Britney Spears has appeared to address a documentary about her life, saying she is “taking the time to learn and be a normal person”.
New film Framing Britney Spears, which explores the pop star’s treatment in the media and the contentious legal arrangement which controls her finances and public affairs, has inspired renewed interest in her life.
The 39-year-old is currently in a legal battle with her father, Jamie, to oust him from his role as conservator.
At a court hearing last year, the singer’s lawyer revealed she is “afraid” of her father and will not perform while he remains in charge of her affairs.
Although she has little contact with the press now, Spears appeared to indirectly respond to the documentary with an Instagram post that showed her performing the song Toxic three years ago.
“I’ll always love being on stage …. but I am taking the time to learn and be a normal person ….. I love simply enjoying the basics of every day life !!!!” she said.
“Each person has their story and their take on other people’s stories !!!! We all have so many different bright beautiful lives !!! Remember, no matter what we think we know about a person’s life it is nothing compared to the actual person living behind the lens.”
Fans of the pop star have stood behind her as news of her legal challenge unfolded, even starting the #FreeBritney movement and regularly appearing outside court whenever the case is heard.
Other stars including Miley Cyrus, Cher and Bette Midler have also expressed their support for Spears, with Cyrus using her recent SuperBowl performance to shout “We love Britney!”
Protesters hold signs at a #FreeBritney protest outside of a courthouse
It is unclear what Spears herself thinks of the movement but in one court filing, her lawyer Samuel Ingham said she welcomed the “informed” support of her fans and described the scrutiny of the case as “reasonable”.
Spears’ boyfriend Sam Asghari has also publicly spoken out against her father, writing on Instagram: “Now it’s important for people to understand that I have zero respect for someone trying to control our relationship and constantly throwing obstacles our way.
“In my opinion Jamie is a total d***.”
Britney Spears performs during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards in New York
Spears, one of the most recognisable pop stars in the world, has not performed live since October 2018 and cancelled a much-anticipated Las Vegas residency in early 2019.
The 39-year-old chart-topper did not give an interview for Framing Britney Spears. Director Samantha Stark told Sky News producers had requested to speak to her through her team several times, but said it was not clear if Spears had been made aware.