Pop star Britney Spears regained freedom over her life and finances on Friday when a Los Angeles judge ended the conservatorship overseen by her father that had restricted her for more than 13 years.
Britney’s lawyer Mathew Rosengart announced the news to a crowd of fans gathered outside the courthouse.
“I’ve been asked so many times about Britney’s fans, and you guys are absolutely the best, you’re essential, Britney loves you.”
The 39-year-old singer did not attend Friday’s hearing but expressed her love for her fans on social media, calling it the “Best day ever.”
The conservatorship was set up and overseen by Britney’s father Jamie after she had a public breakdown in 2007 and was hospitalized for undisclosed mental health issues.
In June, she told the court she had been traumatized by the arrangement, adding that she had been forced to work and take medication against her will and was prevented from marrying or even getting her hair and nails done.
The conservatorship began to crumble in September when in a sudden reversal Jamie Spears said he supported ending it because it had helped her and was no longer needed.
He has said through attorneys that he always acted in her best interest.
Interest in the case was propelled in the past year by documentaries and the #FreeBritney movement of fans who questioned why the singer lived under restrictions while successfully touring around the world and earning millions of dollars.
Britney’s lawyer said a “safety net” had been put in place to help Spears transition back to regular life.
