Break The Ice: 01/01/2008

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Britney Could Be Involuntary Commitment Candidate

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Sources at UCLA Medical Center tell TMZ Britney Spears has been classified as "G.D." - Greatly Disabled. That is a huge and dangerous deal. That means the patient is unable to take care of basic needs, such as the acquisition of food, clothing or shelter. Being G.D. is one of the criteria for involuntary commitment.

Several health care professionals tell us Britney has fallen into a "manic state" due to her bipolar disorder. We're also told, she arrived at the hospital this morning at around 2:15 AM but wasn't admitted until 4:15 AM, because she was causing such a scene in the hospital.

We first reported that Britney accused her mother of sleeping with her boyfriend. Now we have more. We're told Britney screamed, "the only reason she's admitting me is because she wants to be alone with her boyfriend! She wants to sleep with my boyfriend!!" Britney never said exactly who she was talking about.

When Brit calmed down, she talked about her kids, how much she misses them and how it's unfair that she doesn't have them.

Source: TMZ

Rosie O'Donnell On Britney

“whenever young girl stars

came on my show

i tried to warn them

go to school

follow jodie

she did it

u can too

save urself

she was parkers age when i met her

lil souther girl with a tiny twang

yes maam she smiled

adorable

she wanted it

the mothers always said

as way of both apology and explaination

in the dressing room

vivi would

if i let her

support r family

with her light and talent

its not mine 2 sell

they could not have known

at the start

that this would b the result

it is sold as the answer

if i had a magic wand

i would will her the strength

windex all windows

watch the sun warm her soul

all together now

we pray”

Sam Arrives To Visit Britney - Lynne And Alli Inside

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

This just in! Sam has arrived at the hospital, with Britney's mother Lynne and BFF Alli already inside.

No one - not even family members - are allowed inside the room with Brit until visiting hours at 4 pm.

Seems strange that Sam arrived just in time to jump ahead of the line and be the first to see Britney. Did Britney request to see him?

Stay tuned to X17 for more updates!

Source: X17

BRITNEY SPEARS HEADING HOME TO LOUISIANA

The following italicized article is from www.hollywood.tv:

LATEST: BRITNEY SPEARS is going home to Louisiana with her mother LYNNE as soon as she is released from hospital in Los Angeles. The singer was taken to the UCLA Medical Center in an ambulance, surrounded by a police convoy, early on Thursday (31Jan08) after a reported "intervention" by family members at her Beverly Hills home.Spears' lawyer Michael Flanagan reveals Lynne is waiting for the singer to be discharged, so she can whisk her back to the family's Kentwood home.

Flanagan tells PageSix.com, "Lynne is extremely concerned for her daughter and would like to take Britney back home to Louisiana and get her out of Hollywood. "Brit has an amazing support system in Louisiana.

"Lynne was holding up reasonably well, but her first priority and concern right now is with her daughter and helping her through this very tough situation that she is in."

According to various internet reports, the Toxic hitmaker will be held at the hospital on a metal health order after concern about the singer's health was raised by her psychiatrist.

The 26-year-old was previously admitted to L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this month (03Jan08) after a three-hour stand-off with police, and was held for two days on a '5150 hold' order, meaning medics have reason to believe she is a danger to herself or others.

Source: Hollywood.tv

Britney Going Through Detox

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

Sources tell PageSix.com that Britney Spears is currently going through a detox process at the UCLA Medical Center. Doctors will stabilize her and evaluate her condition before she can be administered new medication to treat her suspected bipolar condition.

Detoxification is necessary for doctors to rid the patient’s system of other drugs so that they can be properly diagnosed and prescribed a course of treatment.

“It’s often helpful to clear the decks under medical supervision and get back to the drawing board and decide, ‘What have we been dealing with here?’” Dr. Keith Ablow, a psychiatrist who has not treated the pop star, tells PageSix.com.

Detox is especially helpful in cases where the patient may have been misdiagnosed and administered medication that might have exacerbated or altered the person’s symptoms.

“You have lots of people who have manic symptoms of bipolar disorder wrongly diagnosed with attention deficit disorder,” says Dr. Ablow, author of Living the Truth. “But if you put those people on stimulant medication, you can make them worse by driving them into the highest highs of their disorder.”

Britney was checked into the hospital late last night and placed on 72-hour psychiatric hold, or what is known as a 5150. So what can the singer expect over the coming days? During detoxification, the patient is slowly tapered off the medicine, with dosages being reduced over time. Doctors also sometimes use other medicines to temporarily blunt the symptoms of any withdrawal that might occur.

Dr. Ablow says it’s also helpful to have patients checked into the hospital for several days so doctors can monitor the effect of the medications over time and figure out whether more medications need to be added and in what dosage.

“Only a minority of patients achieve effective results from one mood stabilizer if they’re suffering from bipolar disorder. Many need two or three,” says Dr. Ablow, who added that mood stabilizers only work in a particular concentration in the blood that varies from person to person.

“And that takes time to figure out,” he says.

Source: Page Six

Britney's Hospitalization Won't Help Get Her Kids Back

The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

Early Thursday morning, Britney Spears made her second trip to the hospital in a month, and now she is on a “mental health evaluation hold” at UCLA Medical Center. Brit's first visit came on Jan. 4 following a four-hour standoff with authorities after the singer refused to hand one-year-old Jayden over to her ex-husband Kevin Federline. The next morning, the court stripped Britney of all her visitation rights and has only recently gotten back her privilege to speak to her sons, Jayden James and Sean Preston, over the phone.

As Britney had been expected in court next week to ask the judge for "monitored, therapeutic visitations" with her sons, OK! spoke with Judge Lynn Toler, of 20th Television’s Divorce Court, to determine how this latest news might impact her fight for custody over her boys.

"Whether or not she was voluntarily committed makes a difference," explains the judge. "If she went in on her own, it would emphasize that she is actively seeking assistance. If she’s on an involuntary hold, it’s pretty clear she has an inability to care for herself. And as such she should not have custody or visitation without supervision."

