Britney Spears' 'paparazzi-proof' home hits the market, singer is ready to leave Beverly Hills behind

Britney Spears at the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills, CaliforniaLAPRESSE

Britney Spears' former Beverly Hills mansion has hit the market for just under $8 million, offering a glimpse into her past.

Recently, the singer has been living in another residence in Thousand Oaks.

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Spears' old Beverly Hills retreat back on the market

The pop icon originally purchased the property that is for sale in 2007, following her divorce from Kevin Federline, and later sold it in 2012 for $2.1 million.

Now, the newly renovated estate is listed at $7,999,995, featuring luxury amenities such as murals by renowned artist Maria Trimbell, a soundproof screening room and music studio, and a saltwater pool with a jacuzzi.

Located within a gated community at the end of a cul-de-sac, the nearly 7,500-square-foot property is designed for maximum privacy.

Listing agent Ben Salem of Compass described it as a "secluded retreat atop Mulholland Drive" with 24-hour security. In 2021, real estate expert Matt Altman highlighted the mansion's exclusive nature, calling it "virtually paparazzi-proof," making it an ideal choice for another high-profile buyer.

The estate boasts soaring double-height ceilings, an open floor plan that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, and a grand crystal chandelier visible from both floors.

The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home includes a chef's kitchen equipped with high-end appliances, warming drawers, a wine fridge, and a built-in barbecue area.

Outside, the pool area features a designer tile patio and a Baja shelf for year-round sunbathing.

The listing has been active for 27 days, and with the median home in Los Angeles spending about 52 days on the market, the estate could sell within the next few weeks.

Britneys conservatorship back on the news

Meanwhile, Spears has been in the headlines for settling the long-standing legal dispute with her father, Jamie Spears, over conservatorship-related expenses.

Recently obtained court documents reveal that the singer paid over $2 million in legal fees for Jamie, concluding their legal battle without the need for a public trial.

The conservatorship, which placed Jamie in control of Spears' personal and financial affairs for 13 years, was officially terminated in 2021.

Although her former attorney initially opposed covering Jamie's legal costs, a settlement was ultimately reached, allowing Spears to avoid testifying and further media scrutiny.

Currently, Spears resides in a $7.4 million Italian-style villa in Thousand Oaks, where she was briefly displaced earlier this year due to California wildfires.

With her former Beverly Hills mansion back on the market, Spears continues to close old chapters, both personally and financially.

Britney Spears paid millions to break free from dad Jamie's conservatorship

Britney Spears has reportedly covered more than $2 million in legal fees for her father, Jamie Spears, as part of their conservatorship settlement.

In court documents recently obtained by People magazine, the Princess of Pop, 43, paid the outstanding amount in full within 60 days, bringing an end to their long-running legal battle.

Britney's controversial 13-year conservatorship, which put Jamie in control of her personal and financial affairs, was officially terminated in 2021.

However, disputes over legal costs dragged on; Britney's former attorney Matthew S. Rosengart — with whom she reunited last week — previously opposing the idea of her funding her father's legal expenses.

Despite this, both sides ultimately reached an agreement.

A source close to the case told People that the settlement was a positive outcome for Britney, as it allowed her to avoid testifying in court and prevented a media frenzy.

Meanwhile, Jamie's attorneys stated he was "thrilled" the case was resolved, insisting that he has "only ever wanted what is best for Britney."

Britney has not publicly commented on the settlement, but the legal battle marks yet another chapter in her tumultuous history with Jamie.

He first took control of her finances in 2008 following her widely publicised struggles, maintaining authority over her estate for over a decade before the conservatorship's termination in 2021. 

The amount Britney Spears had to pay to end the legal mess with her father Jamie is revealed

Britney Spears has officially settled a long-standing legal dispute with her father, Jamie Spears, over her 13-year conservatorship. As part of the agreement, the pop icon, 43, paid $2.12 million to cover her father's legal fees, according to court documents obtained by People. The settlement was finalized in February 2024 at the Los Angeles Superior Court, bringing an end to years of contentious legal battles.

The conservatorship, which began in 2008 following Britney's highly publicized mental health struggles, initially started as a temporary arrangement but was later made permanent. Under this arrangement, Jamie Spears, now 71, controlled his daughter's finances and personal life.

Britney Spears makes weird dance moves during Mexico vacation

Britney described the conservatorship as deeply restrictive, revealing in court that she was forced to take medication and use birth control against her will. She also stated that her life was micromanaged to the extent that even her Starbucks purchases were logged. "Ma'am, my dad and anyone involved in this conservatorship... they should be in jail," Britney passionately told the court during one appearance.

The settlement agreement ensures that neither party admits to any wrongdoing or liability. Both Britney and Jamie waived their rights to appeal and mutually agreed to resolve all disputes related to the conservatorship. A source familiar with the matter told People, "It was a great result for Britney because it also avoided the possibility of ever having her testify in court, which she did not want to do, and avoided a media circus."

The conservatorship had long been criticized for its control over Britney's personal and professional life. While she was deemed fit enough to work under what court documents described as a "hybrid business model," she was not allowed autonomy over her personal decisions. The arrangement sparked widespread public outcry and fueled the #FreeBritney movement.

Britney recently shared a heartfelt moment on social media with her former attorney, Mathew S. Rosengart, who played a key role in her legal journey. "It's been way too long since I've seen him!!! OMG OMG OMG!!! It was such an incredible day!!!" she exclaimed in a post, calling Rosengart "such a winner." The singer also humorously added, "He showed me up with his suit!!! I will be in heels next time."

Meanwhile, Jamie Spears' lawyer, Alex M. Weingarten, expressed his client's satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "Jamie is thrilled that the case was settled. He has only ever wanted what is best for Britney, whom he loves very much."

How much did Britney Spears for her dad's conservatorship legal bills?

The legal settlement between pop icon Britney Spears and her father, Jamie Spears was a costly affair as new details have now emerged from their settlement.Britney reached the legal settlement with her father last year over a dispute regarding her conservatorship, reports 'People' magazine.In November 2021, an Los Angeles County judge terminated Britney's 13-year-long conservatorship, which had given her estranged father Jamie control of his pop star daughter's personal and financial affairs. At the time, Britney's former attorney Matthew S. Rosengart had objected to her paying any of her father's legal fees.As per 'People', in court documents filed by Rosengart on January 14, 2022, Jamie was acc used of paying himself over $6 million throughout the conservatorship, surveilling his daughter and committing financial misconduct while he was a conservator. (Jamie has denied any wrongdoing). The 'Work B****' singer, 43, and her father, 72, eventually settled the legal battle on April 25, 2024.The terms of the settlement were not disclosed in court filings made by both parties in Los Angeles Superior Court last year. The settlement was agreed on February 24, 2024.'People' further states that Britney agreed to pay Jamie's outstanding legal bills totaling $2.12 million, first, to the Saul Ewing firm for $500,000, deposited into the company's U.S. Bank account (Hal Morris, the general counsel at the firm, signed the contract), then, to Willkie Farr & Gallagher for $1.62 million, transferred into their Citibank account (partner Alex M. Weingarten signed).She had 60 days to pay both fees in full, or she'd accrue further costs of court and attorney fees, even post-judgement interes t. Jamie's previous attorneys, Vivian L. Thoreen, a partner at Holland & Knight, received no further payments.Britney paid both legal fees in full within 60 days, as required by the agreement.The parties who entered into the contract, including Britney and her father, agreed that the payments resolved all disputes in connection with the conservatorship proceedings. The agreement states that no parties concede any admission of fact, claim, liability or wrongdoing. All parties, through their counsel, mutually participated in the preparation and drafting of the agreement. They waived the rights to an appeal.

