Wendy Williams and Britney Spears draw eerie parallels in guardianship struggles

Wendy Williams and Britney Spears describe similar struggles under guardianships, fueling comparisons to #FreeBritney.

Wendy Williams' recent revelations about her guardianship echo the struggles Britney Spears faced during her conservatorship. 

Speaking on The Breakfast Club, Williams, 60, described her life under court-ordered guardianship as isolating and abusive, sparking comparisons to Spears' battle to end her 13-year conservatorship.

Williams, confined to a New York wellness center since 2023, said she feels "in prison," isolated without access to modern technology to contact loved ones. Spears, now 43, testified in 2021 about similar restrictions, stating her phone, passport, and finances were controlled during her conservatorship. Both described being placed in mental health facilities against their will and losing autonomy over their lives.

Williams, diagnosed with dementia, told listeners, "I sit here, and my life goes by," highlighting her restricted lifestyle. Spears, in her 2021 court testimony, revealed she was forced into grueling work schedules, equating her experience to abuse.

Financial control was another shared grievance. Williams disclosed she had only $15 in her possession after Wells Fargo froze her accounts in 2022, deeming her incapacitated. Similarly, Spears questioned how she could generate substantial income from tours and residencies while being denied basic financial independence.

Both stars described their legal situations as abusive, with Spears calling for justice against those involved in her conservatorship. Spears gained freedom in late 2021, but Williams remains under guardianship, prompting calls for reevaluation of guardianship laws.

Britney Spears addresses clone conspiracy theories: 'I wish I was that interesting'

Britney Spears denies clone theories, attributing her persona to an 'inner child' she may choose to reveal someday.

Britney Spears has addressed ongoing conspiracy theories suggesting she has been replaced by a clone.

In a recent Instagram post, the pop icon stated, "A lot of people say I am a clone, I wish I was that interesting but no I'm owned by a little girl who lives within me… I will let you guys meet her one day." This statement appears to be a direct response to public speculation about her identity.

These theories gained traction in late 2024 when television personality Kristin Cavallari speculated on her podcast, "Let's Be Honest," that both Spears and rapper Kanye West had been cloned. Cavallari stated, "I wholeheartedly believe Kanye West and Britney Spears have been cloned." 

Following these comments, Cavallari revealed that Spears reached out to her via text message. Cavallari described the exchange as a "roller coaster" and noted that when she attempted to arrange a meeting, Spears did not respond, leading Cavallari to quip, "Now I do think you're a f---ing clone." 

Spears' recent statement appears to be a direct response to such speculations, emphasizing that her unique persona is a result of her own inner experiences rather than any external manipulation.

Britney Spears' Response To Odd Claims That She's A Clone

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Britney Spears is officially shutting down "clone" rumors with a bold statement.

On Thursday, January 16, the singer took to Instagram to address a theory claiming she's not actually Spears, but a clone of the pop icon. Spears posted a photo of female silhouettes in frames on a wall, with a caption that started off with, "A lot of people say I am a clone, I wish I was that interesting but no I'm owned by a little girl who lives within me. She is called Mini Me!"

The "Toxic" hitmaker continued to add a little more mystery to the mix, revealing that her alter-ego has a "real name but I don't share her because I'm selfish with people I love." Spears even mentioned that she's "serious" and promised her fans they will meet her, finishing off her post with, "Until then may we all look up and wonder about the real kingdom of heaven 💕 !!!"

Singer Britney Spears attends the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Spears recently made a post on social media addressing claims that she is a clone.... Singer Britney Spears attends the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Spears recently made a post on social media addressing claims that she is a clone. More Jeff Kravitz/BBMA2016/FilmMagic

Her comments could be a response to remarks made by Kristin Cavallari on her Let's Be Honest podcast in November 2024, where the reality star raised the possibility that Spears and Kanye West might both be clones. Cavallari revealed that after making these claims, Spears reached out to her personally, even suggesting they hang in Los Angeles.

"I get a call from my publicist. He calls me and he goes, 'Guess who wants your phone number?' And I go, 'Who?' Britney f**king Spears!," she recalled. According to Cavallari, she reached out, but Spears never returned her text.