The judge also thinks those who criticize K-Fed as being too harsh aren't seeing the whole picture. "Any parent would do the same thing. If their spouse or former spouse is behaving in a way that they can’t take care of themselves, any parent would say they wouldn’t want their children around that. But that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have access to her children." However, allows Judge Toler, "things may change over the year.”

So how should Britney's lawyers proceed given these latest developments? "If I was them, I’d probably move for a continuance" explains the judge. "When everything is in flux and up in the air, you want to make an assessment of the psychological assessment. There’s no particular urgency in having that hearing next week — the kids are safe with their dad — so time may be the best thing."

Source: OK Magazine

Source: Kevin 'Wants Britney to Get Better'

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Britney Spears's children were safely with Kevin Federline when the pop singer was taken to the hospital Thursday morning for the second time for a psychological evaluation, a source tells PEOPLE.

Federline, 29, was not directly involved in these latest events, "but he was aware of what was happening," says a Federline friend.

"Kevin legitimately wants Britney to get better. He wants her to be in their sons' lives. He wants them to have a loving relationship. He wants her to get healthy so she can be the mother they need and deserve," says a Federline friend.

This is the second trip to a hospital this month for Spears. On Jan. 4, she was forced into the hospital following a tense custody standoff involving sons Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1. A court commissioner has since stripped Spears of visitation privileges.

Another source says that getting medical help again for Spears, 26, "has been planned for a long time. Her family is behind this."

Source: People

The Assault Has Begun

It's going to be A LITTLE BIT awkward next time Lynne Spears and Osama Lutfi are in the same place at the same time.

We told you earlier how Britney's manager has declared war on both her parents.

Osama thinks he's getting a bum rap and he's gonna start defending himself - while lashing out at them - in a big way.

Well, he's wasted NO time getting to it!

Lutfi has just gone on the record with Access Hollywood and told them:

"Her mother is not someone who cares about her daughter, she's only concerned with herself. Sad but true. She was too busy getting a manicure to come over yesterday, despite her daughters (sic) pleas. Sad, very sad."

Too bad Sam's only concerned about himself.

Lashing out at Lynne Spears is not gonna help Britney in any way!

Source: Perez Hilton

Access Exclusive: Lutfi Lashes Out At Lynne: 'She's Only Concerned

The following italicized article is from www.accesshollywood.com:

Sam Lutfi, Britney Spears' close friend and self-proclaimed "manager," is lashing out this morning at Lynne Spears while speaking exclusively to Access Hollywood.

When Sam was asked how he and Lynne Spears were getting along following Britney's second hospitalization, he sounded off, saying he does not think Lynne cares about Britney.

"No. Her mother is not someone who cares about her daughter, she's only concerned with herself. Sad but true. She was too busy getting a manicure to come over yesterday, despite her daughters (sic) pleas. Sad, very sad," Sam wrote to Access in a text message.

Lutfi was present outside of Britney's Studio City home when she was taken away for hospitalization Thursday morning. He was also seen trying to gain admission to UCLA Medical Center, although Lynne reportedly denied him visitation rights.

Two night's ago, Spears had a verbal altercation with Lutfi — lashing out at him in full view of the cameras.

"Will you please get out?" Spears said. "I don’t care about them right now. I want to drive my ****ing car!"

Spears offered the expletive-filled rant in her British accent as she sat in the passenger seat. Lutfi agreed to Spears' demands and let her take the wheel.

Source: Access Hollywood

Lynne Wants To Take Britney Home!

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

With all the drama that her daughter Britney's been going through lately, is it really surprising that Lynne Spears just wants to take her daughter home?

A source close to Lynne told X17online directly that the Spears matriarch wants to bring Britney right back to Louisiana as soon as the UCLA Medical Center clears her for release.

Our source says Lynne has apparently grown worried about Britney's choice of friends over the last six months - particularly Sam Lufti.

Lynne is concerned about whether moving Britney out of Los Angeles might affect her ongoing custody battle - she doesn't want to negatively affect Britney being about to get her sons back. But she feels Britney needs to recuperate and get treatment before she'll be able to parent effectively.

We just hope Britney gets some help - and by this point, we don't care where she gets it!

Source: X17

Britney Spears "Was Like a Zombie" Hours Before Hospitalization

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

Before she was taken to UCLA Medical Center, Britney Spears made a quick mid-day stop at Jerry’s Deli in Studio City, California, Wednesday.

“Around 3 o’clock, Britney came in and was completely out of it,” an employee tells Usmagazine.com of Spears. “She's come in before, but we've never seen her this bad.

“She was like a zombie ... like she was sleepwalking,” the employee says, adding that she “didn't stay to eat."

She picked up Adnan Ghalib, who met up with her there, and “then left,” the employee says. “It was all over in three minutes.”

About 10 hours later, Spears was admitted to the UCLA Medical Center as part of “a carefully orchestrated intervention.”

Source: US Weekly

Lynne Spears Did Not Want Britney Committed, Says Source

We're not sure what to believe, but….

A source close to Britney Spears has an interesting take on the events of Wednesday night.

They tell PerezHilton.com:

"her mom [Lynne] was too busy to come to her aid cause she was getting a manicure.

when her mom got to the house she was screaming, 'sam's trying to get you commited, get in my car lets go to malibu.'

does that sound like a mother that truly cares?

even adnan was there yesterday and he even thought if anyone should be commited it should have been her mom.

it's unreal and sad to see the disgust this family represent, so damn sad.

a manicure?? despite britney begging her mother all day to come visit, how sad."

Take that for what it's worth. One side of the story.

Source: Perez Hilton

What Can Britney Expect Over The Next Few Days?

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

X17online spoke to a former UCLA psych ward resident, who's painted a grim picture of what Britney Spears will be going through at the medical center over the next few days.

According to the source:

· Britney will be held for at least 72 hours, and up to 14 days if the LA County officer deems her a danger to herself and others.

· Britney will be supervised around the clock by nurses and security, unable to even bathe by herself.

