Thursday, February 7, 2008

Lawyers Meet For Britney Spears Hearing

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

Attorneys for Britney Spears and her father attended a closed-door emergency hearing Thursday, a day after the singer's early release from a psychiatric hospital.

The attorneys met before Commissioner Reva Goetz, who recently extended temporary control of Spears's affairs to her father Jamie and a lawyer. The session lasted about a half hour, and the lawyers left without commenting.

Apearing in Goetz's downtown L.A. court were Jeryll S. Cohen and Vivian Thoreen, who represent Jamie; Samuel Ingham, a court-appointed lawyer for Britney; and Andrew Wallet who, along with Jamie, is co-temporary conservator of the pop star's estate.

Adam Streisand, an attorney (and relative of Barbra Streisand) who had once claimed to represent Spears – and who met with her Wednesday night – was not there; his firm announced he was off the case.

Source: People

The Court's Lips Are Sealed


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

A rep for the court just came out of the hearing ... but can't tell us anything!

We're told that today's hearing with Jamie's lawyers and Brit's co-conservator is over, but court spokesman Allan Parachini tells TMZ, "Everything about this matter is sealed" -- and cannot disclose even why they are in court.

We have learned, however, that a motion filed today by Spears' conservator was unopposed.

We're working on exactly what went down.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

Another Day in Court for Brit's Parents

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

As predicted by OK! after last night's return to old form for Britney Spears, lawyers for her father Jamie Spears are back in an L.A. court this afternoon where sources tell OK! they are expected to ask the judge to strengthen the existing conservatorship order that gives Jamie and co-conservator, attorney Andrew Wallet, temporary control over Brit's financial and medical decisions.

Wallet and lawyers from the firm Luce-Forward are in place at the courthouse now, and sources tell OK! that Jamie will soon be making his way there. It is not yet known if Brit's mother Lynne Spears will be attending the hearing.

Stay tuned to OK! as the story develops.

Source: OK Magazine

Spears Family Attorneys Have Arrived At Court

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

TMZ is at the downtown L.A. courthouse where attorney and co-conservator Andrew Wallet and attorneys Samuel Ingham and Jeryll Cohen have just arrived in court. Jamie Spears is not there ... yet.

As we first reported, Jamie Spears may be gunning to get some teeth into the conservatorship order. With these lawyers lining up, that could be just what happens.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

Brit's Attorney Is Out!

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

TMZ just received the following statement from Brit's attorney Adam Streisand:

"At the request of Britney Spears, Adam Streisand, a Partner at Loeb & Loeb LLP, met with her yesterday to discuss her legal rights in connection with the conservatorship over her person and estate. Following that meeting, Mr. Streisand learned that the court had issued orders that prevent Ms. Spears from retaining counsel of her own choosing, and on that basis, Mr.Streisand has decided he will not represent her at this time."

Source: TMZ

He's Not A Doctor!!!!!!!!

Osama Lutfi has hired a publicist so that people can find out the truth about him. Uh huh.

His new mouthpiece is a fella named Michael Sands, who up until this week - when he was fired - was the spokesperson for Kevin Federline's lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan.

Well, Sands held a press conference on behalf of Lutfi Thursday morning and he talked a lot of shit.

However, one of the most alarming things he said was the following:

"Sam has been providing prescription medication, cocktails is what its called for Britney's medical issues. Sometimes the medication really doesn't work and you have to change it and you see outrageous behavior displayed in public."

He should not have been giving her ANY cocktails, alcoholic or medicinal.

Britney Spears needs to be under the constant supervision of DOCTORS and trained medical professionals!

Thankfully, her parents have a restraining order against Lutfi.

Stay away, Osama!

Source: Perez Hilton

Spears Hires Lindsay Lohan's Former Bodyguard

The following italicized article is taken from www.ndtvmusic.com:

Troubled pop star Britney Spears' parents have reportedly hired Lindsay Lohan's former bodyguard who has been trained in the Israel Army.

The bodyguard was seen driving the car that picked up Spears from the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles after she was released from there Wednesday, contactmusic.com reports. Spears' parents have taken control of her legal, financial and security affairs.

The unnamed bodyguard had first made headlines when he threatened a photographer who kicked Lohan during a commotion in Halloween last year in an underground parking garage in Los Angeles last year.

