Britney Spears. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Intimate Britney Spears
Britney Spears is now seizing the opportunity to candidly divulge her perspective on every aspect of her life, with no reservation in doing so.
In her recently unveiled work, The Woman in Me, released in October 2023, the renowned pop star openly discusses both her triumphs and tribulations over the course of several years. From her highly publicized battles to the contentious conservatorship that lasted 13 years, Spears fearlessly provides an unprecedented glimpse into her personal journey.
Before the release of the book, an insider exclusively revealed to us that Spears was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share her personal story. "Britney has no intention of disparaging anyone. She simply intends to present the truthful account from her own point of view." In the meantime, Spears explicitly expressed her desire not to cause offense to anyone.
"That was who I used to be... that is all in the past!!!" she posted on Instagram in October 2023. "It's like starting over with a beautiful clean slate from now on!!! I am determined to maintain this new direction for the rest of my life!!! Regardless, that chapter is now closed and unforeseen circumstances happen. This book is actually something I didn't realize needed to be written, although some may find it controversial, it has provided me with closure and laid the foundation for a brighter future."
The Woman in Me is currently on sale. Read on for the key highlights:
Her Tumultuous Relationship With Justin Timberlake
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Spears, who dated Timberlake from 1999 to 2002, shared the story of their childhood connection on The Mickey Mouse Club, which blossomed into a romantic relationship. However, their relationship eventually suffered due to infidelity on both sides.
The singer admitted to kissing choreographer Wade Robson while she was in a relationship with Timberlake. Despite this, Timberlake himself was also unfaithful to Spears with another famous individual.
Before their separation, Spears discovered she was pregnant but ultimately chose to have an abortion because Timberlake was not prepared to become a father. In her writing, she admitted that she knew some people would criticize her for this decision, but she agreed to not have the baby. Reflecting on it, she confessed that she was uncertain if it was the right choice and mentioned that if it had solely been her decision, she would not have gone through with it.
After terminating her pregnancy, Timberlake tried to console Spears by playing his guitar while she was "crying and sobbing" on the bathroom floor. Unfortunately, the couple could not overcome the emotional toll of this difficult choice, and Timberlake reportedly ended their relationship by sending a breakup text message.
In her memoir, Spears criticized Timberlake's actions following their breakup. Timberlake, on the other hand, apologized in February 2023 for potentially contributing to the negative attention Spears received due to his comments about their relationship in the media.
"I don't believe Justin fully comprehended the impact of his actions in shaming me. Even to this day, I don't think he truly understands," she remarked. "I wasn't angry about him revealing my sexual activity. Honestly, I appreciated Justin's openness about it."
Detailing Her Surprising Hookups Over the Years
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In her pursuit of empowerment, Spears fearlessly delved into her personal life, sharing intimate details with her readers. One such revelation was her first sexual experience at the age of 14 with Bryan Spears' childhood friend.
Aside from her involvement with Robson during the early 2000s, Britney also opened up about her tumultuous two-week relationship with Colin Farrell following her split from Timberlake.
“We were completely consumed by it – engaged in an intense physical struggle, as if we were engaged in a brutal street confrontation," Britney described the passionate relationship that bloomed after their encounter on the set of Farrell's 2003 action film S.W.A.T. "Just like in the past when I had become too emotionally attached to a man, I tried to reassure myself that it wasn't a big deal, that we were just having fun, and that my vulnerability was simply because I hadn't gotten over Justin yet."
Later on, Britney began a relationship with Kevin Federline, whom she was married to from 2004 to 2007. They started a family together, welcoming sons Sean and Jayden, before eventually separating. Unaware of the photographer's marital status, Britney subsequently entered into a relationship with Adnan Ghalib.
Calling Out Her Father Jamie Spears
Britney stated that Ghalib provided her with a passionate and intense connection that she sought during a period of depression, as well as a desire for male attention. Their relationship ended in 2008, coinciding with the moment when Britney's father, Jamie Spears, initiated the process of placing her under conservatorship.VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
When reminiscing about her early years, Britney revealed that her father often displayed "dramatic shifts in mood" as a result of his supposed struggle with alcohol addiction, compounded by financial difficulties. Britney speculated that Jamie's actions were a way of "self-medicating" after enduring years of mistreatment from his own father, June Spears.
Britney witnessed her parents engage in constant arguments during her childhood, which eventually led to their divorce in 2002. Following her own difficulties in the public eye, Jamie was granted the role of overseeing Britney's finances and personal life in 2008. She disclosed that Jamie had complete control over various aspects of her life, including her work schedule, dating life, social life, finances, medication, and diet.