· Over the first few days, Britney will be encouraged to sleep as much as possible, and will be administered sleeping pills, as well as Ativan (an anti-anxiety medication) to help her do so. Meds are doled out three times a day.

· Visitors are allowed to come one hour a day during the week, between 6:30 and 7:30, but on the weekends the stay is extended from 1-3. Visitors are allowed to bring food (although our source says UCLA's food is pretty decent!) but they cannot keep it or any other contraband (sharp objects, razors, etc.) in their rooms.

· The psych ward consists of two wings, with 10 rooms each. Although there are 2 beds per room, it's doubtful that Britney is sharing with anyone. None of the rooms have televisions, although there is a tv in the common area.

· The patients are divided into two categories: addicts and bi-polars, with the highest risk patients restrained by wristbands in their beds.

· Our source said that most of the patients are from 18-50 years old, with at least half of the residents were considered high risk, and therefore restrained.

· The ward is an extremely "tough" environment to live in, with patients getting quite agitated and screams being heard all hours of the night. Our source said there were also many fights that broke out in the common area, due to general paranoia, not to mention the fact that many patients are detoxing.

· After the first few days, Britney will most likely be put on Depakote Seroquel and Lithium for the bi-polar, and Ativan for anti-anxiety.

· A doctor will pay Britney a visit once a day, asking her questions like "are you able to sleep?" "Are you hearing voices?" "Are you paranoid?" "Do you feel like harming yourself?" "Do you think about committing suicide?"

· Britney will not be allowed outside during the first 72 hours, after that, she'll be allowed to visit an outdoor court for one hour a day, at 3pm.

· There are several different groups to keep patients busy throughout the day, including Arts & Crafts, as well as a group called "Journal", where patients are encouraged to read the newspapers to keep up on current events and life on the outside.

· She's allowed to be in her own clothes, with a green, hospital issue robe worn on top, and nothing else but a wristband that contains her social security number and her date of admittance.

It sounds like an extremely tough environment, but probably the best thing for Britney at the moment. Mariah Carey showed drastic improvement after her month-long stay back in 2001!

Poor Britney - hope she gets better soon!

Source: X17

'Gimme More' And 'Piece Of Me' Together Get Over 35 Million Views On Youtube!

Artist Site

EXCLUSIVE: Hospital Treating Britney Spears Specializes In Bipolar Disorder

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

Britney Spears' inner circle, including her estranged mother Lynne, chose to admit her to the UCLA Medical Center because of its experience with treating bipolar disorder, a source tells Usmagazine.com.

"Her lawyers and doctors have been working with UCLA," the source tells Us. "They were ready and had everything in place."

The facility, the source says, is better prepared to treat the troubled singer than L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she was hospitalized for less than 48 hours earlier this month.

"When she went to Cedars they weren't ready for her," the source says.

"They have a much stricter unit at UCLA and treat bipolar cases regularly," the source adds. "This is a serious unit she's on."

(It was reported that singer Mariah Carey was treated at the same facility in 2001 following her highly publicized emotional breakdown.)

Before the intervention, Us reported that Spears hadn't slept since Saturday — a sign of suffering from bipolar disorder, says one expert.

"You can go all night without sleeping," psychiatrist Pauline Wallin tells Us.

Another sign: Spears has extreme highs (known as manic episodes) followed by intense lows (this past Monday, she sobbed on a curbside after a fight with pal Sam Lutfi).

"Her pattern of behavior indicates that she doesn’t have a lot of self-control when she gets upset," Wallin says. (Read what other experts had to say about her state here.)

For now, Spears is at UCLA under a "mental health evaluation hold" – commonly known as a "5150" – meaning she can be held there for up to 72 hours if a medical professional deems her a danger to herself or others.

After the 72-hour treatment, her family can seek a 14-day extended evaluation or patients can decide to seek further treatment, according to ABC News, citing the California Department of Mental Health.

"Because it was planned there's a much higher likelihood they'll be able to extend her stay beyond the 5150," the source tells Us.

Source: US Weekly

Britney Going Back To Louisiana?

The following italicized article is from www.theinsideronline.com:

BRITNEY's attorney MICHAEL FLANAGAN just told "The Insider" he has not spoken to the singer's family since last night's events, but he does know that, "the family would like to take Britney back to Louisiana for a while." Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Spears family has no comment about Britney's current situation.

Source: The Insider Online

Will Britney Be In The Hospital For Two Weeks?

The following italicized article is from www.theinsideronline.com:

BRITNEY SPEARS is currently under evaluation at the UCLA Medical Center and placed on a 5150, which is a 72-hour hold. But there's been speculation the troubled pop star may even be in the hospital for a full two weeks. "The way it works is a law enforcement agency or mental health professional can conclude that someone is a danger to self or others, and undertake an involuntary commitment," ALLAN PARACHINI, L.A. Superior Court spokesperson told the Associated Press. "To extend that for another 14 days there has to be a court hearing. That's typically held in the hospital where the patient is."

Source: The Insider Online

Dr. Phil: Britney's Hospitalization 'A Good Thing'

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Having appeared on both Good Morning America and Today earlier this week to bolster his position after a spokeswoman for the Spears family said he had violated their trust by speaking out about the condition of Britney Spears, TV's Dr. Phil McGraw spoke out once again on the troubled pop star – this time with the women on The View Thursday.

He revealed that his hospital visit with Spears in early January was simply as a possible means to "start a low-key dialogue that might make her open to seeking help," and noted that, according to most recent reports, that is the direction that is being taken.

"If that starts [her] on the road to intervention," he said, "then that is a good thing."

McGraw's View guest appearance in New York coincided with Spears's trip by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center earlier Thursday morning in California for a second round of psychiatric observation. McGraw said he knew nothing more about Spears's condition than what has been reported. He also said that since he and her family have been at odds over his issuing a statement after visiting Britney, he has not been in contact with the Spears family.

He added that as far as his visit with Britney in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is concerned, "I will not disclose what took place."

