether or not this has taken place.
Should the conservatorship be ended today, it will no doubt change the star’s life.
Jamie Spears had been largely in charge since the conservatorship was put in place in 2008; he gave up control of his daughter’s personal affairs in 2019 – with court-appointed professional Jodi Montgomery taking over – but stayed in control of her finances until he was removed in September. He has been replaced by John Zabel, an accountant chosen by the star – who is estimated to have a fortune of around $50-$60m (about £37-£45m) – and her lawyer.
Since the #FreeBritney movement really took hold early in 2019, Spears’ plight has attracted worldwide attention, raising questions not only about her situation but about other conservatorships, also known as guardianships, across the US.
The termination of the agreement, if it does come today, will by no means be the end of the story.
Will there be further investigations?
Spears’ attorney Mathew Rosengart (pictured above in July), who was appointed earlier this year, has called for an investigation of Jamie Spears’ handling of the conservatorship. The behaviour of others involved in the arrangement and some who worked in Spears’ team over the years has also been called into question.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, the star has accused her mother Lynne Spears of being behind the conservatorship and “ruining” her life. And in a court filing earlier in November, former business manager Lou Taylor, chief executive of Tri Star Sports and Entertainment, denied secretly recording the pop star’s conversations or controlling her medical treatment – allegations that came out in Controlling Britney Spears, the second of two New York Times documentaries on the case.
Many who have followed the case closely are calling for further investigation.
“I think everyone who was complicit in the trafficking of Britney Spears should be held accountable,” says #FreeBritney LA organiser Kevin Wu, referencing Spears’ own comparison of being forced to work and perform to that of sex trafficking victims.
“It includes her family members, who she called out in court: her mom, Lynne Spears, her dad, Jamie Spears, who was the conservator and benefited financially from this conservatorship for 13 years.”
Conservatorship activist Dr Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, the founder of Elder Dignity, which works to transform the adult guardianship system in the US and was set up following her aunt’s experiences under guardianship, says today’s hearing is a long time coming.
“There is individual and institutional accountability that needs to happen,” she says. “There needs to be a full investigation, a thorough investigation, to see who did what, who was complicit in wrongdoing.”
New York Times journalist Samantha Stark, director of Controlling Britney Spears, says many people who worked with the star under the conservatorship have been afraid to speak out as they signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements). “It’s really unclear how long [any investigations] would take and how it would go through the court system,” she says. “So we’ll see what happens and see if the past 13 years ever gets truly investigated.”
What happens next for Britney?
Spears is engaged to Sam Asghari. Pic: Galaxy/STAR MAX/IPx/AP
A conservatorship can be dissolved by a court but it is very rare that a conservatee themselves achieves their own release, as will be the case for Spears if she is successful.
Regaining her personal and financial powers after so many years will take some untangling and the process could take a long time. A care plan for the transition has been put in place, according to US media reports.
Jamie Spears and his attorneys always justified the conservatorship by arguing that the star was especially susceptible to people who seek to take advantage of her money and fame, and always stressed that they have only ever acted in her best interests.
If arrangement is terminated, the star will likely hire financial managers and assistants to perform many of the same duties previously performed by the arrangement. But crucially, their decisions would be subject to her approval, rather than being made for her – and she could make decisions on hiring and firing.
“It’s so rare that a conservatorship ends,” says Ms Stark. “Something that we found in our reporting is that it really felt like Britney’s support system was taken away from her. We heard over and over again, people say ‘I wanted to help Britney, I’m her friend and I wasn’t allowed to talk to her’, or ‘I feel like they weren’t turning her against me’.
“A concern is, you know, when you’re isolated for so long, who will support her? Hopefully she has that and is able to live the life she wants.”
But in her personal life, things already seem to have changed for the star in the past year. Since speaking out in open court, Spears has written honestly about her feelings on social media and thanked #FreeBritney supporters, and in September she announced her engagement to partner Sam Asghari.
How will this case affect other conservatorships in the US?
Spears’ supporters protest outside the court in LA during each hearing
Spears’ case has certainly shone a spotlight on the guardianship system in the US. Dr Kennedy says her aunt, Lillie Sykes, was exploited and isolated before her death, and that there are “thousands of other victims” across the US.
“The #FreeBritney movement has brought to light that this is a human rights movement,” she says. “It’s not just about one person. [Spears’ case] has educated people. The public has gotten engaged, legislators on a bipartisan basis – which hardly ever happens – have gotten engaged.
