ATLANTA — Britney Spears is no stranger to being at the center of controversy, so it was no surprise to see the singer’s fans taking on social media and the streets with an invested concern about her public struggle with mental health.
Earlier this year, the “Baby One More Time" singer revealed that she not only was taking a break from performing at her mega Las Vegas residency, but Spears also shared news about taking some time in her private life, after her father was hospitalized.
"I don’t even know where to start with this, because this is so tough for me to say. I will not be performing my new show Domination. I’ve been looking forward to this show and seeing all of you this year, so doing this breaks my heart. However, it’s important to always put your family first … and that’s the decision I had to make. 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. More information on ticket refunds is available on britneyspears.com. I appreciate your prayers and support for my family during this time. Thank you, and love you all… always," the singer wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Public concern grew when Spears shared that she was taking more “me time” on April 3.
“Me Time” sounds healthy for the ordinary citizen, but for an A-List star like Spears, fans were concerned because the singer has had up and downhill battles with mental health.
In 2007, Spears was treated in a mental health facility after having an infamous breakdown, documented by paparazzi and tabloids.
Critics and fans were shocked to see the singer completely shave her hair and destroy her ex-husband Kevin Federline car with an umbrella.
It was a jarring, opposite image of the early 2000s starlet that charmed audiences with her southern belle persona, star-powered performances, and catchy pop hits.
PHOTOS | Britney Spears over the years
A personal and financial management team for the singer placed her under a decade-long conservatorship that pays the people who take care of business. Much like a guardianship, Britney's father, Jamie Spears, oversees her personal life and approves her financial decisions.
Spears, 37, continued to put out a string of hits, albums, and perform on tours while under the care of Jamie. Most recently, Spears celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut album, “Baby One More Time”.
So, at the height of a career that spans two-decades, many fans are seeking answers concerning the singers mental health.
Fans petitioned online using #FreeBritney and outside of a California mental health treatment facility where they allege the pop star is being held against her will.
But is the singer being treated for mental health against her will? Many sources confirm that the singer is there voluntarily.
Spears spoke out about the concern via her Instagram page saying, "I wanted to say hi, because things that are being said have just gotten out of control!!! Wow!!! There’s rumors, 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. These fake emails everywhere were crafted by Sam Lutfi years ago... I did not write them. He was pretending to be me and communicating with my team with a fake email address. 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! Your love and dedication is amazing, but what I need right now is a little bit of privacy to deal with all the hard things that life is throwing my way. If you could do that, I would be forever grateful. Love you ❤️❤️❤️ ."
TMZ reports the singer is also being treated at a facility where felt comfortable going.
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