On Today, McGraw said he wished Spears and her family well at this difficult time.

Source: People

When will this guy shut the f*ck up?

EXCLUSIVE: Lynne Spears Shocked Britney Had "Deteriorated to This Level"

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

Days before Britney Spears' "carefully orchestrated intervention," her mother Lynne Spears "flew out" to L.A. Sunday and was shocked to see how badly the singer's mental condition had deteriorated, a source close to the singer tells Usmagazine.com.

"Lynne was devastated," a source tells Us. "She hadn't seen her in a while and to see her deteriorated to this level – what mother wouldn't be affected by that? It's awful."

On Monday, pal Sam Lutfi phoned The View's Barbara Walters, saying that the the singer and her estranged mom were back on speaking terms.

Though the two appeared terse at a Beverly Hills Mercedes-Benz dealership Tuesday morning, Walters quoted Lutfi as saying, "her mother has been very supportive of whatever it is that Britney is trying to do."

Last night the singer was taken to UCLA Medical Center in a "carefully orchestrated intervention," the source says. (Lynne arrived with Spears' latest beau, paparazzo Adnan Ghalib.)

The singer "had been up since Saturday without any sleep," the source tells Us.

Source: US Weekly

Chaos Inside UCLA

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Sources inside UCLA Medical Center tell TMZ Britney checked into the facility using an alias. We will not divulge the name, but what happened inside is bizarre.

Our sources say Britney said she was on Adderall, a stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder, and was taking up to ten laxatives a day. Side note - cameras caught Spears a few days ago picking up a bagful of laxatives.

We're also told, when she was admitted, Britney accused her mom of "sleeping with my boyfriend." She wasn't specific on who she was referring to.

We're also told for a time she was hurling swearwords at her parents and staff.

Source: TMZ

EXCLUSIVE: Lynne Wants To Take Britney Home To Louisiana

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

Britney Spears’ mother, Lynne, is planning to try and take her daughter home to Louisiana.

Following last night’s intervention and subsequent hospitalization, Lynne has decided that she is taking Britney out of L.A. as soon as she’s released from UCLA Medical Center. “Lynne is extremely concerned for her daughter and would like to take Britney back home to Louisiana and get her out of Hollywood,” Britney’s lawyer Michael Flanagan told PageSix.com exclusively.

Lynne feels that the biggest problem facing Britney's recovery is the circle of friends she’s become involved with and Lynne desperately wants to extricate her daughter from that. “Brit has an amazing support system in Louisiana,” Flanagan says, reinforcing the belief that Britney simply can't get the help she needs while she remains in L.A. “Lynn was holding up reasonably well, but her first priority and concern right now is with her daughter and helping her through this very tough situation that she is in.”

But as we’ve seen with Brit before, until she decides to make a change there is nothing anyone — not even her mother — can do to force her hand.

Source: Page Six

Sam Lutfi Being Cut Out Of Britney's Life

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

Sources tell PageSIx.com that Britney Spears' legal team has been instructed by the pop star's family not to talk to Sam Lutfi.

This move follows reports that the situation at Britney's Beverly Hills home devolved last night as Britney's parents argued with Sam, Britney's sometime manager, over her wellbeing.

Story developing...

Source: Page Six

Sam's Story

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

Brit's companion Sam Lutfi, texted us early this morning to give us his side of the story and this is how it went ...

Me: u there?

**Sam: I'm in a room with her now. Doctor refuses to get any info from Adnan or the family. They've requested my presence.

Me: so the doc's requested u so u could give her recent medical history?

Sam: Yes.

Me: Is Lynne pissed at you? Why is Adnan there?

Sam: Lynne didn't want to go along with the doctor trying to get her help 'case she was worried Britney would blame her for it. Britney learned that Lynne has been in contact with Adnan these past few weeks and was furious over that ... Britney was suffering a mental breakdown. She's been under the care of Deborah Nadel this past week. After today's visit, the doctor felt Britney needed to be hopitalized.

Me: So Nadel suggested the hospitalization?

Sam: Yes, Deborah did.

Me: Is Brit going to stay at UCLA for a while?

Sam: A few days at least.

Me: Was she asleep when they brought her in? Did she go willingly?

Sam: Wasn't asleep. Went willingly.

Me: Why did her mom rush to the house? Who called her? Seemed like an emergency. Did the doc really think Brit would hurt herself?

Sam: No, doc was concerned more about the driving. Not suicide.

Me: And why was she not sleeping the past two days? A manic episode?

Sam: Yes.

That was it -- I had to sleep for a couple hours.

But the battle between Lynne and Sam seems to rage on.

Sam was supposedly the one who orchestrated Brit's reunion with her mom just months ago. At that time, Britney emailed me and said, "Sam brought me my momma. I'm happy."

It appears Sam and Lynne's relationship has since been strained ...

Source: X17

**Update - this has since changed as the doctors are now dealing with Britney's parents not Sam.

Mama Spear's Leaving Hospital - Britney's OK

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ just caught up with Lynne Spears -- with Brit's bro Bryan -- outside of UCLA Medical center, where Britney is now on a three-day psychiatric hold.

Lynne said very little, except to confirm that her daughter was O.K. TMZ also caught Brit's father, a solemn looking Jamie, making his exit alone.

Source: TMZ

Lynne Spears and Adnan Ghalib Leave Hospital

The following italicized article is from www.etonline.com:

After an eventful night, Hollywood.tv captures BRITNEY's mom LYNNE and paparazzo pal ADNAN GHALIB leaving the UCLA Medical Center this morning. Britney has been placed on a 5150, which is a 72-hour hold, as she is evaluated and treated at the facility.

Source: ET Online

EXCLUSIVE: Britney Spears Hadn't Slept Since Saturday, "There Was No Suicide Attempt"

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

A source close to Britney Spears tells Usmagazine.com her early morning trip to the hospital was “ a carefully orchestrated intervention.”

Lynne Spears — who arrived in L.A. Sunday night — “flew out for it, and her lawyers have been coordinating all along with the Los Angeles Police Department,” the source says. “They were ready and had everything in place."