“There is much work to be done but to have that kind of spotlight is important. I’ve personally been fighting and educating people for nine years in terms of abusive and predatory guardianships, but it’s been an uphill battle. To have someone with Britney’s celebrity to bring attention on this is so very important to future policy and reforms that can be made.
Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
“Right now, the system is archaic and oppressive, and it’s time for us to craft a new path that is positive and that will again allow people to flourish.
“It’s systemic injustice and there are crimes actually being committed. And we need the laws and we need the training of law enforcement and all people in the judiciary to understand the dynamics of this crime and do something about it.”
Spears’ damning testimony in June did prompt two members of US Congress to propose a bill to reform the system. Could there be more to come if the conservatorship is lifted?
“It’s raised the question, should [conservatorships] exist at all because they take so many rights away from a person,” says Ms Stark. “I think there’s a thing called supported decision making, that a lot of disability rights activists talk about, where the person still makes their own decisions, but they have advisers who help them.
“And you know, that’s something that seems on the table, but I definitely think this is going to change things. And Britney herself expressed in court, there are thousands of other abusive conservatorships – so I have a feeling she might become someone who helps make change as well.”
Ozzy Osbourne has reunited with Black Sabbath and performed his final gig – telling fans “you’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart”, in an emotional but truly metal goodbye.
Announced earlier this year, Back To The Beginning at Villa Park stadium was billed as the “final bow” for the man revered as a founder of heavy metal after several years of health problems, including Parkinson’s disease.
Rising up on a black throne featuring jewelled skulls, the 76-year-old performed a solo set before being joined by his original bandmates – Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward – for Black Sabbath’s first performance in 20 years.
“Let the madness begin,” Osbourne cried as he appeared for the first time, telling about 40,000 fans: “It’s so good to be on this stage.”
Ozzy smiles and waves his arms. Pic: Ross Halfin
Ozzy Osbourne sings while sitting on a black throne
With the crowd chanting his name, he performed both sets sitting down, but the voice and the crazed glint in his eyes were there almost throughout.
Singing fan favourites including Mr Crowley and Crazy Train, and Iron Man and Paranoid with Black Sabbath, Osbourne conducted the crowd to sing “louder, louder”, and “go f****** crazy”.
This was an orchestrated exit by heavy metal’s biggest character, with a supporting line-up of hard rock luminaries – from Slayer and Halestorm to Metallica and Guns ‘n’ Roses, plus stars including Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, Yungblud, Travis Barker and Chad Smith, who showed up for “supergroup” performances.
Many said they would not be the musicians they are without Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
Ronnie Wood was among the hard rock luminaries in the line-up. Pic: Ross Halfin
Stars at the concert included Steven Tyler. Pic: Ross Halfin
“You know, there’s not another guy as respected in metal as Ozzy Osbourne,” former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar told Sky News just ahead of his performance. “And for him to be sick and to be saying, I’m out, I’m done. Man. There’s no one else that can replace that.”
“Without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica,” said frontman James Hetfield during their performance.
“We’re not here to say goodbye,” said Anthrax’s Scott Ian. “We’re just here to say thank you.”
Throughout the day, giant Ozzy and Black Sabbath beach balls, in the Aston Villa claret and blue, were bounced around a jubilant crowd.
Tributes from other celebrity friends and fans, from Billy Idol and Ricky Gervais to Dolly Parton and Sir Elton John, were played on screen.
Read more: From Black Sabbath’s Prince of Darkness to reality TV star
Metallica frontman James Hetfield during the show. Pic: Ross Halfin
Yungblud also performed. Pic: Kazuyo Horie
Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, who hosted the event, told the crowd heavy metal had been a “safehaven” for many growing up, and Black Sabbath’s music had “influenced and inspired musicians” of all eras and genres.
The farewell show was the idea of Osbourne’s wife, Sharon – one final gig to finish his performing career on a high – after he was forced to cancel shows he had planned in 2023, telling fans he “never imagined” his touring days would end that way.
Sharon Osbourne told Sky News earlier this year that his one regret was not being able to say a thank you to his fans, and so the idea for the reunion gig was born.
Profits from the show will be shared between Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn’s Children’s Hospice.
Confetti rained down on fans during the show
The gig came after the Black Sabbath band members were awarded the freedom of Birmingham earlier in June, recognised for their significance to the cultural and musical identity of the city they grew up in.
The group formed in 1968 and went on to become one of the most successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide over the years.