"Now I do think you're a f**king clone. I don't think it's you. I don't want to hang out," Cavallari exclaimed, saying that the 2000s icon just "proved" her point.

This isn't the first unusual post from Spears on social media. She recently claimed that she is a "5-year-old attending kindergarten" and that she has plans to "adopt a baby girl." However, it is unclear if the Grammy winning artist was serious about the latter.

Britney Spears is 'very involved' in Jon M. Chu's biopic

Jon M. Chu says Britney Spears will be "very involved" in his biopic about the pop idol.

The 'Wicked' director insists it's still "very early days" for the planned film he is making about the 43-year-old singer for Universal, and it's yet to be decided who will portray the 'Toxic' hitmaker on the big screen.

Speaking to 'Entertainment Tonight' backstage at the Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday (05.01.25), he said: "She [Britney] is going to be very involved.

"We haven't really started anything yet; but she will be very involved.

"I have ideas and an approach and things, but it's very, very early."

When the reporter suggested Sabrina Carpenter, 25, who like Britney was a Disney star before launching a successful pop music career, and 'Euphoria' actress Sydney Sweeney, 27, as potential stars to play the 'Lucky' singer, Jon replied: "I have seen all the fan castings and all that stuff and I always take those in consideration, because maybe there is a good idea out there, but we will have to see what the approach of the movie is before we know who is right for it.

"But I am hoping for anything, really."

The filmmaker recently revealed he saw a different side to Britney after reading her 2023 memoir 'The Woman In Me' and he wants to "honour" her "human" side.

He told Bustle: "She's always been this icon, but ultimately, especially more recently after reading her book, she'd become human to me.

"I think that is so beautiful. I hope to convey that humanity and the spectacle of what she is in all her glory.

"(I want to explore) what we expect from people that we think are ours. "They're their own people, and we have to respect that."

Britney teased in August that she was working with producer Marc Platt on a "secret project" moments before the biopic was announced.

Universal won the film rights to her 2023 autobiography, and Jon added landing the job as director of the project was a thrill as he grew up a Britney fan.

He added: "I watched Britney before she was a solo act, when she was one of 12 acts at some radio station thing at The Shrine Auditorium.

"I've loved her for many years. I've seen over seven concerts, which probably isn't a lot compared to other people."

Britney said on Instagram in August that it was "flattering to be in such good company with Jon M Chu" while making a gag about the format of her biopic.

She added: "The project I might be doing isn't a biopic story... it's a fictional musical where I play an extremely intelligent character !!!"

Britney Spears shocks fans with bold claim of smashing Usain Bolt's 100-meter World Record

Britney Spears wants to take the title of the fastest person alive from Usain Bolt.Instagram, @britneyspears / @usainbolt

Pop icon Britney Spears set the internet ablaze with a jaw-dropping claim: breaking Usain Bolt's legendary 100-meter sprint world record.

In a since-viral Instagram post, the singer declared she completed the race in a staggering 5.97 seconds-shaving nearly four seconds off Bolt's record-setting 9.58 seconds from the 2009 Berlin World Athletics Championships.

The caption read: "Ran my first 5!!!! Getting over your fear of pushing it in the beginning is key... Once I did that, I hit 5!!!!! Usually, I run 6 or 7... My first try was 9... and now I did it whoop!!!!! 100-meter dash. "

Fans were left both amused and bewildered by the audacious claim. Some took to social media to poke fun, with simulations highlighting the sheer impossibility of Spears' purported sprint time.

Bolt's feats are almost unattainable

The situation grew so outlandish that questions swirled about whether Bolt himself, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist and global track icon, would address the pop star's boast.

For context, Bolt's achievements are widely regarded as untouchable. He holds world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay and has dominated on the track for over a decade.

Although one of his relay gold medals was revoked in 2017 due to a teammate's doping violation, his personal records remain unchallenged by any professional athlete-let alone a pop superstar. Amid the growing frenzy, Spears clarified her claim in a follow-up post, revealing that her original statement was all in good humor.

It was all a joke... or wasn't it?

"PS ... obviously I was joking about running the 100-meter dash in 5.97 seconds ... the world record is held by Usain Bolt at 9.58 seconds," she wrote, playfully adding, "But you better believe I'm coming for the world record."

