Springfield News-Sun

Britney Spears says her family should ‘be in jail’

Sort of hints at a sit-down with Oprah.

- By Christi Carras

In her latest statement since her 13-year conservato­rship ended last week, Britney Spears advocated for disabled people and hinted at a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

On Tuesday, the pop superstar took to Instagram to answer fan queries “before I go and set things square on @Oprah ... I mean who knows.” It’s unclear whether a sitdown between Spears and Winfrey is already in the works or if the “… Baby One More Time” hit-maker is merely manifestin­g one with some thinking, winking and shrugging emojis.

Winfrey’s Harpo Production­s and CBS, which previously aired the TV mogul’s buzzy conversati­ons with Adele, Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, did not immediatel­y respond Wednesday to the Los Angeles Times’ requests for comment.

“I’m here today to answer all of your guys’ questions, and the first main question that you guys have been asking me is, ‘What am I going to do now that the conservato­rship’s over with?’ Very good question,” Spears said Tuesday in an Instagram video, wearing one of her signature crop tops.

In the caption of her post, Spears blasted her former conservato­rs and her family — including her “church going mother” — for allegedly putting her through a “demoralizi­ng and degrading” experience.

“I’m not even mentioning all the bad things they did to me which they should all be in jail for,” she added. “I’m used to keeping peace for the family and keeping my mouth shut … but not this time … I have NOT FORGOTTEN and I hope they can look up tonight and know EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN !!!! ”

The singer expressed gratitude for “the little things” she is finally able to do since regaining control over her own life, such as accessing the keys to her car, “owning an ATM card, seeing cash for the first time” and buying candles.

“It makes a huge difference,” Spears said. “It’s really nice. But I’m not here to be a victim. I lived with victims my whole life as a child. That’s why I got out of my house and I worked for 20 years and worked my (butt) off.

“I’m here to be an advocate for people with real disabiliti­es and real illnesses. I’m a very strong woman, so I can only imagine what the system has done to those people. So hopefully ... my story will make an impact and make some changes in the corrupt system.”

Because disabled people are among those most likely to be placed under guardiansh­ip, Spears’ turbulent conservato­rship battle has sparked larger discussion­s about disability rights — particular­ly after the Grammy winner accused her conservato­rs of forcing her to use an intrauteri­ne contracept­ive device despite her desire to become pregnant.

The singer also gave a shout-out to members of the #Freebritne­y movement, who sang and danced in the street outside downtown Los Angeles’ Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Nov. 12 when Judge Brenda J. Penny terminated the legal arrangemen­t that had long restricted their idol’s personal, medical and financial autonomy.

“You guys rock,” Spears continued. “Honestly, my voice was muted and threatened for so long, and I wasn’t able to speak up or say anything. … I honestly think you guys saved my life in a way, 100%. … With that said, let’s move forward. God bless you all.”

 ?? AP PHOTO/CHRIS PIZZELLO ?? A Rubylith printing screen featuring a portrait of Britney Spears is held by Spears supporter Taylor Coppage outside a hearing concerning the pop singer’s conservato­rship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Nov. 12 in Los Angeles. A Los Angeles judge ended the conservato­rship that has controlled Spears’ life and money for nearly 14 years.
AP PHOTO/CHRIS PIZZELLO A Rubylith printing screen featuring a portrait of Britney Spears is held by Spears supporter Taylor Coppage outside a hearing concerning the pop singer’s conservato­rship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Nov. 12 in Los Angeles. A Los Angeles judge ended the conservato­rship that has controlled Spears’ life and money for nearly 14 years.

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