The source adds that “there was never a suicide attempt. Once her family convinced her to go, she went in willingly.”

Spears, the source adds, “had been up since Saturday without any sleep. But that was a good situation for her to be in because she would be too exhausted to protest going in."

Because the hospital check-in was planned, “ there's a much higher likelihood they'll be able to extend her stay beyond the 5150,” the source says.

5150 means that Spears can spend up to 72 hours in a locked mental institution and must be monitored by trained professionals like a psychiatrist or a nurse.

Source: US Weekly

Lynne Leaves The UCLA Medical Center At 5.30am

See them all here!

Source: Britney Experts

Britney Spears “more comfortable” in latest hospital trip

The following italicized article is from www.showbizspy.com:

Pop wreck Britney Spears’ latest trip to the hospital is much more different from the last time: the Toxic singer went willingly, and she’s “more comfortable” receiving medical care – even making a joke about her second trip, a source close to the pop star says.

“She’ll be in there [hospital] for at least 72 hours getting evaluated. She might even stay longer,” the source told America’s People magazine. “She’s more comfortable this time, she came into the waiting area, had a cigarette, made a joke about being there again. But who knows what will happen. All we can hope for is that she gets better.”

And getting help for the 26-year-old mother of two was much easier - as it was planned far in advance, the source claims.

“Something like this has been in the works since the [last trip to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]. She has been seeing her psychiatrist every day,” the source says. “No one thought this would happen this soon, but it was clear if she stayed up for more than three days she’d have to get sent, since that could cause real damage. The last time she slept was Saturday.”

Adds the source: “The motorcade and everything was planned, it was already in the works to have them block off the road and airspace. It worked out perfectly.”

Source: Showbiz Spy

Britney Spears’ mom vows to stand by her

The following italicized article is from www.showbizspy.com:

Britney Spears’ formerly estranged mom Lynn Spears has vowed to stand by her troubled daughter.

Despite being shunned by the ‘Gimme More’ singer - who earlier today was rushed to hospital on the orders of her new psychiatrist - Lynne insists she will continue to do everything in her power to help the 26-year-old singer.

She said: “Britney is on my mind day and night. She never leaves my thoughts. I love Britney dearly, and I want nothing more than to protect her and make everything all right for her.”

Lynne arrived at the Toxic singer’s Beverly Hills mansion on Monday night with her ex-husband and Britney’s dad Jamie to look after the star after she had a blazing row with her manager Sam Lutfi.

Lynne then spent Tuesday morning with Britney in Los Angeles while she shopped for a car. Relations between the pair remain frosty after Britney famously issued a restraining order to keep her mother away from her sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James last year.

Lynn also spoke about news that her 16-year-old daughter Jamie Lynn is pregnant with her first child.

She told America’s Life and Style Weekly magazine: “Jamie Lynn is my baby. I’m doing my best. I’m doing as well as can be expected. I will always be there for her.”

Source: Showbiz Spy

Britney Spears Hospitalized Again for Mental Evaluation

The following italicized article is from www.transworld news.com:

Britney Spears was taken from her Beverly Hills home in an ambulance for the second time this month. The troubled singer was transported to the UCLA Medical Center for mental evaluation this morning around 1 a.m.

According to her manager Sam Lufti, Spears was willingily hospitalized as she realized she needed help. “She went willingly. It was like something in her heart was telling her she should go. She knew something was wrong,” said Lufti. He denies reports that Spears attempted suicide.

A police source confirmed Spears’ hospitalization. “Spears was escorted by police and is on her way to get help,” the sources said.

The 26-year-old has been put on a 5150 hold, which means she can be held by doctors against her will for 72 hours.

Earlier this month, the singer was put on a 5150 hold after a standoff with police. She was hospitalized after refusing to return her children to their father Kevin Federline. A mental evaluation was conducted and Spears was released from the hospital less than a day and a half later.

Sources say Spears’ wild behavior brought on her current hospitalization. “She was driving around her neighborhood like a mad-woman. Britney has been prescribed medication which she refuses to take. This is just another sad, sad evening,” said the source

Source: Transworld News

Parents to Sam: She's Ours Now

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ has learned Britney's parents have won round one in the tug of war with Sam Lutfi. We're told the doctors at UCLA are now "fully cooperating" with the parents in the treatment of Britney Spears, however, the war probably is not over until a judge signs an order as to who has control.

By the way, the men in white coats are giving props to LAPD's "SMART Unit" which specializes in mental health cases for coordinating the events that went down last night and early this morning.

UPDATE: Sam Lutfi left the hospital before 4:00 AM. Papa Jamie just left.

Source: TMZ

Lynne And Adnan Together On Their Way To UCLA Medical Center

See them all here!

Source: Britney Experts

Britney Officially On Psychiatric Hold

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ a L.A. County Superior Court judge has just signed a "5150," meaning Britney Spears is on a three-day psychiatric hold at the UCLA Medical Center.

We're told there is a "good possibility" that it will be extended to 14 days. We've also learned there have been several parallel attempts to get Britney on a 5150. Her lawyers, Anne Kiley and Tara Scott, secured a new psychiatrist late last week -- he's the one who triggered the 5150 last night.

At the same time, we're told Britney's mother, father and brother have been "working closely with the LAPD for weeks" to get her back in for psychiatric care. There is now a dogfight between Britney's family and Sam Lutfi over who will make medical decisions, however, that fight is now put on hold because the judge now makes the call.

Once the psychiatric hold ends, something has to give.

Stay tuned.

Source: TMZ

How Britney's Second Psychiatric Hold Went Down

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ has broken story after story in the middle of the night, detailing the second commitment of Britney Spears that occurred in the last few hours. For all of you who have just logged on, here's a summary.

Last night, Britney's new psychiatrist went to her home and felt she was a danger to herself and others -- partly because of her reckless driving and partly because of her "downhill behavior." As a result, the shrink launched a plan (days in the making) to have Britney committed to UCLA Medical Center by calling the cops.