Britney Spears Reportedly Paid Over $2 Million for Father Jamie Spears’ Legal Bills

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New details from Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears' conservatorship settlement have been revealed.

In court documents recently obtained by People, Britney, 43, reportedly agreed to cover Jamie's outstanding legal bills totaling $2.12 million. The outlet also claimed that the pop star paid her dad's fees in full within 60 days, as stipulated in the agreement.

According to the settlement filing, Britney and Jamie, 72, agreed that the payments resolved any lingering disputes regarding the status of the since-terminated conservatorship.

Britney has not publicly addressed the settlement, while Jamie's attorneys noted in a statement that the patriarch "is thrilled that the case was settled."

Britney Spears' and her father, Jamie Spears, have been at odds throughout the singer's life. Growing up, Britney and her mother, Lynne Spears, were close as the matriarch took her eldest daughter to auditions and performances in their native Louisiana. Jamie, for his part, faced a series of personal struggles. After Britney's career took off […]

"He has only ever wanted what is best for Britney, whom he loves very much," his attorney claimed in a statement to People. "Jamie's work as conservator has ultimately been vindicated and the world knows how hard he worked to protect her."

Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images

Britney was placed under a guardianship run by Jamie in 2008 after a series of personal struggles. For many years, Jamie had control over the singer's estate and person until Jodi Montgomery took over the role in 2019. The 13-year conservatorship was eventually terminated in November 2021. Britney and Jamie officially settled their dispute in April 2024.

"It has been our honor and privilege to represent, protect, and defend Britney Spears, Ms. Spears is and always will be an icon and a brilliant and brave artist of historic and epic proportion," Britney's attorney Mathew Rosengart said in a statement to Us Weekly at the time. "Although the conservatorship was terminated in November 2021, her wish for freedom is now truly complete."

Britney Spears' mental health battle has been a concern for many over the years. In 2008, the pop star suffered a very public mental breakdown, which led to her being placed under a conservatorship by her father, Jamie Spears. During that time, Britney was unable to make major personal or financial decisions in her life […]

The statement continued, "Britney Spears won when the court suspended her father, and Britney Spears won when her fundamental rights and civil liberties were restored."

Britney has since been estranged from Jamie, but recently reconciled with her mom, Lynne Spears. (Exes Jamie and Lynne, 69, share children Bryan, Britney and Jamie Lynn.)

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"Britney understands that her mom would have loved for her to visit for Christmas but she just felt like it was too soon," a source exclusively told Us in December 2023. "Britney is open to repairing her relationship with Lynne but she wants things to unfold organically and not force anything."

According to the insider, the Crossroads star is "in a really good place" and "would love to continue maintaining her relationship with her mom."

Britney had claimed in her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me, that she realized she "never wanted to see" her parents again after learning they disposed of her Madam Alexander doll collection without warning. Lynne has since denied donating the toys, even asking Britney via Instagram if she wants the collection returned. Britney denied the request.

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Britney Spears Paid $2.12 Million in Dad's Conservatorship Legal Bills: Breaking Down the Settlement 1 Year Later (Exclusive)

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images; Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images

New details are emerging from the settlement Britney Spears reached with her father, Jamie Spears, last year over a legal dispute regarding her conservatorship.

In November 2021, an L.A. County judge terminated Britney's 13-year-long conservatorship, which had given her estranged father Jamie control of his pop star daughter's personal and financial affairs.

At the time, Britney's former attorney Matthew S. Rosengart had objected to her paying any of her father's legal fees. In court documents filed by Rosengart on Jan. 14, 2022 — and obtained by PEOPLE — Jamie was accused of paying himself over $6 million throughout the conservatorship, surveilling his daughter and committing financial misconduct while he was a conservator. (Jamie has denied any wrongdoing.) The "Work Bitch" singer, 43, and her father, 72, eventually settled the legal battle on April 25, 2024.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed in court filings made by both parties in Los Angeles Superior Court last year. Now, PEOPLE can exclusively confirm the details of the settlement, nearly one year after they were agreed upon on Feb. 24, 2024.

Britney Spears and father Jamie at the launch party at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images

PEOPLE has learned that Britney agreed to pay Jamie's outstanding legal bills totaling $2.12 million: First, to the Saul Ewing firm for $500,000, deposited into the company's U.S. Bank account (Hal Morris, the general counsel at the firm, signed the contract); then, to Willkie Farr & Gallagher for $1.62 million, transferred into their Citibank account (partner Alex M. Weingarten signed). She had 60 days to pay both fees in full, or she'd accrue further costs of court and attorney fees, even post-judgement interest. Jamie's previous attorneys, Vivian L. Thoreen, a partner at Holland & Knight, received no further payments.

PEOPLE confirms Britney paid both legal fees in full within 60 days, as required by the agreement.

The parties who entered into the contract — including Britney and her father — agreed that the payments resolved all disputes in connection with the conservatorship proceedings. The agreement states that no parties concede any admission of fact, claim, liability or wrongdoing. All parties, through their counsel, mutually participated in the preparation and drafting of the agreement. They waived the rights to an appeal.

"It was a great result for Britney because it also avoided the possibility of ever having her testify in court, which she did not want to do, and avoided a media circus," a source tells PEOPLE of the settlement.

A rep for Britney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Rosengart, Britney's former attorney, could not be reached for comment.

"Jamie is thrilled that the case was settled," Weingarten, Jamie's attorney, told PEOPLE in a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday, Feb. 20. "He has only ever wanted what is best for Britney, whom he loves very much. Jamie's work as conservator has ultimately been vindicated and the world knows how hard he worked to protect her."

Britney Spears with dad Jamie, brother Bryan, sister Jamie Lynn and mom Lynne in 2003.

KMazur/WireImage

After the settlement was finalized last year, Rosengart told PEOPLE in a statement: "Although the conservatorship was terminated in November 2021, her wish for freedom is now truly complete. As she desired, her freedom now includes that she will no longer need to attend or be involved with court or entangled with legal proceedings in this matter. Britney Spears won when the court suspended her father, and Britney Spears won when her fundamental rights and civil liberties were restored."

Recently, Britney reunited with Rosengart and shared an Instagram video of their meeting at his office on Feb. 17.

"It's been way too long since I've seen him !!! OMG OMG OMG !!! It was such an incredible day !!! I am blessed and got a book. He showed me up with his suit!!! I will be in heels next time," Spears captioned the post. "PS - I thought they were taking pictures but it was on Video. Such a winner."

Last June, Rosengart reflected on his time working with Britney, telling PEOPLE in a statement: "I was honored to work with and protect Britney, who is and will always be an icon, and most specifically, to have helped restore the fundamental rights and civil liberties that were stripped from her, which was always our focus."

Britney Spears at the GLAAD Awards in L.A. in 2018.

Hahn Lionel/ABACA/Shutterstock

Spears — who shares sons Sean Preston, 19, and Jayden James, 18, with ex-husband Kevin Federline — looked back on her life under the conservatorship in her New York Times-bestselling 2023 memoir The Woman in Me, which has sold more than two million copies.

Ahead of the bombshell book's release, Britney opened up to PEOPLE in an exclusive cover story.

"Learning this new freedom, I'll admit, is challenging at times," she told PEOPLE at the time. "It is finally time for me to raise my voice and speak out, and my fans deserve to hear it directly from me. ... No more conspiracy, no more lies — just me owning my past, present and future."

The "Hold Me Closer" singer added: "Over the past 15 years or even at the start of my career, I sat back while people spoke about me and told my story for me. ... After getting out of my conservatorship, I was finally free to tell my story without consequences from the people in charge of my life."

