Britney Spears, who has spent the last 13 years under her father's legal financial control of her finances and other important life decision-making, made waves earlier this week when she appeared in court to plead for the arrangement to end.
Britney shared that since 2008, when mental health crises initiated the legal arrangement--known as a conservatorship--she's been depressed, cries daily, and struggles to sleep.
She called the conservatorship "abusive" and explained that she wants to have a marry her boyfriend and have a baby, but cannot for fear of violating the rules of the arrangement.
The emotional plea struck Spears' Instagram followers, who've grown used to her lighthearted posts over the last few years.
In a recent post, however, Spears came clean about how difficult things have been. She based her confession around the concept of a fairy tale:
"I just want to tell you guys a little secret 🤫 … I believe as people we all want the fairy tale life and by the way I've posted … my life seems to look and be pretty amazing … I think that's what we all strive for !!!! "
"That was one of my mother's best traits … no matter how shitty a day was when I was younger … for the sake of me and my siblings she always pretended like everything was ok."
Then she spilled it.
"I'm bringing this to peoples attention because I don't want people to think my life is perfect because IT'S DEFINITELY NOT AT ALL … and if you have read anything about me in the news this week 📰 … you obviously really know now it's not !!!!"
"I apologize for pretending like I've been ok the past two years … I did it because of my pride and I was embarrassed to share what happened to me … but honestly who doesn't want to capture their Instagram in a fun light 💡🤷🏼♀️ !!!!"
Spears, however, did not appear to regret how she's handled her situation.
"Believe it or not pretending that I'm ok has actually helped … so I decided to post this quote today because by golly if you're going through hell …"
"I feel like Instagram has helped me have a cool outlet to share my presence … existence … and to simply feel like I matter despite what I was going through and hey it worked … so I've decided to start reading more fairy tales 👑🧚♀️🦄 !!!!!"
According to Yahoo! News, even if Spears filed a petition to end the conservatorship and relinquish her father Jamie Spear's control of her finances and life, it would take months to jump through the legal hoops.
But at least Spears can rest assured she has countless supporters in her corner rallying for her freedom.
this sweet and beautiful soul did nothing to deserve what has been done to her. BELIEVE BRITNEY. we love you britney spearspic.twitter.com/2zzADGbMAq— uma (@uma) 1624639689
Paris Hilton shouted out Britney Spears and FreeBritney tonight at Resorts World\u2019s Grand Opening! #FreeBritneypic.twitter.com/c6fndN8e87— Fan Account (@Fan Account) 1624610670
Just reported Britney Spears judge #FreeBritney— Ashley (@Ashley) 1624600855
here for u #freebritneypic.twitter.com/R25nH0Gq7c— diplo (@diplo) 1624643200
Dear Britney you may never meet me or know me but I love you very much and I #BelieveBritney and I\u2019m trying my best to set you free \n#FreeBritney #BritneySpeak #FreeBritneyNOW— Andrew Nashed (@Andrew Nashed) 1624643422
Besides free Britney, it should be *believe* Britney. Women, disabled people often are not believed and others are allowed to make decisions about us and our bodies. This is not okay. #BelieveBritney— Sara Pearl (@Sara Pearl) 1624488444
I 1000% #BelieveBritney and she better get her freedom this year!!! It\u2019s time to #FREEBRITNEY!!!!!pic.twitter.com/1fFGOjqKQ5— Brandy (She/Her) (@Brandy (She/Her)) 1624642714
#freebritney #believebritney #theworldiswatching \nWE ARE ROOTING FOR YOU @britneyspears \nYOU WERE HEARD pic.twitter.com/NWRb9lAGqZ— Freedom activist \ud83d\udcaa / Plant lover \ud83c\udf31 (@Freedom activist \ud83d\udcaa / Plant lover \ud83c\udf31) 1624640049
With reports surfacing Spears' would like to replace her appointed lawyer, Samual Ingham, with one she hires on her own, her case could have plenty more twists and turns in the months ahead before things are completely sorted out.
In the meantime, though, all Britney has to do is go online to see a massive upswell of support.