While her sprint time may have been fictional, Spears once again proved she knows how to keep the world talking-whether through her music or a cheeky social media post. Bolt, unsurprisingly, remains unbothered by the lighthearted stunt, continuing his reign as the undisputed fastest man alive.

The Most Iconic Britney Spears Moments

Britney Spears is an icon, full stop. From her meteoric rise to fame to her dazzling music videos and performances to her best-selling book, she's had a prolific life and career. Much of her life between 2008 and 2023 was controlled via a conservatorship, but thanks to her 2023 memoir The Woman In Me, in which Spears detailed how her life was controlled by people she had mistakenly trusted, we finally know Spears' side of the story.

But any Spears fan—including us at Marie Claire—will tell you that the beloved superstar is much more than her struggles. From her joyful, can't-look-away performance style to her inimitable vocals to her career choices, Spears has proven time and time again to be both timeless and resilient. The fact that her career has spanned so many decades, in spite of what she privately endured, is a testament to that. Below, the most iconic Britney Spears moments of all time.

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Britney Spears shares fun-filled video amid devastating Los Angeles fires

Britney Spears shared a light-hearted video of herself after evacuating her home due to the fatal Los Angeles wildfires.

Taking to Instagram, the American singer dropped a video clip featuring her signature dance moves on Sunday, January 12th, 2025.

In the viral clip, the Toxic hitmaker was seen dancing to popular singer Madonna's superhit song, La Isla Bonita.

Britney was seen wearing a pink polka-dot sleeveless mini-dress, which she paired with black high heels.

The 43-year-old musician's caption-less post came after she left her home in LA to save her life from the uncontrollable fires in the city.

According to Mail Online, the mother-of-two revealed on Thursday, January 9th, that she had spent four hours on the road to escape from the natural calamity.

Britney left her $7.4 million home in Thousand Oaks, along with her two kids, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, and had spent two days in her car without electricity and other resources.

At that time, fans were unable to express their concerns to the singer as she had disabled the comments section.

Apart from Britney Spears, numerous big figures in Hollywood escaped their respective residences due to the ongoing natural disaster. 

Justin Baldoni, Britney Spears' old clip raises concerns amid legal drama

Justin Baldoni's old clip with Britney Spears has sparked concerns among fans due to the awkward encounter between the actor and singer.

As reported by Daily Mail, the video of the 40-year-old actor-director and the singer from the CW series Jane the Virgin has resurfaced on social media after several years of its release.

In the viral clip, Justin is seen sharing an uncomfortable hug with Britney, which seemingly leaves her confused and intimate.

The Grammy-winning pop star appeared in the second season of the show, which initially aired on November 9, 2015.

At that time, Justin and Britney had not shared the screen together, but they interacted on the set of their drama series.

In a previous interview with Fuse magazine, the father-of-two also confessed that his first interaction with Britney was quite strange.

"Because I had tweeted her and she had tweeted me back, I'd gone up to her, so in my mind we were friends - but we weren't, I went up and I gave her a big hug and I think I scared her," Justin added.

The American actor stated, "Did I just harass Britney Spears?"

As the old clip gained popularity on social media, fans began speculating about the actor's unethical behaviour towards his celebrity co-actors.

However, the Everwood actor and his representatives have not publicly commented on this matter.

This report came after Justin's It Ends With Us co-star accused him of sexually harassing her in multiple ways and running a smear campaign against her during the production of the movie. 

Blake Lively filed the lawsuit in federal court California on December 20. 

Following her bombshell allegations, Justin Baldoni has also sued the actress and filed a counter-lawsuit against her.

Britney Spears Dances On Instagram After Fleeing Los Angeles Fires

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Singer Britney Spears was back on Instagram dancing the night away after previously evacuating the Los Angeles fires.

The "Toxic" singer revealed that she had been without electricity for several days before she decided to leave her home and head to a hotel four hours away.

Britney Spears Evacuated Her Home Due To L.A. Fires

On January 9, the "Oops!... I Did It Again" singer shared a clip of a pair of bejeweled shoes. In the caption, she let her followers know that while she was thankfully okay, she had been without power for the past few days and was heading to a hotel to escape the flames.

