Britney Spears has dealt with plenty of family issues since emerging into the spotlight after her first hit, "…Baby One More Time," was released in 1998. Her parents, Jamie Spears and Lynne Spears, separated in 2002 after being together for 30 years. The reasons were pretty harsh — not only were they starting to have disagreements, many regarding their famous daughter, but Lynne reportedly stated that Jamie's battle with alcoholism was becoming a big issue in their relationship.
While they reportedly reconciled in 2010, issues are still present. And it seems like a lot of those issues surround Britney's very controversial conservatorship.
Now Lynne is speaking out about the law firm Holland & Knight and about fees she says are completely unjust. Those fees amount to about $890,000.
Lynne reportedly feels as if these fees are "procedurally and substantively improper," according to People. According to the official document, Lynne is protesting this cost because the firm failed to "[perform] in good faith for the benefit" of Britney. She is hoping for these fees to be looked over a little more carefully, with an end goal of having the money go back to Britney's estate.
People also reports that the money was reportedly allocated in a suspicious way. Lynne claims that much of it was for "unnecessary" work that "largely constituted a 'national media tour' orchestrated by H&K to promote [Jamie's attorney] Ms. [Vivian Lee] Thoreen and/or to combat media coverage that cast Mr. Spears in a negative light." As Lynne already wrote a book that told the world more about her husband, it's possible that he feels it's necessary to help clear his image.
"[Lynne] vehemently objects to the inclusion of services related to 'Media Matters:' the national media tour that Mr. Spears' counsel has embarked upon," states the document. It also states that this tour isn't something that has to do with Britney — nor does she necessarily support it. "The Conservatee's life has been under a media microscope, and the last thing she wishes, desires, or derives any benefit from is her Conservator's attorney spending [her] money to promote herself in the same media that scrutinizes everything that happens to [Britney]."
Lynne also feels as if the firm was padding its hours, likely taking advantage of the fact that the time spent was on Britney Spears' account. She feels that the total amount paid is about equal to "all of the other law firms combined," for "similar work done." Lynne has a right to be protective over the estate, especially since Britney herself has tried hard to remove her dad from being in charge.
Britney has been hoping for someone else to lead the conservatorship, and she currently has all of her fans on her side. Right now, the frontrunner seems to be Jodi Montgomery as her permanent conservator. Jodi is currently serving the role as Britney's temporary care manager, and they seem to have a strong relationship.
However, as expected, Jamie's lawyers are fighting back. They say that Lynne never was involved with the conservatorship prior, stating, "Despite having zero involvement in her daughter's conservatorship until very recently, Lynne Spears is asserting claims as if she were a party directly involved in the litigation (which she is not)." They also state that she had "no knowledge" about the fees.
"Lynne Spears' math of dividing the total fees by four (to calculate fees per issue) is ridiculous and belies her ignorance regarding the complex nature of the Conservatorship Estate, and the issues that needed to be addressed by H&K to properly defend Mr. Spears from specious allegations that have threatened to tarnish his reputation as a loving, caring father who has nothing to hide, has been loyal and fiercely loving toward his daughter, sought to protect her, and manage her finances so that she can live her life the way she wants," the document states, per People.
The document even mentions Lynne's book, which — for the record — was written back in 2008. Obviously, the situation has changed a lot since, but Jamie's law firm is sticking to it as a way to win the battle. That said, it's a little callous of them to completely shut down Lynne's line of questioning.
"While the Conservator and his counsel have been very cautious, limited, and thoughtful in dealing with the media (a far cry from any 'national media tour'), Lynne Spears is the one who exploited her daughter's pain and trauma for personal profit by publishing a book about the Conservatee," the firm states. "Media matters are inextricably tied to all aspects of the Conservatorship. The media-related work performed by H&K was not only related to the litigation but an essential part of H&K representing and defending the Conservator and protecting the Conservatorship Estate."
The truth of the matter is, Britney's opinion is the most important. She's the one who's been working tirelessly for decades, constantly in the media, even against her will. This is one of the reasons why the "#FreeBritney" movement has become so powerful.
Britney herself seems to have a very strained relationship with her father. And the fact that she no longer wants him in charge speaks volumes. It's just a shame that Jamie's legal team is muting her voice. Back when Britney had critical issues with her mental health, it may have made more sense to have a conservatorship.
In that time since, Britney had a very successful — and very demanding — residency in Las Vegas. She's also still a mom and has spent plenty of time with her kids. She seems to be in a healthier spot, so it appears to be ridiculous that she can't make basic decisions for herself.
It's important for Lynne to have a say, if her views reflect those of her daughter. And according to Britney fans, this has been the intervention they've been waiting for. Another thing they've noted is the fact that Britney's dad has made his wealth due to his daughter's career, but he was very rarely around when she was younger. Her mother was actually the person who traveled with Britney and helped her become such an icon.
This battle may take a long time to settle, and it may get messy. But it's good that Lynne isn't afraid to join in and try to make things right. As for Britney, even though she's told her fans she's OK, hopefully she knows that she has so much love and support. So many people want her to be able to have the rights she very much deserves.
