Brittney Spears' father is finally speaking out about the controversial conservatorship that lasted for 13 years.
Jamie Spears faced criticism and public backlash following the 2008 conservatorship—which just ended in November—but he claims it was all in Britney's best interests.
In an interview with The Daily Mail on Sunday—his first in a decade—Spears defended his decision.
"Not everybody's going to agree with me."
"It's been one hell of a time. But I love my daughter with all my heart and soul."
"Where would Britney be right now without that conservatorship?"
"I don't know if she'd be alive. I don't."
"For protecting her, and also protecting the kids, conservatorship was a great tool."
"Without it, I don't think she would have got the kids back."
Spears continued that over the last few years, his relationship with his grandkids has weakened.
"I miss my two boys really, really bad. I do."
"You know, we were very, very close. They were around that age where you could start having a good time with them."
"But they were developing a mind of their own. God makes things happen for a reason."
"I don't know what that reason is, but it's been a tough three years without them."
"The family's a mess. All we can do is keep praying."
Though Britney always publicly shared her opposition to the conservatorship—which launched the #FreeBritney movement—Jamie defended his decision.
He claimed it "made a difference" in his daughter's well-being mentally, physically and financially.
"She had no money whatsoever."
"The conservatorship set a resource where she could get back financially."
"And, you know, we worked - and she worked - and she got herself straight up financially..."
"The conservatorship allowed the finances to be better."
He clarified:
"My understanding of a conservatorship is to help someone regain their life and return back to society, and to be able to live normally."
"I want to say that I made a difference."
"There were a few people behind me that really helped bring it to a point where we could help her."
Spears also acknowledged the public's negative perception of the conservatorship, but claims no one else knows the whole story.
He doesn't, however, "want to start something else."
"All I can say is that most people don't have a clue what the truth is."
"Her lawyer doesn't have a clue what the truth is. The media has not heard the truth."
"They've head the allegations from Britney."
"I don't mind taking that beating because I know it's not true, and because I don't want to start something else."
"For my daughter to end up going further down the hole than she had been."
Many weighed in on Spears' claims.
Some believed he was trying to protect his daughter, though many believe the conservatorship lasted longer than it should have.
The conservatorship worked when it was needed. It should've ended years ago when Britney was back in a clear mind
— Fluffy_Muffin.1 (@poisonous_treat) December 18, 2022
I believe him.
— Lia (@TherealLiaHardy) December 18, 2022
We need to all apologize to Jamie. He was right all along.
— Drew (@SRQDrew99) December 20, 2022
People have trouble accepting two things can be true at the same time. He can be an opportunistic jerk of a dad. And she can be a mentally ill woman who was headed toward a very bad outcome.
— Lex Jurgen (Bone Dry) (@Lex_Jurgen) December 18, 2022
Of course, Team #FreeBritney still stands united.
this is an abusive father, forever. she's better now
— Dani Jaming 🐝🏴🌌 (@dani_jaming) December 20, 2022
If Jamie was truly concerned about the welfare and quality of life of his daughter, he could have found alternative ways to help her, not make her a prisoner.
— Karley_O (@KarleyO3) December 19, 2022
We are team Britney ❤️ her father is trash
— C J A T (@XTIANHOUSE) December 18, 2022
This is absolute bull and if anyone is gonna side with Jamie, I suggest y’all check yourselves quick. This was never a Great Tool for Britney but rather an opportune advantage to take her money, fame and name at the expense of her own well being. This was always a sick move
— Oscar Florian Jr. (@oscardagrouch29) December 20, 2022
LIES LIES AND MORE LIES.. I can’t believe you are giving a platform to an ABUSER, you are as disgraceful as him. BRITNEY IS ALIVE BECAUSE OF HER.. how come her conservatorship started because she had dementia? STOP SPREADING LIES AND INFORM YOURSELF, is the least you can do.
— Chrys 🌹🚀 (@chryszaldana) December 19, 2022
I think it's the other way around, dad.
— niman maya (@niman00) December 19, 2022
Spears said he is still hopeful reconciliation could be on the horizon with effort from all sides.
"Each individual has got lots of work to do."
"I don't know if some of them want to do the work or not."
"It's going to be a tough thing, but that's the goal."
"Like I say, family's not in good shape right now. That's all I can say."
"It's better - but we've got a lot of work to do."