Sources tell us the cops knew it was coming. In fact, the plan was for cops and paramedics to take Britney away the night before, but it was scrubbed. Last night, it all went down according to plan. Cops even used code to minimize craziness in transporting Britney to the hospital. Over the police radio, she was referred to as "The Package."

Before the cops arrived, the shrink told her she was going back to the hospital and she offered no resistance. She said, "Is something wrong?" She made hot chocolate and waited. Her mom, Lynne, got extremely agitated, accusing Sam of engineering the impending commitment. We're told Brit told her to "shut the hell up." She demanded silence, sat on the floor and wrote notes to people who were there as they waited. When emergency personnel arrived, Brit went on the gurney without resistance.

When everyone arrived at UCLA, things got heated. Jamie Spears began screaming at Sam Lutfi, accusing him of trying to control Britney. We're told as far as the doctors are concerned -- at least for now -- Lynne and Jamie Spears are not calling the shots. The point guy for the docs is Brit's friend, Sam Lutfi.

Sources say after Britney's commitment earlier this month, she was extremely upset at her dad for getting angry at Sam and the hospital staff. Britney had lawyers draft several documents, however, we're told she did not sign a durable power of attorney giving Lutfi the power to make medical decisions on her behalf. Nevertheless, something was signed and doctors are going to Lutfi for guidance. Jamie went off on Lutfi in the hallway, accusing him of trying to control his daughter.

Britney has been calm in the hospital, even getting a "cigarette break."

We're told during the initial 72-hour stay she cannot be forced to take medication against her will. If, however, she refuses to take the meds, the plan is for the psychiatrist to go to court and have Britney held for an additional 14 days, during which time he could administer proper medications.

As TMZ first reported, Britney has already been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and has sporadically taken her medication. But one source says the meds just aren't doing the trick.

Oh, and get this. Lynne Spears drove to the hospital tonight with Brit's pap friend Adnan!

Stay tuned.

Source: TMZ

Bitter Fight Over Brit In Hospital

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ has learned there is a bitter fight underway as this story is published. It's taking place in the halls of UCLA Medical Center. As of right now Jamie and Lynne Spears have been told they are not calling the shots in making medical decisions on behalf of Britney. Right now, it appears Sam Lutfi is in the driver's seat, but that could all change.

Sources tell us after Britney's stay at Cedars earlier this month, she had her lawyers draft paperwork making it clear she did not want her parents involved in making medical decisions on her behalf. We're told her dad had gone ballistic back then, screaming and swearing at Lutfi -- even pushing him -- in from of Britney.

As for what paperwork was signed, the cleanest thing would be if Britney signed a durable power of attorney, giving someone power to make medical decision on her behalf in an emergency. We are told no such document was signed, but somehow Britney made it clear she wanted Lutfi to make those decisions.

Right now, the doctors at UCLA are working with Lutfi and not the parents, but lawyers have been called and the tension in the air is thick. We're told Jamie was screaming at Sam in the hallway, accusing him of trying to control his daughter's mind.

As for Britney, we're told she's not only calm, the doctor's have just given her a "cigarette break!"

Stay tuned.

Source: TMZ

Lynne and Jamie need to do something fast because Sam has not Britney's interest in heart!

Britney Was Cucumber Calm -- Almost Kumbaya

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Unlike the last time she was committed, this time around Britney Spears was all about peace and silence as she waited for cops and paramedics to take her away.

At her home earlier in the evening, we're told Sam Lutfi informed Brit he had been working with her psychiatrist and the cops and she would be going back to the hospital. At that point, we're told, Lynne Spears became extremely upset and accused Lutfi of trying to control her daughter. Brit then told everyone to "shut up," saying "I'll do what I need to do."

After that, Britney demanded complete silence. She sat on the floor and began passing notes to Lutfi, Adnan and others as they waited for the cops and emergency workers. Utterly different from the last time.

Stay tuned.

Source: TMZ

Britney Set To Release 2 New Singles

New reports claim that Break The Ice will be released in America while Hot As Ice will be released in Europe.

Both singles and videos will be launched simultaneously. Britney is set to shoot the videos in mid-February or at the beginning of March.

Source: Break The Ice/U Britney

Billboard Chart Update For The Week Ending Of January 31st

On the Billboard Hot 100 'Piece Of Me' rises 3 places to #18 in its 13th week on the chart.

On the Billboard 200 'Blackout' drops 13 places comming in at #48 in its 13th week on the chart.

See the other positions here:

'Piece Of Me' on the Hot Digital Songs: 8(+2)
'Piece Of Me' on the Hot Dance Club Play: 16(+8)
'Piece Of Me' on the Pop 100: 20(-2)

Source: Break The Ice

“Break The Ice” Promo CDS Released; Next Single?

Despite media reports that “Hot As Ice” was Britney’s next single, it now seems that “Break The Ice” will be the song the world will be listening to for the next few months.

A promo CD has been sent out, including the album version and instrumental. Unfortunately, there’s no radio edit, which I think the song needs to be a single.

Another hint that it’s the next single is that the song jumped 201 places in a day to #91 on the Mediabase US radio airplay chart.

Note that the single cover isn’t confirmed, but the one above was added to eBay shortly after the CDS leaked.

Source: Britney Spy

Britney Spears Hospitalized Again For Evaluation

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Britney Spears was hospitalized at UCLA Medical Center for a 72-hour psychiatric hold Wednesday night, after being transported by ambulance from her Studio City home around 1 a.m.

An LAPD source tells PEOPLE: "Spears was escorted by police and is on her way to get help."

The singer, 26, was transported to UCLA Medical Center for another 72-hour emergency hold, known as a 5150.

Police or a mental health professional can request one if a person is deemed to be a danger to him and herself or others. (Spears was held at Cedars-Sinai on such an order earlier this month, following her Jan. 3 custody standoff with police.)

Spears's mother, Lynne – who's has been in the midst of a tense reunion with her daughter – friend Alli Sims and confidant Sam Lutfi were all inside the gated mansion when police and the fire department arrived.

