Framing Britney Spears – documenting the devastating downfall of the one-time biggest popstar in the world and her ongoing war with her manipulative father – premieres next week on Nine.
Britney Spears had a meteoric rise to fame before mental health battles, a toxic relationship with the media and exploitation by those closest to her torpedoed her superstar status.
Framing Britney Spears specifically explores the iron grip that Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, has had over her since 2008 under the infamous ruling – a conservatorship – that granted him control of her finances, business and personal life. Claims that Britney is mentally unwell and an unfit mother have underpinned the legal basis of her father’s domination, which is at odds with her ongoing career as a recording artist and performer.
The documentary examines the genesis of the #FreeBritney movement started by her fans which continues to gather momentum as they raise support about her plight and her fight for freedom. Using cues from Britney’s social media posts and court records, the movement has uncovered the lengths Jamie Spears has gone to in order to maintain control over her assets and her life.
The role of the media, specifically the paparazzi, is also put under the microscope. Images of Britney’s shaved head and smashing an umbrella through a car window during her public meltdowns add to the relentless intrusion and pursuit that has dogged the former pop princess.
Accounts from a longtime family friend, music executives, New York Times critics, magazine editors and other commentators piece together this tragic tale. The documentary also prompted an apology from Britney’s famous ex-boyfriend, singer Justin Timberlake, as the misogynistic treatment of the popstar was brought to light.
Tuesday, March 2, at 9.00pm on Nine
