Britney & Sam’s awkward red carpet debut
The singer looked uneasy at a film premiere
After three years of dating, you’d think they’d be past that awks stage, but onlookers were left cringing at the uncomfortable tension between Britney Spears and Sam Asghari last week on the red carpet.
The singer grimaced for pictures and stiffly kissed her toyboy in their first joint appearance as a couple – and Brit’s first public event since leaving a mentalhealth facility – but friends aren’t so sure the troubled star was ready. “Everyone could see Britney was uncomfortable being back in the spotlight,” says an insider close to the singer, who was attending the Once Upon A Time In Holly wood premiere alongside her 25-year-old model boyfriend. “She seemed underprepared, like she’d done her hair and make-up herself, which
suggests it was a last-minute decision to go. She’s still incredibly vulnerable when it comes to her mental health, so people were surprised to see her there.” Fans flocked online to comment on the images, with one writing, “The fake smile is painful.” Another said, “Oh Brit, she looks sad.” A third added, “She’s got that weird look on her face again…”
Britney, 37 – who’s mum to sons Sean and Preston – has been under a conservatorship since 2008, following her breakdown, giving her dad Jamie total control over most of her life and finances. Earlier this year, the star was admitted to a “wellness centre” after she reportedly stopped taking her medication, and she later appeared in court in May in a bid to regain control over her life. But now we’re told friends are worried it’s been too much too soon, and that Sam may have pushed her into attending the premiere before she was ready. “It was his idea to go,” says the source. “Britney gets invited to premieres all the time, and never goes. Sam convinced her it would be fun. He also pointed out that it would show the world she’s breaking free from her dad. Britney saw the logic and agreed to go along with it, but immediately regretted it when the cameras started flashing.”
Brit posted on Instagram after the event, sharing a happier shot with Sam, and captioning it, “Our first premiere.” He also posted several pictures and videos, calling Brit his “lioness”. Our insider adds, “Those close to Britney are worried this is Sam trying to raise his profile. She’s refused to do joint red carpets in the three years they’ve been together, but he’s worn her down.
“Everyone hopes he has her best interests at heart, but obviously you have to wonder... He certainly seemed to love being there. And he didn’t seem to notice that Britney was clearly feeling anxious and out of it. It’s a huge concern.” n