Christina Aguilera Makes Statement In Support Of Britney Spears
Last week, Britney Spears spoke for the first time in years about the effects of her long-running conservatorship.
The singer addressed the judge of a Los Angeles court on June 23 to ask for her father Jamie Spears and other parties be removed as conservator. Since 2008, when Spears had a well-documented mental health breakdown, her father has been in control of not only her finances, but other areas of her life under the legal arrangement.
Spears' testimony sent shockwaves throughout the music industry and among her fans, since the transcript (and a recording) was made public.
Some of the most disturbing elements of the mother-of-two's testimony include the allegation that she is unable to get an IUD (Intrauterine device) removed - so that she can have more children - without permission, under the current arrangements.
The 39-year-old star also claimed she was prescribed lithium against her wishes, forced to perform a grueling work schedule, and to attend multiple therapy sessions a week outside of her home which has often meant run-ins with the Paparazzi.
Spears said she is "traumatized, angry and depressed" by the 13-year conservatorship. The LA judge made no ruling following the 'Toxic' singer's testimony and the case is still ongoing. In response to the singer’s testimony, Jamie Spears’ lawyers said in a statement read out in court: ‘He is sorry to see his daughter suffering and in so much pain. Mr Spears loves his daughter, and he misses her very much.’
Over the past year, the case has received renewed interest following a high-profile 'Free Britney' campaign orchestrated by fans (many of whom were outside the courthouse on Wednesday), a New York Times documentary looking into the conservatorship and more and more celebrities speaking out about it.
The same happened in the aftermath of Spears' testimony when the star's peers, friends and even ex-boyfriends issued their thoughts following her claims. Here are some of the most poignant reactions from the celebrity world:
Christina Aguilera
Spears and Aguilera found fame at the same time in the late 1990s, both having started out on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club along with Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling.
Now, the 'Beautiful' singer - who has previously spoken about being pitted against Spears during their time at the top of the charts - has issued a statement following Spears' testimony, saying she has spent the past few days thinking about her fellow Disney alum and 'all that she's been going through'.
In a series of tweets alongside a picture of the two pop stars back in the day, Aguilera wrote of Spears: 'The conviction and desperation of this plea for freedom leads me to believe that this person I once knew has been living without compassion or decency from those in control.'
She added that any woman 'wanting to be in control of their own destiny might not be allowed to live life as they wish' and doubled down on her view that Spears deserves 'all of the freedom possible to live her happiest life' and 'all the TRUE love and support in the world.'
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
The singer, who famously dated Spears in the late nineties and early noughties until their 2002 break-up and more recently apologised for his 'actions contributing to the problem' following the Framing Britney Spears documentary, reacted on Twitter:
The singer, who married Jessica Biel (with whom he has two sons), said both are sending their love and support to Spears and hope the courts allow his former partner 'to let her live however she wants to live'.
Mariah Carey
Ahead of Spears' testimony, the Grammy-winning singer sent her support:
Halsey
The 'Without Me' star reacted particularly angrily to the allegation that Spears has been unable to have an IUD removed:
Khloe Kardashian
'No one should be treated like this,' wrote the TV personality.
Brandy
The singer joined the many social media users demanding #FreeBritney.
Rose McGowan
The activist said Spears has 'every right to be angry', a sentiment Spears conveyed in her testimony.
Vera Wang
The designer was speechless after reading Spears' testimony:
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