Britney Spears’ manager and court-appointed attorney have officially stepped down from their respective roles.
The singer is in the midst of a legal battle to be freed from the conservatorship that has governed various aspects of her life since 2008.
Last month, she appeared in court in Los Angeles to demand an end to the legal arrangement, insisting she’s been left “depressed” and “traumatised” by the situation.
And amid mounting pressure from the #FreeBritney movement for the courts to scrap the conservatorship, members of the Toxic star’s team have resigned from their positions.
Her longtime manager Larry Rudolph announced his departure from the post in a letter to Britney’s father Jamie Spears and attorney Jodi Montgomery – the singer’s co-conservators.
Rudolph claimed that, while he has been working as Britney’s manager for much of her 25-year career, he hasn’t communicated with her in over two and a half years.
He also stated that he has “never been a part” of the controversy surrounding the singer’s conservatorship, insisting: “I was originally hired at Britney’s request to help manage and assist her with her career.
“And as her manager, I believe it is in Britney’s best interest for me to resign from her team as my professional services are no longer needed. Please accept this letter as my formal resignation.”
Citing Britney’s “intention to officially retire” as his reasoning for stepping down, he added: “I will always be incredibly proud of what we accomplished over our 25 years together.
“I wish Britney all the health and happiness in the world, and I’ll be there for her if she ever needs me again, just as I always have been.”
Meanwhile, the Stronger star’s court-appointed attorney Sam Ingham has also quit his position – a move which came less than 24 hours after Rudolph’s departure.
“SAMUEL D. INGHAM III hereby resigns as court-appointed counsel for BRITNEY JEAN SPEARS, conservatee, effective upon the appointment of new court-appointed counsel,” a filing in Los Angeles Superior Court reads.
Officials at his Loeb & Loeb law firm are also leaving the conservatorship.
During the conservatorship hearing on June 23, Britney insisted: “I’ve lied and told the whole world ‘I’m okay. And I’m happy.’ It’s a lie,” she said. “I thought [if] just maybe I said that enough… Because I’ve been in denial. I’ve been in shock. I am traumatised.
“You know, fake it till you make it. But now I’m telling you the truth. Okay? I’m not happy,” insisted the Stronger hitmaker. “I can’t sleep. I’m so angry. It’s insane. And I’m depressed. I cry every day.”
Following Britney’s shocking claims surrounding her treatment in the conservatorship, fans supporting the #FreeBritney movement and stars took to social media to lend their support.