Reflecting on her experiences, Britney candidly expressed her exhaustion and fear. She admitted, "Here's the heartbreaking truth. After enduring everything I had gone through, I had very little fight left in me. I was worn out and terrified. After being forcibly restrained on a hospital bed, I knew they could overpower me at any given moment." In reference to being placed on a psychiatric hold in 2008, she harbored thoughts of being at risk, questioning, "They could have attempted to end my life, I pondered. I began to contemplate if that was their true intention."
Britney was coerced into entering a mental health treatment facility ten years later against her will. In June 2021, she contacted the police to file a report against Jamie for the abuse of her conservatorship, which was subsequently terminated later that year.
"I was in disbelief when [my lawyer] phoned me immediately after the court hearing and informed me that it was finalized. I finally felt liberated," she expressed in writing.
The Reality of Her Conservatorship
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From 2008 to 2021, Britney experienced financial and personal control from her father. She felt compelled to comply with the conservatorship for fear of losing custody of her children. Throughout this period, Britney faced strict parental monitoring of her devices, a lack of transportation, and no privacy while bathing.
"In my previous life, I enjoyed the liberty to make my own choices, set my own schedule, and decide how to spend my days. Even during challenging times, those hurdles were ones I faced on my own. However, once I surrendered to the circumstances, my new life consisted of waking up every morning and questioning our course of action: 'What are we doing?' And then, I simply obeyed the instructions given to me," wrote Britney.
Being at Odds With Sister Jamie Lynn Spears
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Jamie Lynn clearly experienced hardship within our family home as well. Unlike me, she grew up as a child of divorce. However, she may not fully comprehend the extreme poverty we endured before her birth. Due to the financial support I provided, she did not face the helplessness that my mother and I experienced in the 1980s when dealing with our father.
Reflecting on our journey, I became alarmed by Jamie Lynn Spears' behavior even at a young age. Referring to her as a "total bitch" when she was just 11, I had concerns about how she treated our mother, Lynne Spears.
Britney raised concerns about Jamie Lynn's actions and later remembered the lack of support she received during her conservatorship. According to Britney, Jamie Lynn advised her to "give up" when their father sent her to rehab in 2018.
Despite publicly criticizing Jamie Lynn and her memoir, "Things I Should Have Said," in January 2022, Britney expressed her willingness for a reconciliation on social media. Jamie Lynn, on the other hand, has mostly refrained from responding to Britney's criticisms. Following the release of her book, Jamie Lynn made it evident that she will always be there to support Britney.
Getting Candid About Her Mental Health
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During the peak of her popularity, Britney mentioned that she used Prozac to handle criticism from the public. She also expressed discomfort towards the inappropriate attention she received from older men who would leer at her during her performances.
Furthermore, Britney later revealed that she was prescribed lithium while undergoing rehab in 2018, and she had also developed a dependence on ADHD medication called Adderall.
In the book, Britney also addressed the individuals who criticize her social media posts. "I am aware that many people fail to comprehend my fondness for capturing images of myself both in the nude and in new outfits," she conveyed. "However, I strongly believe that if they had experienced being captured on camera numerous times, being manipulated and positioned solely for the sake of garnering others' approval, they would empathize with my desire to embrace my own sense of confidence and capture myself however I please."
Finding Love With Sam Asghari
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The book, The Woman in Me, discusses Britney's relationship with her husband Sam Asghari. However, after the completion of the book, Asghari filed for divorce. Despite this, Britney admired Asghari, considering him an influential figure in her life, and she appreciates his genuine wish for her happiness.
Britney also recalled experiencing a sense of exhilaration upon discovering her pregnancy in early 2022, as she eagerly anticipated beginning a family with Asghari. Regrettably, one month after announcing the news on social media, she endured the heartbreak of a miscarriage.
"I had been bursting with joy at the prospect of being a mother that I had shared the news with everyone, only to then retract it," she expressed in her writing. "Losing this baby was utterly devastating. ... I find solace in listening to music on my phone as a way to navigate the anger and sadness that accompany adulthood."
Where She Stands With Her Family After Conservatorship
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During a conversation, Britney expressed the ongoing challenges she faces following her conservatorship and the lack of support she received from her family. She mentioned that migraines are just one aspect of the physical and emotional harm she has endured since being released from the conservatorship. Britney emphasized that her family doesn't fully comprehend the extent of the damage they caused.
Amidst the pandemic, while visiting her parents in Louisiana, Britney learned that her family had discarded her belongings. This discovery prompted her to make a decision: she opted to sever connections with individuals who played a role in the most painful moments of her life.