What brought on the hospitalization? "She was driving around her neighborhood like a mad-woman," says a Spears family source. "Britney has been prescribed medication which she refuses to take. This is just another sad, sad evening."

Earlier in the evening, Internet rumors claimed that the singer had attempted suicide, but Lutfi and Sims both denied those claims to PEOPLE.

Since the January standoff, Spears has been stripped of visitation rights for her two sons Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1. Two sources have said she suffers from a psychological disease, with one source saying, "there is no question she is bipolar... she's had manic episodes for years."

As last night's incident unfolded, a Spears source told PEOPLE simply, "Pray, please."

Source: People

Britney's Back In the Hospital

The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

In a scene eerily reminiscent of her Jan. 4 standoff with authories, just before 11pm PT on Wednesday night, five LAPD squad cars arrived at Britney Spears' house in The Summit, the private, gated community above Beverly Hills while three police helicopters hovered overhead.

Within minutes, Britney's mother Lynne Spears, who after several months of being out of the picture, had flown to L.A. on Sunday to be with her distraught daughter, pulled into the Summit gates.

At the time, X17online.com had reported that the pop star had attempted suicide. However, they soon amended that report when Britney's pal Sam Lutfi contacted them to say that "Britney is fine."

Also inside the house was Sam's nemesis, Brit's boyfriend, photographer Adnan Ghalib, who was sending texts to his paparazzo buddies waiting outside The Summit that "something big" was about to happen.

Finally, at 1am PT, six motorcycle cops, five additional squad cars and an ambulance arrived on the scene. Police immediately began to barricade the road outside of the Summit gates, clearly paving the way for a quick and easy exit down the hills.

Fifteen minutes later, Britney exited the rear entrance of The Summit (reserved for fire and emergency vehicles) in the back of an ambulance on her way to UCLA Medical Center. Following behind her in a Range Rover was her mother Lynne and Adnan. Sam was behind them, riding solo in an Escalade, with Britney's cousin Alli Sims and a friend pulling up the rear.

Minutes later, Britney's father Jamie Spears was forced to go the long way to the hospital, as he was unable to pass through the police barricades.

Around 1:30am PT, Britney's ambulance — with its blacked-out windows — arrived at UCLA Medical Center where the pop star was admitted. When asked by OK!, her father Jamie would neither confirm nor deny reports that his daughter had been committed by her psychologist.

If it is true that Brit's doctor has placed her on a 5150 hold — meaning she is a danger to herself and others — it is unlikely she'll be released after only two nights like she was after her Jan. 4 standoff.

This latest stunner of a story from Britney Land comes after several days of bizarre behavior on the singer's part, including public spats with both Adnan and Sam (who have also been fighting with each other), her inexplicable British accent, and sleepless, manic days and nights during which the singer drove aimlessly around Los Angeles.

Many had hoped that the arrival of her mother Lynne would help to calm Brit, but on Tuesday night a visit from both her parents devolved into a fight.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney Went Willingly

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ has learned the plan to get Britney into UCLA Medical Center had been hatched for days -- it was aborted last night, but executed just minutes ago. And we're told the plan was so intricate the FAA had cleared airspace in route to the hospital.

Back at her house, Britney's psychiatrist told her she was going to the hospital. Her response was, "Is something wrong?" She was not resistant. She made hot chocolate and waited before paramedics arrived and placed her on a gurney.

We're told the psychiatrist felt her condition had deteriorated. Britney had not slept since Saturday -- a day and half longer than she stayed up in recent memory.

The reason she's at UCLA is her new treating psychiatrist practices out of that medical center.

We're told during her initial 72-hour stay she cannot be forced to take medication against her will. If, however, she refuses to take meds, the plan is for the the psych to go to court and have Britney held for an additional 14 days, during which time he can administer proper medications.

And get this ironic twist -- Lynne Spears and Adnan drove to the Medical Center in the same car. A source tells us when Lynne found out Britney was being committed, she blamed it on Sam and was extremely agitated. When Brit heard that, she screamed to her mother, "Shut the hell up."

Source: TMZ

Alli and the Ambulance Arrive at Brit's

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Alli Sims was all smiles when she arrived at the chaotic scene surrounding Britney's -- and had to cover her mouth to block her cheek-splitting grin!

The medical motorcade arrived shortly after -- as a team of motorcycle cops led the way for an ambulance that was later to take Britney to the UCLA Medical Center.

More video on the way ...

Source: TMZ

UCLA, Here Britney Comes

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Britney Spears is currently being taken by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center and will be placed on a 5150 hold, which means she poses a danger to herself and others. This is her second 5150 stint this month.

Cops are currently speaking on police radio in code, saying, "The Package is on the way."

Source: TMZ

Cops Use Code in Britney Case

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ has learned the media frenzy surrounding Britney's drama has caused cops to speak in code over the police radio. Britney's code name is "The Package."

Law enforcement sources have told us their arrival at Britney's house has been planned all evening. Furthermore we're told the original plan was for cops to pick Britney up last night, but that didn't happen.

Story developing ...

Source: TMZ

No Suicide Call from Brit's House

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

There is an Internet report circulating that Britney tried to commit suicide, but people inside the house dispute that.

Now law enforcement sources tell us the psychiatrist who called police never mentioned anything about a suicide, but rather her reckless driving and erratic behavior.

Story developing ...

Source: TMZ

Britney Shrink Calls Cops

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Britney's psychiatrist got in touch with the North Hollywood division of the LAPD and set tonight's events in motion.

As we first reported (see below) the shrink told cops that he was alarmed at her driving and her "downhill behavior." We're told the Captain at the North Hollywood division told officers "something must be done."

The EMS just arrived and we expect Britney will be taken to the UCLA Medical Center.

Source: TMZ

Britney About to Be Temporarily Committed

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Sources tell TMZ Britney's psychiatrist visited her tonight -- as we first reported, she is under the daily care of a shrink who is giving her medicine for a bipolar disorder. The shrink was alarmed at her reckless driving and her conduct and has decided Brit needs to be hospitalized on another 5150 hold, meaning she is a danger to herself and others.

