It shouldn’t have taken this interview to force a realisation into the public and press… but that’s the unfortunate way that this world seems to work. After being condemned to public suffering for years and years, this documentary was the one thing that made the world listen to her story.
The paparazzi have had the reputation of being too boisterous and personal space-invaders for as long as I can remember. It’s their job to get a scoop on stories and sometimes, this goes way further than it should. These days, anything is considered a headline and something as small as a celebrity wearing the same outfit twice can be hit up immediately… wow, so crazy right?!?!? Because us ‘normal people’ don’t do that every week lol.
The separation between the general public and celebrities has been an ever-growing divide but now, with the aid of such exposures… people are breaking down those walls. We all come into this world the same way and inevitability says that we will all leave it the same way – you can’t take your millions with you.
The main focus of the documentary follows the rise of Britney Spears, the mass obsession with the star and the breakdown that ultimately led to the conservatorship. It shares an idea of the relationship between Britney and her father Jamie. Her freedom to live her life how she wanted was taken away, 12 years ago. Over a decade ago, her father gained the rights to become her conservationist – holding the power over her affairs and finances.
This documentary has no legal power to change anything for Britney, but it does give the encouragement of the public to share their support for this incredible star. Throughout the show, we see the misogyny and criticism that she has been subjected to, from such a young age. It’s very difficult to watch as you can almost put yourself into her shoes – and it’s really not a nice place to be.
Throughout her younger years, she was constantly exposed to predatory behaviour, some examples are:
- Age 11, Britney was asked by a male presenter if she had a boyfriend.
- Age 17, A male presenter said “Everyone’s talking about it” to which Britney replied “What”, his final response was “Your breasts.”
- Getting asked if she was a virgin
This is not ok. It never has been and never will be.
Additionally, the pressure of the paps, constantly hounding her, well it was never going to result in rainbows, was it? On one occasion, in the midst of custody negotiations for her children, the press circled her – leaving her to continually cry out “I’m scared”. It is just simply inhumane.
In response to the video, a huge population of support has been shown for the ‘Oops, I did it again’ star. #Freebritney was a movement created by longtime fans and people dedicated to her cause, in joint agreement that this 38-year-old woman should be free to make her own decisions.
This is not a new movement, however, as in 2009, ‘Freebritney.net‘ was created – to support the decision that Britney did not need a conservationist this far into her career. The resurfacing of #Freebritney has gained huge traction this time around and has even led fans to protest on the streets.
It is not known what will happen going forward but all I personally wish for is that Britney lives a happy and healthy life.