They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 – Osbourne again later as a solo artist last year – and awarded a lifetime Ivor Novello songwriting award in 2015. In 2019, they were presented with a Grammy lifetime achievement prize.
Back To The Beginning’s all star line-up. Pic: Ross Halfin
Now, their first performance in 20 years will also be their last – one for the metal history books.
The show ended with fireworks and a roar from the crowd, who had chanted Ozzy’s name throughout.
For fans, Back To The Beginning capped it all – the ultimate rock and metal line-up, and one last opportunity to show their love for the Prince of Darkness.
“I feel lucky to be able to attend this,” said Calum Kennedy, 19, from Dunfermline. “It’s the biggest metal show known to man, [the biggest line-up] ever. I’ve never seen anything better.”
Ozzy wore a shiny black jacket and a gold armband bearing his name. Pic: Ross Halfin
Read more from Sky News:
Oasis reunion: Ultimately, it was all about the music
BBC to stop showing ‘high risk’ performances live
Ben Sutton, 24, from Chester, added: “I feel like it’s important – we’re of the younger generation – for us to see some of the heritage and history of the genre we love, metal in general. It’s such an honour to say goodbye to him.”
Steve Townson, from Lincolnshire, said: “I saw him the first time round and the fact that he’s still going is incredible, isn’t it? I was there at the start, I’m happy to be here at the end.”
Entertainment
Oasis reunion: A high-five and a hug – the gestures were there, but ultimately it was all about the music
Oasis have reunited on stage for the first time in almost 16 years – with brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher sharing a high five and the briefest of hugs as they closed a performance that for fans was more than worth the wait.
After the split in 2009, for many years Noel said he would never go back – and for a long time, as the brothers exchanged insults through separate interviews (and on social media, for Liam), it seemed pretty unlikely to ever happen.
But now, here they are. As they walked out on stage at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, all eyes were on the Gallaghers for a sense of their relationship – dare we say it, friendship? – now after all these years.
As it happened: How Oasis’s first gig together in 16 years unfolded
There was no reference to their fall-out or making up, but the gestures were there – lifting hands together as they walked out for the first time.
The headline “OASIS REUNITED” was shown on stage at the gig. Pic: PA
Fans at the Oasis gig. Pic: PA
Headlines and tweets of speculation and then confirmation of the reunion filled the screens as the show started. “This is happening,” said one, repeatedly.
In the end, it was all about the music.
Liam has received criticism in the past for his voice not being what it once was, but back on stage with his brother tonight he delivered exactly what fans would have hoped for – a raw, steely-eyed performance, snarling vocals, and the swagger that makes him arguably the greatest frontman of his day.
This was Oasis sounding almost as good as they ever have.
Fans sang along and held up their phones to film as Oasis performed. Pic: PA
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Oasis: ‘It’s good to be back’
They opened with Hello, because of course, “it’s good to be back”. And then Acquiesce, and those lyrics: “Because we need each other/ We believe in one another.”
The song is said to be about friendship in the wider sense, rather than their brotherly bond and sibling rivalry, but you can’t help but feel like it means something here.
Over two hours, they played favourite after favourite – including Morning Glory, Some Might Say, Cigarettes & Alcohol, Supersonic and Roll With It.
Liam Gallagher as Oasis takes to the stage in Cardiff. Pic: PA
In the mid-section, Liam takes his break for Noel to sing Talk Tonight, Half The World Away and Little By Little; the tempo slows but there is by no means a lull, with the fans singing all his words back to him.
Liam returns for hits including Stand By Me, Slide Away, Whatever and Live Forever, before sending the crowd wild (or even wilder) with Rock And Roll Star.
Noel Gallagher performing on stage. Pic: PA
An Oasis fan is pointing at the stage during the gig. Pic: PA
When the reunion announcement was made last summer, it quickly became overshadowed by the controversy of dynamic pricing causing prices to rocket. As he has done on X before, Liam addressed the issue on stage with a joke.
“Was it worth the £4,000 you paid for the ticket?” he shouted at one point. “Yeah,” the crowd shouts back; seemingly all is forgiven.
After Rock And Roll Star, the dream that very quickly became a reality for this band, Noel introduced the rest of the group, calling Bonehead a “legend”.
Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs of Oasis. Pic: PA
Liam Gallagher carried a tambourine in his mouth during the concert. Pic: PA
Then he acknowledges all their young fans, some who maybe weren’t even born when they split. “This one is for all the people in their 20s who’ve never seen us before, who’ve kept this shit going,” he says before the encore starts with The Masterplan.