He has called for police who are en route. No one has entered the house yet.

Contrary to an online report, Britney has not tried to kill herself.

We're told Lynne Spears is at the house and is upset with the shrink. Sam Lutfi is in favor of the 5150, given Britney's mental state.

Britney is basically non-responsive about the whole thing -- out of it.

UPDATE: Alli Sims just arrived. We're told there is "extreme tension inside the house" between Sam Lutfi and members of Spears' family.

Story developing ...

Source: TMZ

Cops Back At Britney's House

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ has learned that the police are back at Britney Spears' Beverly Hills home, but police officials would not reveal the reason why.

Between 60-75 paparazzi -- way more than usual -- several local news vans and a helicopter are on the scene. A TMZ photog described the crowd as being very similar to the one that was camped outside her home on the night she was taken to the hospital, though no ambulances have been spotted thus far.

Story developing ...

Source: TMZ

Britney Headed Back to the Hospital

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

Britney Spears' pal Sam Lutfi tells PageSix.com that the pop singer is being taken to a Los Angeles hospital to be put on a 5150 psychiatric hold for the second time this month, signifying that she has been deemed a danger to herself or others.

LAPD confirmed to us that they responded to a call at Brit's Summit home this evening. Since then, X17 has reported the arrival of an ambulance and numerous police vehicles.

Despite last Friday's appointment with a psychiatrist and Tuesday's reunion with mom Lynne, Britney's behavior had been increasingly erratic over the past few days, and a family source told PageSix.com Brit wasn't getting any sleep.

Story developing...

Source: Page Six

Report: Britney Attempted Suicide

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

X17online is reporting that Britney Spears tried to kill herself this evening. The photo agency says that troubled pop star, who had been hospitalized on January 3 on a psychiatric hold, had attempted suicide at her Beverly Hills home, and that her mom, Lynne, had rushed to her side.

As PageSix.com reported just a few hours ago, Britney had been on a wild ride over the past day, and her behavior included trips to a number of random locations and an argument with her pal/sometime manager Sam Lutfi. A Spears family insider told PageSix.com earlier this evening that the 26-year-old was "on a manic high," adding, "She's been up all night and hasn't slept in 24 hours straight."

That same insider is now claiming that the pop star didn't attempt suicide, but admits that a doctor was at Britney's home in the Summit gated community just a few hours ago.

Officer Brose from the LAPD confirmed to PageSix.com that police have responded to Britney's house but couldn't provide any details of what was going on.

Story developing...

Source: Page Six

Sam Not Welcome At Hospital!

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

An X17online photographer reports that Brit's pap "boyfriend" Adnan Ghalib is inside UCLA Medical Center with Lynne Spears right now.

Our photographer saw Sam Lutfi attempt to enter the hospital and Sam was denied and was told to leave the premises.

The fighting between Lynne and Sam has been going on for weeks, if not months. Sam was worried, recently, that Lynne was more in Adnan's favor than his own. Lynne, on the other hand, is concerned about Sam's intentions and now, it seems, for her daughter's safety when she's in Sam's care.

Question - how could a guy who is trying to sell tapes of intimate moments revealing Britney's illness be considered a friend? Setting up her daughter for personal financial gain - friend or foe?

more details coming ...

Source: X17

BRIT AT UCLA MEDICAL CENTER

BRITNEY HAS ARRIVED AT UCLA MEDICAL CENTER, WHERE MARIAH CAREY RECEIVED TREATMENT FROM THE PSYCHIATRIC WARD IN 2001.

Source: X17

AMBULANCE WITH CONVOY HAS ARRIVED

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

X17 PHOTOGRAPHERS ON THE SCENE REPORT THAT ONE AMBULANCE, A LARGE WHITE VAN, TWO UNDERCOVER POLICE CARS, AND APPROXIMATELY 15 MOTORCYCLE POLICE HAVE ARRIVED AT BRITNEY'S HOME.

UPDATE - THE AMBULANCE HAS LEFT THE SIDE EXIT OF BRITNEY'S NEIGHBORHOOD AND IS BELIEVED TO BE HEADED TO CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER WITH BRITNEY INSIDE.

UPDATE - PageSix.com confirms with Sam that Britney is being taken to Cedars on a 5150 hold.

Source: X17

AMBULANCES ON THEIR WAY

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

TWO AMBULANCES ARE ON THEIR WAY TO BRITNEY'S HOME NOW

Lynne's arrival earlier tonight ...

See more here!

Source: X17

ALLI'S ON HER WAY!

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

X17 photographers have been in touch with Britney's childhood friend and former assistant Alli Sims and she tells us she is on her way to Brit's home right now.

She would not comment further on the evening's events.

Let's hope Britney just passed out after not sleeping for almost three days!

Source: X17

LYNNE TELLS X17 BRITNEY'S FINE

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

It seems as if there was some unnecessary urgency in a phone call Lynne Spears received tonight around 10:15 pm PT -- Lynne was worried that her daughter had attempted suicide, but now she has told X17online that "Britney is fine."

What isn't clear is why police arrived at Britney's home around 10 pm and cordoned off Britney's home and placed themselves at the gate to Brit's neighborhood.

We hope Britney is safe and that whatever emergency happened almost two hours ago has been taken care of and is over.

We're on your side, Brit!

Source: X17

SAM SAYS EVERYTHING IS FINE

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

An X17online photographer has been in touch with Britney's friend Sam Lutfi and Sam tells us "everything is fine."

He did not elaborate on the supposed suicide attempt nor did he go into any detail about Britney's current state.

Meanwhile, Lynne Spears has arrived at the house -- she rushed there after receiving an urgent phone call from someone inside Britney's home -- possibly from Britney herself.

There is still no ambulance at the scene.

We hope this urgent phone call Lynne received was overblown and NOT something as serious as a suicide attempt.

Source: X17