Britney Spears talks about 'abuse' after reuniting with ex-felon boyfriend Paul Soliz

By SONIA HORON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 23:23 EST, 18 February 2025 | Updated: 03:25 EST, 19 February 2025

Britney Spears spoke about emotional 'abuse' in a recent Instagram post.

The Princess of Pop, 43 â€Â" who recently reunited with her ex-felon boyfriend Paul Soliz, 37 â€Â" shared a clip of herself in a white dress with a vulnerable caption. 

'Being ignored or silenced and never acknowledged is ab use. It can be worse than physical abuse ... Serve it back ... If I’m a white owl, they might get serious damage!!! Be kind,' she wrote.

In the accompanying video, Britney was pictured showing off the white silk mini dress she was wearing. The mom-of-two walked towards and away from the camera as she gave fans a look at her outfit. 

She completed the ensemble with black heels and a white lace shawl, and was seen applying lipstick at a few points. 

Her post comes fives days after she and Soliz spent Valentine's Day together with his children, seven months after they last broke up 'over fears he was using her for clout.'

Britney Spears spoke about emotional 'abuse' in a recent Instagram po st. The Princess of Pop, 43, shared a clip of herself in a white dress with a vulnerable caption

'Being ignored or silenced and never acknowledged is abuse. It can be worse than physical abuse ... Serve it back,' she wrote

During her recent outing with Soliz, the duo were seen driving in his Mercedes G-Wagon that the hitmaker reportedly gifted to him just one month into their relationship. 

The pair were seen enjoying their date at a Jack in the Box drive-thru in Thousand Oaks, California.

Earlier this month, the Baby One More Time vocalist was spotted with Soliz as she joined him and two of his youngsters at Lily Pad Playground in San Fernando Valley.

Spear's formerly incarcerated boyfriend has custody of three of his nine children: Trystan, 10, Dylan, eight, and Nicholas a.k.a 'Sonny,' 6.

While Britney mainly kept to herself during the excursion, sources said that Spears had told others, 'These aren't my kids.'

Following the outing at the indoor playground, the Toxic hitmaker reportedly paid the bill before the group headed to their next destination.

Spears has been spotted with some of Paul's children in the past and in August 2024, she enjoyed time at Sky Zone in Thousand Oaks. 

Back in October, Soliz's ex-wife of eight years, Nicole Mancilla, filed for divorce after she had previously called him a 'deadbeat dad' to his nine children.

Her post comes fiv es days after she confirmed she was back on with ex-felon boyfriend Paul Soliz (pictured) as they spent Valentine's Day together with his children

In the accompanying video, Britney was pictured showing off the white silk mini dress she was wearing

The mom-of-two walked towards and away from the camera as she gave fans a look at her outfit

Back in July of last year, a source informed TMZ that Spears and Soliz had broken up and stated, 'Britney and Paul split around three weeks ago.' 

'And they were done once the singer realized her former maintenance worker-turned-boyfriend was only using her for the luxurious lifestyle.'

The star had made the decision to split with the ex-felon after see ing his 'true colors' and also removed his name from the entry list to her lavish mansion.

Another reason behind the breakup was due to Britney's own children: sons Preston, 19, and Jayden, 18 - whom she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

A separate insider told DailyMail.com, 'She chose her children and her well-being over Paul. They did not get along and, in fact, he did not treat her how she deserves to be treated.'

'He was nothing but a rebound and she recognizes this. But she has contact with her children again and this is what is most important to her.'

The source added, 'This has made her feel whole again and she realized that in their absence she was seeking something or someone to fill the void but no one can.'

'She also saw how Paul was a deadbeat dad and this was a major turnoff for her. But, before anyth ing, she knew that staying with him would only lead her down a dark path. His history speaks for itself.'

Soliz was convicted in connection with disturbing the peace in April 2014. His plea deal led to a child endangerment charge against him being dismissed.

He was convicted of driving without a license in 2016, Us Weekly reported, citing court documents. A charge of driving with a suspended license was dismissed that year after a plea agreement, according to Page Six.

Britney and Paul previously broke up seven months ago 'over fears he was using her for clout'; she is seen in 2014 in New York City

The Gimme More hitmaker separated from ex-husband Sam Asghari back in 2023; seen July 2019

In December 2020 Soliz was convicted for felony firearm possession, during the time he was working for Spears.

Britney separated from ex-husband Sam Asghari back in 2023, having finalized their divorce in May 2024.

Earlier on Tuesday, Spears also revealed she is back in contact with lawyer Mathew Rosengart seven months after he stopped representing her.

The singer took to Instagram to share a video of the herself posing with the celebrity attorney â€Â" who freed her from conservatorship in 2021 â€Â" hinting they my be back in business.

'It’s been way too long since I’ve seen him !!! OMG OMG OMG !!! It was such an incredible day !!! I am blessed and got a book,' the Circus performer penned in the caption.

'He showed me up with his suit !!! I will be in heels next time. PS - I thought they were taking pictures but it was on Video. Such a winner.'

After three years of representing the star to t ie up any remaining legal loose ends and having recently settled a dispute with Spears' father Jamie over his attorney fees, the pair parted ways July 2024.

While Spears' motives are unclear, a source told Page Six that the Toxic singer and the former Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice had 'lunch to catch up.'

Insiders dished that the duo met at Rosengart's Los Angeles office, where Tuesday's video was taken, claiming he was 'appreciative' of her post and 'all the nice feedback about it.'

Earlier on Tuesday, Spears also revealed she is back in contact with lawyer Mathew Rosengart seven months after he stopped representing her

The singer took to Instagram to share a video of the herself posing with the celebrity attorney â€Â" who freed her from conservatorship in 2021 â€Â" hinting they my be back in business 

The lawyer settled a dispute with Spears' father Jamie over his attorney fees; Jaime and Britney seen June 2015

The source also revealed to the outlet that the singer and the attorney 'accomplished what they set out to do,' not directly revealing if she is looking to utilize his services once again.

Rosengart is reportedly 'very proud' of the accomplishments he has aided Spears in and is now shifting towards dealing 'with a heavy docket and trials.'

The post also marks the first time they have met since April 2024 when proceedings were finalized on her 13-year conservatorship.

'It has been an honor to serve as Britney’s litigator, to work with her to achieve her goals in obtaining the court-ordered suspension of her former conservator, followed by restoring her fundamental rights and civil liberties, while continuing to protect her and more recently to extricate her from all outstanding litigation and the byzantine probate court proceedings. As I’ve always said, the credit goes to Britney,' the litigator said in a statement at the time.

Coco Jones Shows Off Her ‘Taste’ With A Homage To Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’

In the video for Coco Jones' new single "Taste," the singer dons a Swarovski-studded nude bodysuit in a clear homage to pop icon Britney Spears. It's a fitting look, as the song itself interpolates Britney Spears' 2003 hit "Toxic," in the video for which Spears was dipped in costume crystals (as it happens, in the original "Toxic" video, Britney was actually not wearing a bodysuit; the crystals were glued onto her skin). Jones also sports a fire engine-red ensemble (right down to the nails!) and sits in a ring swing suspended from the ceiling.

The single is the R&B star's first solo song of 2025, following the Leon Thomas-featuring remix of her May 2024 single "Here We Go (Uh Oh)." Between the two songs, the Bel-Air star also put out a holiday album, which included the single, "Santa Is Me," so it seems like she may be working on a new album for release this year.

The singer continues to look to the past for inspiration for her music, with "Here We Go" borrowing a sample of Lenny Williams' "Cause I Love You." Broadening her range with the more contemporary Spears sample suggests that Jones' next project will almost certainly appeal to a big base.

Update: Coco Jones announced her debut album Why Not More? in a press release shortly after the release of the "Taste" video. It's due for release April 25th via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings. You can find more info here.

You can watch the "Taste" video above.

Music Review: Tate McRae's 'So Close to What' entices with post-Britney Spears, dirty, breathy pop

This cover image released by RCA Records shows "So Close to What" by Tate McRae. Credit: AP

She can sing. She can dance. She's mastered a sultry gaze. She can write a smutty phrase. Is Tate McRae the new princess of dirty, breathy pop? (Sorry, Britney Spears. A new Gen Z star approaches.)

The "hardest working Canadian recording artist" award must surely go to McRae in 2025, who at age 21 has released her third studio album, "So Close to What," and is gearing up for a world tour.

A trained dancer, McRae first garnered attention in 2016 when she was one of the finalists on the 13th season of "So You Think You Can Dance." She's added songwriting and singing to her resume since then, hoping to become a full-blown pop star. And on "So Close to What," she makes a convincing effort. She just needs to find the tune that will propel her to higher echelons.

The generous, 15-track album offers an array of serviceably sexy pop songs that harken back to the early 2000s, but mostly skew modern. (Truth be told, the more she looks back, the better the track.) The standouts are the seductive ones that lure the listener in with an earworm chorus, the ones that recognize a good beat and are not afraid to use it: "Sports car," "Purple lace bra" and the brassy "It's ok I'm ok" among them.

"Miss possessive," also the name of her upcoming tour, starts the album in force with a great choppy hook. "Revolving door" and "Means I care" — both energetic pop bops — are enhanced by dancehall production.

A duet with McRae's boyfriend, The Kid LAROI, "I know love," is contemporary romance with its trappy hi-hats and nonchalant energy.

The album's verve starts to wane toward the last tracks like in the soft, casual "Green Light," or "Nostalgia," which breaks out the acoustic guitar and lets McRae really showcase her vocals.

Has she taken the crown of pop princess from Spears with this album? Not quite. But she's close.

Music Review: Tate McRae’s ‘So Close to What’ entices with post-Britney Spears, dirty, breathy pop

By  Cristina Jaleru

Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]  

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She can sing. She can dance. She's mastered a sultry gaze. She can write a smutty phrase. Is Tate McRae the new princess of dirty, breathy pop? (Sorry, Britney Spears. A new Gen Z star approaches.)

The "hardest working Canadian recording artist" award must surely go to McRae in 2025, who at age 21 has released her third studio album, "So Close to What," and is gearing up for a world tour.

A trained dancer, McRae first garnered attention in 2016 when she was one of the finalists on the 13th season of "So You Think You Can Dance." She's added songwriting and singing to her resume since then, hoping to become a full-blown pop star. And on "So Close to What," she makes a convincing effort. She just needs to find the tune that will propel her to higher echelons.

The generous, 15-track album offers an array of serviceably sexy pop songs that harken back to the early 2000s, but mostly skew modern. (Truth be told, the more she looks back, the better the track.) The standouts are the seductive ones that lure the listener in with an earworm chorus, the ones that recognize a good beat and are not afraid to use it: "Sports car," "Purple lace bra" and the brassy "It's ok I'm ok" among them.

"Miss possessive," also the name of her upcoming tour, starts the album in force with a great choppy hook. "Revolving door" and "Means I care" — both energetic pop bops — are enhanced by dancehall production.

A duet with McRae's boyfriend, The Kid LAROI, "I know love," is contemporary romance with its trappy hi-hats and nonchalant energy.

The album's verve starts to wane toward the last tracks like in the soft, casual "Green Light," or "Nostalgia," which breaks out the acoustic guitar and lets McRae really showcase her vocals.

Has she taken the crown of pop princess from Spears with this album? Not quite. But she's close.

Britney Spears’ ex Sam Asghari reveals ‘most difficult and weird’ aspect of their marriage

Sam Asghari is reflecting on the toxic part of his marriage to Britney Spears.

"One day I start learning about what the conservatorship is, and that's when I was like, 'Wait a minute. I thought I'm in America. What do you mean someone over the age of 18 needs permission from their parents?' " Asghari said on Sunday's episode of Kate and Oliver Hudson's "Sibling Revelry" podcast.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2018. Getty Images for GLAAD

The "Traitors" star, 30, added, "That was the most difficult and weird spiral thing that I've witnessed in my life."

Asghari, who was married to Spears from 2022 to 2024, said at the time, all he could do was be there for the pop star, 43.

"I think the best thing to do is to provide support in that moment and that's what I did, I provided as much as I could," he told Kate and Oliver.

Spears and Asghari. samasghari/Instagram

"This was my experience in life that I had to go through very gently because if you do anything wrong, you say the wrong thing…"

Asghari supported Spears during the "Free Britney" movement as she fought to be released from the court-mandated conservatorship that was in place for 13 years.

The conservatorship, spearheaded by the artist's father, Jamie Spears, was in place from 2008 until its termination in November 2021.

Spears and Asghari on Instagram. @britneyspears/ Instagram Spears and Asghari in 2019 in Hollywood. Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Splash News / SplashNews.com

"One of the hardest things, I think, to deal with when you go into entertainment is your parents and the people around you, and everything that happens, and everybody that comes into your life that's taken advantage — that damages you because those are the people that are closest to you," Asghari continued.

"Usually, the people that are around you, the people that you allow into your circle, you kind of are vulnerable to them. They take an advantage because they think, you know, you owe something to them or something, which is so ridiculous," the "Black Monday" alum said.

Asghari and Spears before their split. @britneyspears/ Instagram

Despite splitting up after seven years together, Asghari made it clear he doesn't have any regrets.

"I'm always gonna be grateful and happy that it ever even happened," he admitted.

During Spears' bid to end her conservatorship, the "Toxic" singer was vocal about the alleged restrictions placed upon her. At one point, Spears detailed being prohibited from removing her IUD, even though she wanted to try having kids with Asghari.

Ashgari filed for divorce from the superstar in 2023, with Spears opening up about her then-husband's decision soon after.

Asghari and Spears on vacation. samasghari/Instagram

"As everyone knows, Sam and I are no longer together … 6 years is a long time to be with someone so, I'm a little shocked," she posted alongside a video of herself dancing at the time.

"I'm not here to explain why because it's honestly nobody's business !!! But, I couldn't take the pain anymore honestly !!!" Spears added. "In some sort of telepathic way I have been receiving so many messages that melt my heart from friends and I thank you !!!"

Asghari, meanwhile, went public with girlfriend Brooke Irvine earlier this year, with the two being spotted out and about in Hollywood.

How Backstreet Boys Ended Up Collaborating with Britney Spears on the Glory Track 'Matches' (Exclusive)

Back in 2020, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears gave music fans the ultimate dose of pop nostalgia.

The band — made up of Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough — and the pop megastar, 43, teamed up for the dramatic electro-pop number "Matches," which was featured on the deluxe version of her album Glory.

As the "I Want It That Way" group recalls it, both Backstreet Boys and Spears had recorded versions of "Matches" — their first-ever collaboration — in the past, but neither of them wanted to release it.

Britney Spears in Las Vegas in May 2016.

Kevin Winter/Getty

"It was during COVID [and] the label came and said, 'What about us doing a mashup with the two of you guys on this record?'" Dorough, 51, recalls in a hotel room in New York City.

He added: "And we were like, 'Why not?' We grew up with Britney, on the same label with Jive Records."

They shared many years of being in the music industry together at "the top of our careers."

Elsewhere in the conversation, Backstreet Boys discussed their forthcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, which is set to kick off in July. Titled "Into the Millennium," they will bring their 1999 album Millennium to life onstage.

"It's kind of cool to be able to not only just do stuff with new up-and-coming artists, but also to do stuff with your peers that were around the same time as us," explains Dorough. "So it made sense for us to do it."

He adds: "I mean, it's a comeback on the next level. You can't get any bigger than the Sphere."

Backstreet Boys' last residency in Las Vegas was an "unbelievable experience," and they were just waiting for the right opportunity to make their return.

"We're bringing a rebirth to a record that we released years ago and taking our fans, some that have either seen some of the show back in the days, or some that weren't even probably born yet that are seeing it for the first time," he explains. "We're very blessed to be able to go back to Vegas too in this style — larger than life!"

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Backstreet Boys in New York City on Feb. 14, 2025.

Theo Wargo/Peacock via Getty

While the "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" band is still deciding how they'll handle the visuals at the Sphere, according to Richardson, 53, the band recently went on a "scouting trip and saw the Eagles" to get some inspiration.

"Hearing 'Hotel California' live and seeing the visuals, it blew my mind," he says. This venue is one of a kind, the possibilities are endless, and so we are just in full creative mode right now with our creative team, getting the setlist together, going over visual concepts."

Now, Backstreet Boys are planning to head to Las Vegas to test some of their creative concepts.

"After 30 years of being in this business, something like this comes along, and it reignites your passion and inspires you, so we're stoked," says Richardson.

Britney Spears' reason behind 'incredible' reunion with lawyer Mathew Rosengart after 7 months revealed

Britney Spears reunited with Mathew Rosengart for the first time in seven months after their legal victory (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Britney Spears reunited with her former lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, seven months after they parted ways professionally.

The pop star shared a video on Instagram on Tuesday, February 17, capturing the moment, showing them posing for photos together.

Britney Spears says it has been 'way too long' since she met Mathew Rosengart

Britney Spears asked Mathew Rosengart to meet for lunch and catch up. They met at his Los Angeles office where they took pictures which Spears later posted on social media.

Spears expressed her excitement over the meeting, writing on Instagram, "It's been way too long since I've seen him !!! OMG OMG OMG !!! It was such an incredible day !!! I am blessed."

Britney Spears attends the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Rosengart was "appreciative" of the post and the positive feedback it received, a source told Page Six.

However, despite fan speculation, Spears has not rehired him. "They accomplished what they set out to do," a source said of Rosengart's legal work.

The source reflected on how Rosengart helped Spears achieve her legal goal of ending her 13-year conservatorship.

Britney Spears and Mathew Rosengart 'accomplished what they set out to do'

Mathew Rosengart, a former federal prosecutor, removed Britney Spears' estranged father, Jamie Spears, as her conservator in September 2021 before securing the termination of the conservatorship in November that year.

He is "very proud" of his work for Spears but has since moved on to other legal cases, the report stated.

Wendy Williams attends Apple TV+'s 'The Morning Show' World Premiere at David Geffen Hall on October 28, 2019, in New York City (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images,)

The insider also clarified that Rosengart is not involved in Wendy Williams' ongoing legal battle over her guardianship, despite comparisons between the two cases.

Britney Spears shares light-hearted moment with Mathew Rosengart

Britney Spears shared a lighthearted moment from the reunion, writing, "He showed me up with his suit !!! I will be in heels next time."

This meeting marked the first time Spears and Mathew Rosengart had been seen together since they reached a settlement with Jamie Spears in April 2024 regarding her conservatorship.

Jamie Spears, Bryan Spears, Jamie-Lynn Spears, Britney Spears and Lynne Spears (KMazur/WireImage)

At the time Rosengart stated, "Her wish for freedom is now truly complete. … She will no longer need to attend or be involved with court or entangled with legal proceedings in this matter."

Less than two months later, they officially ended their professional relationship.

"Our goal together was always to suspend her father and restore her fundamental rights and civil liberties, and I will always be extremely proud of our work together," Rosengart said in June 2024.

Britney Spears pens cryptic note on 'abuse' after ex-felon boyfriend reunion

Britney Spears has penned a cryptic note about emotional abuse after reuniting with ex-felon Paul Soliz.

The 43-year-old pop star took to her Instagram account on Wednesday to share a multiple creepy clips of herself dancing in a white dress.

However, it was her cryptic caption that caught the eyes of her fans.

"Being ignored or silenced and never acknowledged is abuse. It can be worse than physical abuse ... Serve it back ... If I'm a white owl, they might get serious damage!!! Be kind," she wrote in caption while keeping the comment section off.

Meanwhile, in the accompanying video, Spears could be seen showing off her white silk mini dress as she walked towards and away from the camera.

She paired her outfit with black heels and a white lace shawl as she was seen applying lipstick at a few points.

Spears post comes days after she spent Valentine's Day with Soliz and his children as they rekindled their romance.

The couple parted ways seven months ago "over fears he was using her for clout.'"

During their recent date, the duo was seen driving in Soliz's Mercedes G-Wagon that Britney Spears reportedly gifted to him just one month into their relationship. 

Britney Spears shares 'cryptic' post about emotional 'abuse' amid personal crisis

Britney Spears reflects on the power of kindness, citing silence as a form of emotional abuse in her latest social media update.

The 43-year-old pop superstar, who has reportedly reunited with her former boyfriend Paul Soliz after they were spotted together on Valentine's Day, seemingly had a change of heart as she urged her followers to be kind.

She took to Instagram on Wednesday, February 19, with a surprise announcement that caught followers off guard.

Showcasing herself in an off-white ensemble, the Toxic hitmaker wrote in the caption, "Being ignored or silenced and never acknowledged is abuse. It can be worse than physical abuse...Serve it back...If I'm a white owl, they might get serious damage!!! Be kind!"

This comes on the heels of her recent travels, as she shared a random carousel of photos from her 'much-needed' getaway.

The mom-of-two wrote at the time, "Crazy recap of my favorite place!!! Not sure if I like NY or Mexico better!!! I fly to NY tomorrow then Texas on Saturday!!! I'm debating on going on another excursion!!!"

Britney Spears urges others to 'be kind' as she warns that 'being silenced' is a form of abuse

BANG Showbiz - Feb 19, 2025 / 7:35 am | Story: 534124

Photo: © Britney Spears/Instagram

Britney Spears has warned that "being silenced" is a form of abuse.

The 43-year-old pop superstar - who regained control of her multimillion-dollar fortune and various aspects of her life when a conservatorship that had been governed by her family was terminated in 2021 - took to social media on Wednesday morning to urge others to "be kind" to one another.

She wrote on Instagram: "Being ignored or silenced and never acknowledged is abuse. It can be worse than physical abuse ... Serve it back ... If I'm a white owl, they might get serious damage!!! Be kind!"

Meanwhile, the '...Baby One More Time' hitmaker has spent much of her time travelling in recent months and also decided to share a recap of her trips as she admitted that she prefers to keep things natural with her looks by going makeup-free.

In a separate post, she said: "Crazy recap of my favorite place !!! Not sure if I like NY or Mexico better !!! I fly to NY tomorrow then Texas on Saturday !!! I� �m debating on going on another excursion !!!

"Me in the dress is after I danced my ass off and before I put makeup on !!! I like it better with NO MAKEUP !!! I'm gonna shop in NY !!! Do you guys know of any cool new trendy stores there."

On Valentine's Day, the 'Circus' singer - who has Sean, 19, and 18-year-old Jayden with ex-husband Kevin Federline - lamented that she had been part of a "set up" that resulted in her feeling "absolutely demoralized" someone took an unflattering photo of her that made it online.

