What is #FreeBritney? All you need to know about Framing Britney Spears documentary

Britney Spears remains one of the most recognisable pop stars in the world.

However, the pop star's career has come with its fair share of ups and downs and one aspect that has become a focus of media and fan attention is the star's conservatorship.

Now, the new documentary film Framing Britney Spears has put her career under the spotlight even further, including her past relationship with fellow pop star Justin Timberlake and her marriage to Kevin Federline.

Yet, the chief focus of the film from the New York Times is the history behind Britney's conservatorship and the role of her father Jamie Spears in this.

Britney Spears' conservatorship explained

The legal issue of a conservatorship arose after troubles in Britney's personal life.

Following her marriage to Kevin Federline crumbling in 2006, Britney experienced much-publicised mental health issues.

After a previous instance of hospitalisation, Britney was placed then under a 5150 involuntary psychiatric hold at Ronald Reagan Medical Center in early 2008.

Following this, Britney's father Jamie filed a petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court for an emergency "temporary conservatorship" and he was placed in charge of her finances and well-being.

Attorney Andrew Wallet was also appointed as a co-conservator to help conserve Britney's finances.

Britney was released from the medical centre five days later.

A conservatorship is typically for the elderly or infirm or for those with reduced mental capacity.

As a result of this Jamie Spears had control over his daughter's career choices, property, and even had the power to restrict her visitors.

As her conservatorship continued to be extended by the courts, Britney experienced a career comeback with her album Circus.

With an MTV documentary, live concerts, and television appearances - including as a judge on The X Factor US - Britney appeared to be on an upswing in her career.

As she found continued success, Britney's conservatorship continued to be extended.

Britney cancelled her planned Las Vegas residency Britney Spears: Domination in January 2019 after Jamie was reported to have experienced health issues.

A statement from Britney at the time said: "A couple of months ago, my father was hospitalized and almost died.

"We’re all so grateful that he came out of it alive, but he still has a long road ahead of him.

"I had to make the difficult decision to put my full focus and energy on my family at this time. I hope you all can understand."

In March 2019, Andrew Wallet resigned from his role as co-conservator.

In September 2019, Jodi Montgomery temporarily replaced Jamie Spears as the conservator for Britney's person due to his health issues, while he remained responsible for her finances.

What is the #FreeBritney movement?

As Britney took this hiatus, the podcast Britney's Gram which analysed the star's social media posts began to raise concerns about the star's well-being in the conservatorship.

From this, the #FreeBritney movement was birthed as fans of the singer spoke out against the conservatorship and the power of Jamie Spears in his daughter's life.

The movement began to gain momentum on social media, physical protests took place, and some celebrities even began to show support.

A post from Britney Spears' social media accounts had appeared to address the furore.

It read: "I wanted to say hi, because things that are being said have just gotten out of control!!! Wow!!!

"There’s rumours, death threats to my family and my team, and just so many things crazy things being said.

"I am trying to take a moment for myself, but everything that’s happening is just making it harder for me. Don’t believe everything you read and hear."

It continued: "My situation is unique, but I promise I’m doing what’s best at this moment

"You may not know this about me, but I am strong, and stand up for what I want!"

Jamie Spears also spoke out against the theories and #FreeBritney movement when speaking to the New York Post.

He said: "All these conspiracy theorists don’t know anything. The world don’t have a clue.

"It’s up to the court of California to decide what’s best for my daughter. It’s no one else’s business.

"I have to report every nickel and dime spent to the court every year. How the hell would I steal something?"

Last year, Britney requested for changes through lawyer Samuel Ingham III to have Jamie removed as a conservator, with Montgomery to remain a permanent co-conservator.

Britney wanted the management of her financial and business affairs to be transferred to the Bessemer Trust Company.

He argued that the situation must be changed "substantially" in order to reflect "the major changes in her current lifestyle and her stated wishes".

However, that proved unsuccessful and Jamie has retained control of her finances.

Last year, the request to remove Jamie from his role was denied.

The decision came despite Britney's lawyer telling the court that the singer is "afraid of her father" and " will not perform again if her father is in charge of her career ".

However, in November 2020, a judge decided to make the Bessemer Trust a co-conservator for Britney's estate alongside her father.

In December, Jamie Spears defended himself in a statement to CNN.

He commented :"I love my daughter and I miss her very much.

"When a family member needs special care and protection, families need to step up, as I have done for the last 12-plus years, to safeguard, protect and continue to love Britney unconditionally.

"I have and will continue to provide unwavering love and fierce protection against those with self-serving interests and those who seek to harm her or my family."

What is Framing Britney Spears?

Framing Britney Spears is a feature-length episode of documentary series The New York Times presents.

The series sees people who have been close to Britney Spears and lawyers who have been tied to her conservatorship look back on her hugely successful career as a pop star and the personal troubles she has faced over the years.

These include the aftermath of her break-up with Justin Timberlake and the collapse of her marriage to Kevin Federline and subsequent custody issues over their two children - all of which was played out in the press.

The documentary also looks at the recent legal battles she has had with her father Jamie in court over who should control her life. 

How to watch Framing Britney Spears

Framing Britney Spears was released on FX and streaming service Hulu in the US.

However, there is no official UK release date yet, and Hulu isn't available in the UK.

However, PopSugar  reports that the documentary is set to air in the UK in the spring of 2021.

Will you be watching Framing Britney Spears? Let us know in the comments below.