Noel follows with Don’t Look Back In Anger, and the screens fill with Manchester bees in reference to the arena bombing and how the song became the sound of hope and defiance for the city afterwards.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘I’d have paid £10,000 to see them’
Two fans sat on their friends’ shoulders as Oasis performed. Pic: PA
During Wonderwall, there’s a nice touch as Liam sings to the crowd: “There are many things I would like to say to you, but I don’t speak Welsh.”
It is at the end of Champagne Supernova, which closes the set, that it happens; Noel puts down his guitar, and they come together for a high-five and a back-slap, a blink-and-you’d miss it hug.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What fans thought of band’s comeback
Read more:
What you need to know about the Oasis tour
Liam Gallagher hits out at council after fans branded ‘rowdy’
“Right then, beautiful people, this is it,” Liam had told the crowd as he introduced the song just a few minutes earlier. “Nice one for putting up with us over the years.”
From the roar of the audience, it’s safe to say most people here would agree it’s been worth it.
Oasis are set to kick off their reunion tour in Cardiff this weekend, with thousands expected to descend on the Welsh capital.
The 41-date Oasis Live 25 tour begins in the city on Friday and Saturday, amid warnings for people to plan ahead before they travel.
The Gallagher brothers’ last performance together was in 2009, and the tour sold out within hours of its announcement last August, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the reunion.
But where is the tour heading – and why was Cardiff chosen as the city where the brothers will perform for the first time together in almost 16 years?
When does the tour start and where is it heading?
After Cardiff, Oasis will go on to perform at Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin on their UK and Ireland leg of the tour.
See below for a full list of tour dates:
Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Pic: PA
Why was Cardiff picked as the first stop?
Asked on X in May why Cardiff was chosen as the location for the opening leg, Liam Gallagher said “because Cardiff is the bollox”.
Principality Stadium is a 74,500-seat venue, known as the home of Welsh rugby, which played host to Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift concerts last year.
Businesses in the area are hoping the arrival of Oasis will bring an influx of trade to the city.
Gary Corp, manager of the City Arms, told Sky News that he was expecting the concert would “treble if not quadruple the footfall on the street”.
Meanwhile, Ethan John, events manager at Tiny Rebel, said Oasis choosing Cardiff to kick off their tour was “surreal” and that previous events such as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour had a “massive impact” on footfall.
What travel advice is there in Cardiff?
Train operators say trains will be busy and people should allow plenty of time for their journey home.
Georgie Wills, from Transport for Wales, said the company was “thrilled to welcome thousands to Cardiff this summer”.
“Look out for our queuing systems and travel tips – and let’s make it a safe and smooth experience for everyone,” she added.
Cardiff Council has confirmed that roads around the stadium will close from 12pm until 12am on both Friday and Saturday.
The road closures come into force three hours earlier than is planned for upcoming Stereophonics, Kendrick Lamar and Catfish and the Bottlemen concerts later this summer.
The Cardiff Bus Interchange will close at 3pm and Cardiff Queen Street railway station will close at 10pm (apart from accessible travel or journeys to Cardiff Bay).
Liam Gallagher (left) and Noel Gallagher (right). Pic: PA
What time does the show start and who are the support acts?
Principality Stadium’s doors open at 5pm on both Friday and Saturday.
The band will be supported by indie rock band Cast and Richard Ashcroft (who formed alternative rock band the Verve) in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin.
Cast start their Cardiff set at 6pm, followed by Richard Ashcroft at 7pm.
Oasis will take to the stage at 8.15pm, and should finish by 10.30pm.
American rock band Cage the Elephant will support Oasis in Canada, Mexico and at the Chicago gig.
They will be joined again by Cast for the East Rutherford and Pasadena dates.
Australian indie rock band Ball Park Music will support in Australia.
Are tickets still available for the shows?
The tour is sold out, but the band has said it is possible some additional tickets may be released.
In an Instagram post on 25 June, the band advised members of Oasismynet to “keep an eye” on their inbox.
The final releases would come “over the coming days” once production was “fine tuned”, the band said.
Read more from Sky News:
The Gallagher brothers back together
The story of the rock ‘n’ roll brothers so far
What’s the weather going to be like?
Cardiff is set to be cloudy with sunny intervals on Friday afternoon, with highs of 21C and lows of 15C.
On Saturday, however, it will be slightly cooler with light rain during the afternoon, before clearing up in the evening.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike