Britney's parents say her life is at risk
Los Angeles, February 7, 2008 Jamie and Lynne Spears, in a joint statement given to The
Associated Press through their attorney, said they were "extremely
disappointed" to learn their daughter had been allowed out.
"We are deeply concerned about our daughter's safety and
vulnerability and we believe her life is presently at risk," the
statement said. "We ask only that the court's orders be enforced
so that a tragedy may be averted."
Jamie Spears on Monday was named conservator of his 26-year-old
daughter, and he and attorney Andrew Wallet were made
co-conservators of Britney's estate.
A conservatorship is created when a court determines a person
can no longer care for his or her own affairs.
Though she arrived at UCLA Medical Center escorted by a caravan
of police motorcycles, cars and a helicopter, the singer left
without media attention. She spent the day dodging the spotlight as
she drove around Los Angeles in a black Mercedes-Benz with an
unidentified man.
But photographers soon found her and surrounded the vehicle at
each stop. When Spears' car arrived at the Beverly Hills Hotel, a
detail of officers was sent to "keep the peace," police Sgt. Mark
Miner said. He said it's common for such details to respond to
reports of paparazzi causing a nuisance.
Spears' release came after a series of legal developments in
which her father fought for control of the pop star and her estate,
her frequent companion was ordered to stay away from her, and her
mother vividly described her daughter's fragile state, drug use and
the strange behavior that led to her hospitalization.
The troubled singer was hospitalized on Jan. 31. On Monday,
Commissioner Reva Goetz ruled that Spears must remain in the
conservatorship until at least Feb. 14. Goetz also appointed a
physician to evaluate Spears' condition.
On Friday, a court issued a restraining order against Sam Lufti,
the man who's been at Spears' side in recent months. Her mother
portrayed him as a Svengali-like figure who held her daughter
hostage in her own home, drugged her, took over her finances and
controlled the paparazzi who constantly surround her.
As her conservator, Spears' father was granted access to all of
his daughter's medical records and authority to determine where
Spears lives and who she sees.
Spears, who is in a child custody battle with ex-husband Kevin
Federline, was also briefly hospitalized earlier in January after
police were called to her home when she refused to return her sons
to a Federline bodyguard after a visit.
Spears has since lost all visitation rights to her sons,
1-year-old Jayden James and 2-year-old Sean Preston.
On Wednesday, Buck said a grand theft report was filed with the
Los Angeles Police Department, alleging that someone took
"miscellaneous items," including a painting and jewelry, from
Spears' home. Buck didn't say who filed the report or when.