Exploring the events leading up to one of the most dramatic and poignant meltdowns in celebrity history.
Just in case you don’t know who Britney Spears is, I’m here to tell you.
Britney was born December 2nd, 1981 in Mississippi, United States. She is an icon, a legend, and she is the moment. Spears is a singer, songwriter and performer who is often referred to as ‘the princess of pop.’
Her fame originally comes from her starring role in the Mickey Mouse Club when she was just eleven, although she really made an appearance with the release of her single Baby One More Time in 1998. This achievement was the first of many for the singer, as the world continued to see her not only in the music industry, but in multiple advertisements and acting cameos during the early 2000’s.
As a result of the fact that Britney was launched into the entertainment industry as a mere teenager, she struggled to deal with the spotlight for most of her life.
As a result of the fact that Britney was launched into the entertainment industry as a mere teenager, she struggled to deal with the spotlight for most of her life. Paparazzi were a key factor in her struggles, as she couldn’t seem to be rid of them. The 2021 Documentary, Framing Britney Spears, conveyed a glimpse of how frightening the flashing lights really are. Despite Britney maintaining her gentle persona, the pop princess came to a breaking point. The meltdown occurred in February of 2007 when Britney was spotted driving with her infant son Sean, in her lap instead of in a car seat.
In a New York Times Article, Spears stated that she felt threatened by the paparazzi driving so close to her SUV, and her actions were intended with safety. Unfortunately, what she did was still illegal and Britney was torn apart by the press and questioned by Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services.
Many of Britney’s family members were concerned for her mental health following this incident. Some believe that it was a cry for help as a result of the constant pressure of the press. Others, however, think that Britney was using different substances at the time which made her act irresponsibly and out of character. No reason could suffice for the danger that Britney put herself and her child into that day and a custody battle ensued between Spears and her ex-husband, Kevin Federline.
The Princess of Pop made the entire entertainment industry drop their jaws for a second time that year when Britney spontaneously arrived late at night to a Tarzana hair salon where she shaved her luscious, golden locks in front of several cameramen. There has never been an official reason given for her arbitrary and dramatic change in style and may never be, but some believe that it was to obliterate traces of illegal elixirs.
The third event of Britney’s meltdown occurred when Britney was a passenger in the car of Alli Sims, her cousin, and the two were being pursued by photographers. Alli begged the cameras to leave them alone as it was beginning to threaten their safety. The singer snapped, and she exited the car cursing at the paparazzi and banging an umbrella at one of their cars!
Of course, there have been worse occurrences in the pop world. Still, I await another as iconic as Britney’s meltdown.
In my next instalment, I will examine the truth behind Britney’s conservatorship and how she reclaimed her life.