Britney Spears opens up about conservatorship trauma: "People don’t realize the real damage that was done"

Los Angeles, California – As one of the biggest-ever pop stars, Britney Spears was celebrated by millions of fans in the 2000s. What no one realized at the time was that, away from the spotlight, the singer was plagued by self‑doubt, panic, and anxiety.

On Friday, Britney Spears posted two lengthy messages in which she unpacked the dark side of fame.   © IMAGO / E-PRESS PHOTO.com

On Friday, the Princess of Pop posted two lengthy messages in which she unpacked the dark side of fame – and the closely tied 13‑year‑old conservatorship imposed by her father Jamie Spears.

"I feel like, still to this day, people don’t realize the real damage that was done to my heart and soul in the conservatorship," the 44-year-old confessed to fans.

"I honestly can’t believe I used to be able to perform in front of so many people. Good lord. I’m so sensitive and proud of myself for shutting all that down, ’cause for too many years it was forced," she told her nearly 42 million followers on IG.

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In the early days of her career, Brit said that she would "get asthma and start shaking" if she had to meet more than 10 people at a time in a meet-and-greet.

She mentioned that those who worked with her "could see in my eyes how scared I would get."

Despite this fear, her father arranged for Britney to meet around 70 people during that time. At the height of her fame, it was likely many more.

"I lost the sensitivity of my soul. And it literally hurt. I felt like a robot," the former teen idol said.

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Britney Spears in 2011 at a concert in Mexico City.   © picture alliance / dpa | Str

Since the birth of her sons Sean Preston (20) and Jayden James (19), this feeling only intensified.

"After having kids, though, I think that game was beyond overdone," Britney said.

"I felt so silly and embarrassed."

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She can hardly believe she once performed in front of so many people, and she’s proud to have left it all behind.

"Honestly, I felt like a robot, a machine," she said. "And thank the lord it’s over."

Jamie Spears assumed guardianship over his daughter from 2008 to 2021 after she experienced some severe mental health struggles. During that time, he gained control of her life, career, and finances.

To this day, Britney’s relationship with her family remains strained.