"I hope you are all doing OK !!! I had to evacuate my home and I'm driving 4 hours to a hotel !!! I'm posting these adorable shoes to lift people's spirits !!!" she wrote in the caption. "Most people may not even be on their phones !!! I wasn't the past two days because I had no electricity to charge and I just got my phone back !!! I pray you're all doing well and I send my love!!!"

Britney Dances On Instagram Following Her Evacuation

On Saturday night, the "Crossroads" actress looked to be in good spirits as she spun around in front of the camera wearing a pink spotted dress and black heels. Her long blonde hair whipped around her face as she moved, twirling around in front of the camera.

In the caption, she shared a short prayer, seemingly addressing the devastation that many were experiencing in Los Angeles:

"'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.' John 1:5. May you be strengthened and comforted in knowing that the light that has come into the world for us reaches into even the darkest of our corners."

"Gloria in Excelsis Deo — Glory to God in the highest!" she added.

The Eaton Fire Is One Of The Deadliest In California History

According to CNN's latest updates, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone spoke at a press conference on Sunday, January 12, warning that the fire threat in Los Angeles remains "very high" due to low relative humidities and low fuel moistures.

The Eaton Fire burning at the edge of the Angeles National Forest in Altadena, California, is also said to be 27% contained after burning through over 14 thousand acres so far. The Eaton Fire has quickly become one of the deadliest fires in the state's history, responsible for at least eleven deaths so far.

Britney Spears' BFF Paris Hilton Lost Her Home In Malibu

On January 8, Britney's close friend Paris Hilton let her followers know that she was "heartbroken beyond words" as she watched her Malibu beachfront property burn down on live television.

"Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience," she wrote in the caption.

"While the loss is overwhelming, I'm holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires. To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets," she continued.

She went on to write, "My heart aches for those still in harm's way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking."

Paris Hilton To Donate To Families Impacted By L.A. Wildfires

Paris Hilton is joining Jamie Lee Curtis and countless other celebrities in donating to wildfire relief efforts. "As a mom, I can't imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies so I'm launching an emergency fund through my nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support displaced families with young children," she wrote.

"I am matching the first $100,000 of this fundraiser and personally contributing $100,000 directly to my nonprofit to support," she explained. "I am looking for others to donate and match alongside me to do our part!"

In the caption, she revealed that the donations will provide cash assistance to families, provide short-term housing and hotel stays to families with young children, deliver essential supplies to evacuation centers, and support local animal shelters.

She also revealed that she will be volunteering at an evacuation center this weekend as part of her pledge to help other families who have lost everything in the devasting wildfires that continue to sweep through the state.

26 Years Ago Today, Britney Spears Dropped ‘…Baby One More Time’—Here’s Why It’s Timeless

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Britney Spears

On January 12, 1999, Britney Spears dropped her debut studio album, .Baby One More Time, which would usher in a new era for pop music.

Fast forward 26 years, and the title track of that album has reached an incredible feat: it has now streamed over 1 billion times on Spotify, further cementing its classic status.

A Groundbreaking Debut

Baby One More Time was an introduction of Britney Spears to the world, where many pop and dance tracks were included that won the hearts of people all over the world.

It reached the number one spot in the U.S. Billboard 200 and was certified two times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America after a month's release.

It reached number one in fifteen countries and sold more than 10 million copies within a year, making it the best-selling album ever by a teenager.

The Title Track's Enduring Legacy

The album's lead single ".Baby One More Time," became a cultural phenomenon. The video, which showed Spears dancing in a schoolgirl outfit, was ubiquitous and has since become iconic.

It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in January–February 1999 and has sold in excess of 10 million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Digital Milestone

It was a hit during the digital times, too. Recently, it reached over 1 billion streams on Spotify and became the second song by Britney Spears to reach this figure. This all over again points to the tremendous success of the track and its huge influence on popular culture.

Continuing Influence

The influence of Britney Spears goes beyond the music world. Her fashion, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has indeed left an indelible mark on pop culture.

From low-rise denim to some very daring red carpet looks, Spears has been a true trendsetter, with her style evolution reflective of the dynamic nature of pop fashion.

As Britney Spears celebrates the 26th anniversary of her debut album, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans. The enduring success of ".Baby One More Time" is a perfect example of how she has created a lasting impact on the music industry and popular culture.

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