#FreeBritney causes legislative action

By Wallis Rogin

Art by Ella Benitone

As a result of the success of the popular movement “Free Britney,” people across the country will gain legal aid in being freed from abusive conservatorships through the protection of the newest FREE Britney Act. Britney Spears serves as an example to all people, specifically women, that it is important to advocate for yourself, showing that she is, as her song “Stronger” says, “stronger than yesterday.” 

After multiple public “breakdowns” leading to her being hospitalized in 2008, Spears has been under her father Jamie Spears’ conservatorship. Spears’ dad has had control of all of Spears’ money, including her $60 million estate since she was 26-years-old; however, change did ensue.

Through Spears’ posts on social media, primarily TikTok, fans speculated that something was off with her family and financial situations, causing the #FreeBritney Movement to explode. 

Because of this influx in media coverage, Spears and her father have been to court several times since 2019 regarding the conservatorship. They came to a settlement on Aug. 13, deciding that he will concede the conservatorship on Sept. 2, 2021.

While this movement was pushed and motivated by fans and media, lawmakers caught wind of the situation, recognizing that Spears was not given due process. The Free Britney Act, also referred to as the FREE Act, was introduced on July 20 and is being processed. It would provide individuals under a legal conservatorship the power to request a conservator who is “free from financial conflicts of interest,” helping thousands of people all around the world a chance to due process despite the situation of guardianship. 

Holden Taylor (9) said, “This whole situation really helps show women everywhere that breaking away from different forms of forced control from people, especially men, is not impossible. She is showing society that women are capable of doing things for themselves and we are a lot stronger than some people think.”

Genesis Martin (9) said, “The Free Britney Act is a monumental step in giving back a sense of power to those under abusive conservatorships. Not only that, it gives thousands of others inspiration to speak their minds in a world that truly needs voices more, now than ever.”