She wrote: "Happy late V Day - I must say, it was such a fun day for me … Especially picking the children up and waiting for my friend patiently for 10 minutes to buy his sweet mum flowers …

"There was a boy across the street with his dog just standing there the whole time !!! I was like, what is this boy waiting on ??? "Why doesn't he go ??? Am I in a sloth movie ??? WTF !!!

"Well I figured it out - it was a set up to take my pic leani ng forward with a double chin … Are you with someone who made you feel beautiful for V day or with someone who absolutely demoralized you and they got PAID ??? I bet my mom even likes it !!!

"People love the negative … It's the most viewed pic on internet … And we are supposed to live in a kind world ??? I'm like the children I just don't know !!! "

A Beverly Hills Home Once Owned by Britney Spears Is Up for Grabs at $8 Million

Back in early 2007, shortly after she filed for divorce from Kevin Federline after three years of marriage, Britney Spears doled out nearly $6.8 million for a Mediterranean-style villa high in the mountains above Beverly Hills. For the next few weeks or so, the residence served as ground zero for many headline-making moments in the pop superstar's life, from shaving her head to attacking a paparazzo's car with an umbrella. Though she owned it for a number of years, she reportedly only lived there a short time before flipping it back on the market and permanently decamping to the San Fernando Valley in 2009.

The 2001-built estate has since changed hands a few times, first in 2012 when Australian venture capitalist Jeff Friedmann picked it up for just under $4.3 million, a nearly $2.5 million loss for Spears, and most recently in spring 2022 for roughly $6.6 million. Now the 90210 spread in the exclusive guard-gated enclave of The Summit has just popped up for sale again, this time for a speck under $8 million. The listing is held by Ben Salem of Compass.

A double-height foyer passes beneath a bridge on its way to the fireside living room. Simon Berlyn

RELATED: Steve Wynn Brings His Palatial Beverly Hills Home Back to Market at $75 Million

Featuring almost 7,500 square feet of recently renovated living space, with six bedrooms and seven baths filtered across two levels, the creamy stucco and terracotta-roof structure is tucked away behind hedges and trees on a cul-de-sac, where a driveway opens to a motor court and an attached three-car garage.

Once inside, a double-height, dance-worthy foyer topped with a chandelier flows via patterned stone floors to a soaring living room boasting an oversized fireplace flanked by bookshelves. A wide archway leads to a formal dining room with French doors spilling out to a patio, while a fireside family room with a wet bar connects to a kitchen outfitted with granite countertops, dual islands, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and a windowed breakfast nook.

The tree-shaded backyard is entertainment-ready with a pool and spa, plus a built-in barbecue. Simon Berlyn

RELATED: Drake's Sprawling Beverly Hills Estate Is up for Rent at $250,000 per Month

In addition to a primary suite flaunting a covered balcony, there's also a library/office and a soundproof music studio that doubles as a screening room. Topping it all off is the bougainvillea- and palm-laced backyard, which hosts a built-in barbecue, a fire pit, and a saltwater pool with a Baja shelf and a raised spa.

The Toxic crooner, who sold a Calabasas estate in 2023 for around $10 million, still maintains her longtime Italianate-inspired mansion in the unincorporated Hidden Valley region near Thousand Oaks that she bought back in late 2015 for $7.4 million.

Click here for more photos of the Beverly Hills residence.

Wendy Bowman

Wendy Bowman is a real estate writer at Robb Report. Before that, she was a freelancer for Modern Luxury and several other media outlets, where she primarily covered luxury properties for…

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Britney Spears stuns fans with heartfelt Valentine's Day gift

Britney Spears has reportedly reunited with her former boyfriend Paul Soliz after the lovebirds were photographed together on Valentine's Day.

The Princess of Pop, who first crossed paths with Soliz back in 2023 after her divorce from former husband Sam Asghari, offered an inside glimpse into her bond with her current boyfriend.

According to The Daily Mail, the 43-year-old pop star was spotted getting cozy with her 37-year-old boyfriend as she sat casually in the passenger seat of a black Mercedes SUV.

Britney appeared to be all glammed up on the big occasion, celebrating with the ultimate love of her life.

Although the lovebirds are adamant about keeping their relationship out of the public eye, their latest meetup sparked news surrounding their reunion.

This comes on the heels of Sam's statement about his relationship with Spears during an exclusive interview on Kate and Oliver Hudson's Sibling Rivalry podcast.

He said at the time, "That was the most difficult and weird spiral thing that I've witnessed in my life. I think the best thing to do is to provide support in that moment and that's what I did, I provided as much as I could."

For the unversed, Asghari and Spears filed for divorce back in July 2023, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

Inside Britney Spears' Rare Outing With New Boyfriend

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors

Britney Spears didn't spend Valentine's Day alone — she celebrated the day of love with her on-again-off-again boyfriend Paul Soliz.

On Friday, February 14, the 43-year-old pop princess was seen driving around Los Angeles with the 37-year-old father of nine per photos obtained by TMZ. The "Oops!... I did it again" singer was wearing a white shirt and black choker necklace as she sat in the passenger seat of a black Mercedes-Benz. Soliz was in the driver seat and donned a black sweatshirt and San Francisco Giants baseball cap.

Britney Spears attends Sony Pictures' "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" Los Angeles Premiere on July 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California Britney Spears attends Sony Pictures' "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" Los Angeles Premiere on July 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

According to the outlet, the couple were laughing together and had some of Soliz's children with them as they ditched the Valentine's Day formalities by getting dinner at the drive-thru of the fast food chain Jack-in-the-Box. However, Soliz did inject some romance into their date as he stopped to get her a flower bouquet.

The Valentine's Day date seemingly marks the second public outing for the couple this month. Earlier this month, the Grammy Award winner was spotted in the parking lot of Lily Pad Playground in the San Fernando Valley, per a photo obtained by TMZ. According to people at the indoor playground, Spears was there with Soliz and two of his kids.

Spears and Soliz's relationship had a rocky start. According to Page Six, the pop star met Soliz in 2022 after he was hired to do housekeeping/maintenance work at her California property. He was let go after his lengthy criminal record came to light, which included a felony charge for possession of a firearm.

Despite his termination, the pair reportedly began seeing each other after the "Circus" singer's then-husband Sam Asghari filed for divorce in August 2023 — a little over a year after they wed in June 2022.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari arrives at the Sony Pictures' "Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood" Los Angeles Premiere on July 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Britney Spears and Sam Asghari arrives at the Sony Pictures' "Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood" Los Angeles Premiere on July 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Steve Granitz/WireImage

Then, in May 2024, TMZ reported that the superstar and Soliz got into a massive fight at Chateau Marmont in LA. Paramedics were allegedly called to the scene, and the outlet obtained photos of Spears holding a pillow with a blanket wrapped around her outside the hotel.

Two months later, in July 2024, the six-time MTV Video Music Award winner took to Instagram to announce she was single, posting a quote that read, "Her attitude is savage, but her heart is gold." She captioned the post, "Single as f**k !!! I will never be with another man as long as I live !!!"

What Happened to the YouTuber Behind the 'Leave Britney Alone' Video? All About Cara Cunningham's Continued Career Online

Cara Cunningham left a lasting impression on the internet in 2007, when she posted an emotional vlog defending Britney Spears on YouTube, famously begging viewers to "leave Britney alone."

In the video that made her an online icon, then-19-year-old Cunningham addressed invasive media coverage of Spears and sobbed through a list of hardships the singer had recently endured.

The original upload racked up millions of YouTube views before it was eventually deleted from YouTube. In 2021, Rolling Stone reported that the creator sold the video as a non-fungible token for about $44,000.

Though Cunningham doesn't regularly post on YouTube anymore, closing her account in September 2015, she still creates content online today.

Here's a look back at her early career beginnings and where she is today.

