Busy Philipps Reacts to Michelle Williams Narrating Britney Spears Memoir: A Surprising Twist

Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams have expressed their love and support for Britney Spears. Philipps, 44, joined Andy Cohen in the Bravo Clubhouse on Tuesday, January 9, on Watch What Happens With Andy Cohen. During the appearance, a fan called in to ask about her and Williams’ reactions to the Oscar winner being asked to narrate Britney Spears’ memoir, The Woman in Me, which was released in October 2023.

Philipps exclaimed to Cohen, "We lost it!" and continued to share a bit of the process Williams went through when deciding to go forward with voicing the iconic pop princess. "She was like, 'I have to do this, right?' And I was like, 'Yes, obviously,' Philipps said.

The two close friends became acquainted while working as co-stars on the WB series Dawson’s Creek in 2001, around the same time as Spears, 42, was also active in the entertainment industry. "[Michelle] really felt a connection. We all came up in a very particular time in this industry," Philipps commented on Tuesday. "We were subjected to a lot and I think there was a lot that was, sadly, very relatable to all women in Britney’s book."

Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps at the Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images event. Philipps continues to be the supportive best friend, praising Williams’ portrayal of Spears. “Michelle’s performance was incredible and truly beautiful,” she expressed to Cohen.

Upon the release of Spears’ memoir, Williams’ portrayal of Spears received widespread praise and quickly became a sensation. Memorable moments included Williams channeling Justin Timberlake's voice, her sardonic remark "bless his heart" regarding Kevin Federline's music career, and any interaction with Jamie Lynn Spears.

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With over two million copies sold worldwide, Spears' memoir, The Woman in Me, became a No. 1 bestseller on the New York Times. The book offers readers a firsthand look at the events and challenges Spears faced in the music industry, providing a new perspective on her experiences during her 13-year conservatorship.

Philipps and Cohen agreed on Tuesday that Spears deserves our respect, with Cohen concluding, “Britney deserves some peace and some happiness.”