Spears’ story reveals her unknown plight

Aaliyah Solano, Staff Writer

  The world has been tormenting and scrutinizing celebrities for years. The media and paparazzi, in particular, benefit from it. However, no one has had it tougher than the pop princess herself, Britney Spears.

  The most recent episode of Hulu’s “The New York Times Presents…” delves into Britney Spears’ life.  Spears’ rise to fame, her turbulent relationship with pop star Justin Timberlake, her notorious breakdown, and her ongoing legal battle with her father, which has ignited the #FreeBritney movement, are all acknowledged in this episode. Because it was reported by The New York Times, who are not affiliated with the pop princess, viewers can trust that it is the objective truth When it comes to Britney Spears and her most notorious moments, the episode gives fans and others a new viewpoint:

  Britney Spears rose to fame as a child star on the Disney Channel’s “Mickey Mouse Club.” Despite this fact, she is best known for her musical career. Britney Spears’ debut single, “Baby One More Time,” was released on Oct. 23, 1998, the iconic song catapulted her to stardom.

  Britney had to deal with criticism as a result of her newfound stardom and fame. Due to her risqué wardrobe and performances, she faced criticism from parents who saw her as an unsuitable role model for their children. Even though the parents could have easily prevented their child from listening to her music, they decided to spew hate towards Britney.

  From then on, Britney had to deal with relentless criticism and derogatory terms being thrown her way. The backlash only worsened once Spears and Justin Timberlake ended their four-year-long relationship.

  Rumors that the pop princess had been unfaithful to the NSYNC member began to circulate. Although the rumor has never been confirmed or denied, Timberlake began to convince others to believe in his deceived and heartbroken story. In interviews, he’s even hinted at Britney’s infidelity, although according to Spears’ sister he cheated first. Timberlake also began to open up about his and Spears’ intimate moments, which Britney had previously kept private. The media ate up this “unfaithful Britney” storyline and taunted Britney as a result.

  Diane Sawyer accuses and blames Britney for hurting Timberlake in a resurfaced interview, asking her, “What did you do to Justin?” Timberlake has never been blamed for the couple’s split, solely Britney.

  What I loved about this documentary was that it held the media and Timberlake accountable, rather than perpetuating the narrative that Britney is solely to blame. Fans who saw the documentary were outraged and took to social media to demand that Timberlake apologize to his former flame. Justin has since apologized to Britney, on his Instagram.

  The episode then goes on to talk about the events that led up to Spear’s notorious 2008 meltdown. What is seldom mentioned is how the media played a part in her breakdown. The episode documents how the media would track Briney’s whereabouts. Even photographing her when she was eating or caring for her children.

  She felt she no longer had basic human rights; she couldn’t go about her daily life without being photographed or shamed. Her whole life, including the ups and downs, were being displayed for the whole world to see. The media depicted her as an unfit mother and a wild party girl. In an outcry, she shaved her head and broke a paparazzi’s glass after being tormented all night.

  Spears was placed under legal conservatorship after her meltdown, with her father Jamie acting as her primary conservator. Spears objected to her father being named as her primary conservator, but the court overruled her wishes. The relationship between the pop princess and her father isn’t well-known, but it’s obvious that it’s strained. 

  As her conservator, Jamie now makes her decisions and has full power over her life. He has full power over her finances, career, estates, and even who she is permitted to see. Due to the conservatorship, Britney has frequently visited many mental health facilities. And with that, the #FreeBritney movement was born.

  Fans and artists are clamoring for Britney’s life to be free of her father’s influence. Britney is currently in an ongoing legal battle with her father, seeking to remove him as her primary conservator. Changes are being made gradually, as a judge ruled on Feb. 11 that Jamie no longer has sole power over the star’s investments.

  For millions of people, including myself, this documentary has raised awareness of a problem that has been overlooked. Society must avoid believing the sometimes distorted realities of the media, and continue to regard people as individuals. This episode is a five-star must-see because it depicts the difficulties that celebrities, who society frequently treats as aliens, face. With that, I’ll end with a simple declaration: FREE BRITNEY!