What is the 'Leave Britney Alone' video?

"Leave Britney Alone" is a 4-minute rant Cunningham posted on YouTube in 2007. In the video — which garnered millions of views — the content creator addresses media outlets, reporters and paparazzi and questions their intentions to attack or hurt the "Toxic" singer.

"All you people care about is readers and making money off of her. She's a human!" Cunningham said of Spears. "What you don't realize is that Britney is making you all this money and all you do is write a bunch of crap about her."

As the video progresses, Cunningham becomes increasingly emotional as she questions what critics have said about Spears' professionalism.

"When is it professional to publicly bash someone who is going through a hard time?" she asked the camera through tears. "Leave Britney Spears alone right now! I mean it. Anyone that has a problem with her, you deal with me."

Over a decade later, Cunningham reflected on the original post and its continued relevance today amid the "Free Britney" movement.

"I made this video as a gender-bending teenage high school dropout in my grandparent's bedroom," Cunningham, who came out as transgender in August 2021, told Business Insider that same year. "I had no idea the impact its message would have, years later, maybe society is finally starting to get it."

What happened after 'Leave Britney Alone' went viral?

In 2021, Cunningham looked back on her fame in an interview with NPR. She reflected on what it was like becoming a punch line for comedians and internet users all around the world. Her video was discussed by news anchors, referenced in large-scale media and parodied on shows like South Park and Glee.

As a result of becoming a widespread joke, Cunningham claimed that she was physically assaulted on "numerous occasions" after being recognized in public.

"There were situations where like, there were men trying to chase after me to beat me up and I got away. And there were other situations where I was literally just standing there and someone walks up and smacks me across the face," she alleged to NPR.

After Cunningham sold her video as an NFT, she addressed the general rise in sympathy for Spears in a conversation with Business Insider in 2021. Cunningham noted that while her 2007 video delivered that same message, she believes it was dismissed due to transphobic and homophobic biases.

"Because it was such a different time, no one could understand why I would make that and be sincere," she said in 2021. "I was just defending her as a person, not a pop star and I just wanted her to be happy, that's all."

What happened to the creator of the 'Leave Britney alone' video? Cara Cunningham and her fiancé.

Cara Cunningham/Instagram

Cara Cunningham is still a popular social media influencer today, with over 1.1 million followers between Instagram and TikTok. She regularly posts day-in-the-life, short-form vlog content and food reviews.

In 2021, Cunningham took to Instagram to announce her transition after dealing with gender dysphoria for years. She explained that she was beginning hormone replacement therapy.

"It's been 33 years coming and I'm happy to be in a place where I can embrace who I am. I have put my identity and personal happiness aside for so long, out of fear and rejection or me not wanting to embarrass my family," she wrote on social media. "Then I realized anyone who actually loves me for me, won't be embarrassed and would've shown genuine interest in how long I have felt this way in the first place."

More recently, Cunningham shared that she and her partner were engaged. Though her fiancé rarely appears on her social media, the content creator did share footage of them getting her ring resized to debunk rumors about why she wasn't wearing the band.

What has the creator said about the 'Leave Britney Alone' video since it was posted?

After Spears published her memoir The Woman in Me in October 2023, Cunningham made a video replying to a TikTok comment asking if she had any comments to make. The influencer said many people were asking her to speak on the singer's situation, including media outlets and even her old manager.

However, at the time, Cunningham said she was preoccupied with caring for her "Mamaw," the person who raised the creator, being at the end of hospice.

"I am being tagged in hundreds of videos on Instagram and TikTok, and people want me to talk about things that are from a video I did when I was a teenager," she explained. "At the end of the day ... [Spears'] voice needs to be heard. I don't need to speak for her and no one else should either."

Cunningham also admitted that she "was not a perfect fan" of the artist. "I believed back then when the tabloids said she didn't like my video, and so I got bitter and resentful," she said of Spears. "Years later, when I grew up, I just got to this point where I was like, 'You know, I was 19 years old. Okay?'"

She went on to state that she's personally in "a different place in life," and revisiting that time can be "triggering" due to the way people made fun of her. Cunningham noted that she coped with the constant ridicule by trolling everyone back.

"I meant every word in that video but it took years for me to realize that I was seeing myself through the eyes of others," she added. "I just don't want to always talk about that video from back then, and I know people are like trying to be nice and whatever, but it's just a lot."

Sam Asghari Says Britney Spears’ Conservatorship Was ‘Very Strange for Me to Deal With’

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Sam Asghari's relationship with Britney Spears was never going to be normal, given the fact that Spears is one of the most famous women on the planet. But on top of all of that, the singer was famously under a conservatorship for about 13 years — something Asghari says was "strange" for him before their split in 2023.

On the latest episode of The Viall Files posted Wednesday (Feb. 12), Asghari opened up about his relationship with Spears — whom he started dating in 2016 after co-starring in her "Slumber Party" music video — as well as the way her legal predicament affected him as her partner. "She was under the conservatorship, and that was very strange for me to deal with," he told host Nick Viall. "I got hit with that at the beginning."

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"[Britney] didn't explain," Asghari continued, sharing how he learned about the conservatorship through an unnamed third party. "Somebody called me and said, 'Oh, just so you know, this is this. Make sure you're obeying by our rules."

Wanting to be as supportive as possible, the actor added that he "didn't go look up what's happening on the news" and instead tried to understand on a personal level why the conservatorship was "ever in place to begin with." "You don't get much to say, especially if you're just a boyfriend or someone that's just there," Asghari noted. "Maybe I was afraid they were going to make me not see her. So you have to be gentle and provide as much support as you can."

The pop star was first put under a conservatorship in 2008, when a judge gave her father, Jamie Spears, legal control over her life and career. Following a yearslong, fan-led "#FreeBritney" movement, the musician was finally able to get the conservatorship officially dismissed in November 2021, a few months before which Brit and Asghari got engaged after about five years together.

On Viall Files, Asghari recalled that the proposal was "overdue." "We wanted to get married way before, and because of everything and the situation, we had to wait," he added. "I was holding her hand when she was speaking to the judge and talking about, she wanted the conservatorship to be done with. The second that happened, that's when it was the right time to propose."

The couple eventually got married in a star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles in June 2022. And though the relationship would come to an end the following year, with Asghari filing for divorce that August, the model/actor only has fond memories of the superstar. "I always say, even though it's over now, I'm never sad it's over," he said. "I'm grateful it even happened."

As for the headline-making video Spears posted of herself dancing with knives shortly after the split — the one that led to the police performing a welfare check on the star, after which she assured fans the cutlery had been fake all along — Asghari shared that he wasn't fazed. "I'm not someone that's [like], 'Let me take your phone from you and not allow you to do anything and restrict you from posting your own content,'" he said of the clip.

"She's a genius artist," he added. "What's in her head is gold, and it's what made her who she is."

Listen to Asghari's full interview on The Viall Files below.

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New Britney Spears book promises to expose full truth of her stormy life

A new Britney Spears book promising to expose the full truth of her turbulent life story is being released.

Cultural critic and former tabloid reporter Jeff Weiss is set to release a biography offering an apparently unfiltered look at the 'Toxic' singer's career and personal struggles.

His 'Waiting for Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly' tome will be out 10 June, and promises to explore the pop star's "historic rise and equally tragic fall" through Gonzo journalism.

Jeff, 42, is a Los Angeles-based writer who covered Britney's every move in the mid-2000s.

His latest work, described as a "frenetic account" in the style of iconic Gonzo writer Hunter S Thompson, follows the singer through key moments of her life, from high-profile relationships and annulled marriages to legal battles and her widely criticised 2007 MTV Video Music Awards performance.

The 400-page book aims to capture "a roaring Künstlerroman (a book about an artist's development from youth to maturity) of celebrity, obsession, morality and the last great pop star", according to its publisher, MCD Books.

Jeff was quoted by Page Six saying: "I wanted to capture the whirlwind of Britney's life and the culture that consumed her.

"The story is chaotic because her life was chaotic.

"Britney Spears wasn't just a person – she was an era. And that's what I wanted to capture."

In addition to his years of tabloid reporting, the author previously wrote an in-depth analysis of Britney's 2000 album, 'Oops!… I Did It Again' in 2020, marking its 20th anniversary.

His new book's release will come nearly two years after Britney published her own memoir, 'The Woman in Me'.

It topped the New York Times bestseller list.

The 288-page autobiography saw Britney, 43, recount her family's troubled history, her career highs and lows and her past relationships with Justin Timberlake, 44, Kevin Federline, 46, and 31-year-old Sam Asghari.

In the memoir, she revealed she had an abortion while dating Justin in the early 2000s and admitted to infidelity, leading to their highly publicised breakup.

Following the book's success, 'The Woman in Me' is now being adapted into a biopic by 'Wicked' director Jon M Chu.

According to Page Six, Britney is expected to be involved in the film's production, though casting has yet to be announced.

Britney Spears is back with ex-boyfriend Paul Soliz on Valentine's Day

Britney Spears and her former boyfriend Paul Soliz reunited on Valentine's Day after an on-and-off relationship.

The couple was spotted purchasing food from the Box drive-thru in Thousand Oaks, California, as they were seen in their black Mercedes truck on Friday, February 14th, 2025.

Britney was photographed sitting on the passenger seat while Paul was holding the steering wheel.

The 43-year-old singer was wearing a white blouse and black choker, which she paired with a brimmed hat.

On the other hand, the musician's partner was in a black hoodie and matching pants.

Paul's one son also joined the couple, as he was spotted sitting in the back seat of the luxury vehicle.

This appearance came after a few reports suggested that the two had parted ways.

In August 2024, TMZ magazine reported that Britney and Paul had decided to take a break from their relationship due to his father's duties.

As of now, Britney and Paul have not commented on their split rumours.

For those unaware, Paul Soliz finalised his divorce from his ex-wife, Nicole Mancilla, in October last year. 

Now he co-parents his three sons, Trystan, 10, Dylan, 8, and Nicholas, also known as "Sonny," 6.

Britney Spears got separated from ex-husband Sam Asghari in 2023, and they finalised their divorce in May 2024. 

Britney Spears and ex-felon Paul Soliz confirm they're back together after Valentine's day outing

The pop star and her criminal ex confirm their reunion, spending the holiday together with Soliz's children.

Britney Spears and her ex-felon boyfriend, Paul Soliz, have confirmed they are back together after being spotted on Valentine's Day.

The 43-year-old pop star and her 37-year-old beau were seen together in Thousand Oaks, California, as they drove up to a Jack in the Box drive-thru in Soliz's black Mercedes truck. Britney was sitting in the passenger seat, sporting a white blouse, black choker, and wide-brimmed hat, completing her look with dark eyeliner and red lipstick.

A photo also showed one of Soliz's sons in the backseat, marking the first public glimpse of their rekindled relationship.

Soliz, a father of nine, has custody of at least three of his children — Trystan, 10, Dylan, 8, and Nicholas, also known as 'Sonny,' 6. The couple later stopped by a street vendor to pick up flowers for the holiday.

This reunion comes just days after reports surfaced that Britney and Paul had reignited their romance, seven months after parting ways.

Earlier this month, the couple was seen together at Lily Pad Playground in the San Fernando Valley, where Britney spent time with Soliz and two of his children. The pop star was seen sitting in the same black Mercedes G-Wagon during the outing, which TMZ reported she paid for.

Back in October, Soliz's wife of eight years, Nicole Mancilla, filed for divorce, after he had previously been labeled a "deadbeat dad" to his children. In contrast, Britney finalized her divorce from ex-husband Sam Asghari in May 2024.

Though Britney had split from Soliz in July after reportedly discovering his true intentions, including using her for her lavish lifestyle, she appears to have rekindled the relationship with the former felon.

At the time, sources shared, "Britney and Paul split around three weeks ago. They were done once the singer realized her former maintenance worker-turned-boyfriend was only using her for [her] luxurious lifestyle." Britney reportedly removed Soliz's name from the entry list to her mansion after the breakup.

The couple had previously spent time together with Paul's children, including an outing at Sky Zone in August, where Britney jumped on a trampoline with Soliz's kids before leaving the venue.

It seems the two have worked through their differences, marking their rekindled relationship with a casual Valentine's Day outing. The couple's journey has been filled with ups and downs, but it looks like they're giving love another chance.

Revelations: Sam Asghari opens up about Britney romance

The real truth behind Hollywood's most watched relationship

Sam Asghari is finally spilling the tea about his whirlwind romance with pop princess Britney Spears, and honestly? We're living for every detail. The fitness-turned-Hollywood heartthrob recently sat down for a super candid chat on "The Viall Files" podcast, and what he revealed about their seven-year relationship has us all in our feelings.

A meet-cute straight out of a rom-com

How it all began

Let's rewind to that fateful day on the "Slumber Party" music video set, where our boy Sam first locked eyes with the legendary Ms. Spears. Talk about a workplace romance! The sparks were flying faster than you can say "Baby One More Time," and before we knew it, these two gorgeous humans were bonding over sushi and creating what would become a seven-year love story.

The relationship milestones

Flash forward through countless Instagram posts, adorable gym sessions, and supportive moments, and we watched these lovebirds make it official with a gorgeous wedding in June 2022. For both Sam and Britney, this wasn't just another relationship – it was their longest and most significant romantic connection yet.

When real life got complicated

Navigating the tough stuff

Being in love with one of the world's biggest pop stars comes with its own unique set of challenges, and Sam had to learn to navigate some seriously complex waters. The whole conservatorship situation? Yeah, that was just part of their daily reality. But here's what makes this story even more interesting: Sam had to figure out how to be supportive while dealing with circumstances most of us couldn't even imagine.

The Hollywood life

In true tinseltown fashion, their relationship came with all the typical celebrity trappings, including those famous NDAs. But what's refreshing about Sam's take on all of this is how he acknowledges the absurdity of it all while still maintaining his respect for privacy. Because let's be real – some things are better left behind closed doors, even in our oversharing era.

The art of letting go

Supporting creative freedom

When it comes to those viral knife-dancing videos that had social media in a complete meltdown, Sam's response shows a level of maturity we didn't know we needed. Instead of trying to control the narrative or Britney's artistic expression, he recognized something crucial: her creative mind is what made her the icon she is today.

Moving forward with grace

The most heartwarming part of this whole story? Despite their marriage ending, Sam's respect for Britney remains intact. There's something genuinely touching about someone who can look back on a relationship with gratitude rather than bitterness, even when things didn't work out as planned.

Why this matters

In a world where celebrity breakups often turn into messy public spectacles, Sam's approach feels like a breath of fresh air. His willingness to share his experience while maintaining boundaries and respect for his ex-wife shows that even in Hollywood, it's possible to handle difficult situations with dignity.

What makes this story particularly compelling isn't just the celebrity factor – it's the very human elements we can all relate to. Whether it's falling in love at work, supporting a partner through tough times, or learning to let go with grace, Sam's revelations remind us that at the end of the day, love stories – even celebrity ones – are fundamentally human experiences.

As both Sam and Britney move forward on their separate paths, their story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is wish the best for those we once loved, even when the fairytale ending we hoped for doesn't quite work out as planned.