He chased away the photographer and asked other photographers to name the other man. When they could not, he told them to find out who he was and to tell him, "I want to meet him personally."

Source: NDTV Music

Sam Still Avoiding Restraining Order

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

Six days after Britney Spears' parents successfully filed a restraining order against Sam Lutfi, her near-constant companion and supposed "manager," an official for the court confirms to OK! that the singer's friend has still yet to be served with the document.

Allan Parrachini, the press officer for the court, announced Thursday morning that process servers have been unable to hand off the order to Sam, who the restraining order alleges has attempted to control every aspect of Britney's life. (CLICK HERE for all the details of the order)

At a hearing on Monday, a court investigator admitted that they had been able to pin down Lutfi's location at the time, but that he refused to answer the door. It is illegal for a process server to enter a private home without permission.

Source: OK Magazine

Brit's Family To Wasser: Come Back!!

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

TMZ has learned disso queen Laura Wasser paid a secret visit at the UCLA psych ward last Tuesday, and the family wants Laura back as Brit's custody attorney.

Wasser, who repped Brit in the divorce, quit the case -- we're told because Britney wouldn't listen to her. But sources say Jamie and Lynne want her back.

TMZ knows Jamie wants to 86 Trope and Trope as Brit's reps, in part because they have been chummy with Sam Lutfi. People at UCLA say Britney "lit up" when she saw Wasser. But there's a hitch -- we're told the deal will be sealed ONLY if Britney doesn't fight the conservatorship. As of Tuesday, she was fine letting Jamie call the shots, but it looks like that's changed.

If Brit accepts the conservatorship and Jamie is at the reins, Laura Wasser could be back in the Britney business.

Source: TMZ

Sam Has NOT Been Served

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

TMZ has confirmed that Sam Lutfi has not been served with the restraining order sought by Brit's parents-- yet.

If he comes in contact with Britney, it technically wouldn't violate the restraining order issued against him -- since he hasn't officially been given notice.

It's a technicality, yes, but Sam could argue he doesn't know about the TRO since he hasn't even seen it.

Of course, he'd also have to prove he doesn't use the Internet ... or read the newspapers ... or watch TV or ...

Source: TMZ

Britney's Mental State To Be Debated In Court Today

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

After a standoff with her father last night at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Britney Spears returned to her home at The Summit with dad Jamie and boyfriend Adnan Ghalib, capping off yet another eventful day for the pop tart.

Following her release from the psychiatric unit at UCLA Medical Center in the morning, she briefly went home with her parents before hopping in her Mercedes and driving erratically through the streets of Los Angeles, ending up at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she hooked up with Adnan.

Last night, she met with her lawyer, Adam Streisand, to discuss today's court hearing regarding her mental competency.

Later today, Streisand is believed to be planning to petition Commissioner Reva Goetz to have an evidentary hearing to prove Britney is, indeed, mentally competent to retain her own counsel. Jamie is also expected in court, where it's thought he'll be asking to have the conservator's orders enforced, so that his oldest daughter can get the medical treatment she needs.

Source: Page Six

Britney's First Night Home From The Hospital

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

Britney Spears spent her first night out of the hospital at home with her family, after what was a dramatic day with the pop star driving around L.A.

After her surprise early release from the UCLA Medical Center's psych ward, Spears spent much of Wednesday bouncing around the city – speeding off with one paparazzi pal, getting a room at the Beverly Hills Hotel and visiting with lawyer Adam Streisand.

But the singer's first night of freedom was uneventful (at least from the outside). After sneaking out of the law office in Century City, the 26-year-old singer and her paparazzo-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib reportedly stopped at a restaurant in the Valley. The two were then driven back to Spears's Summit Circle house in Studio City by a photographer from the X17 photo agency.

The singer's father, Jamie – who has been named co-conservator of her $40-million fortune – was spotted at the Beverly Hills Hotel Wednesday evening and was "tired looking," says one witness. He was briefly escorted to a room, but later returned to the Summit house, where Spears, Ghalib, and the singer's mother, Lynne, were all gathered.

After midnight, Lynne drove away from the house in her Range Rover. Mobbed by photographers, she ducked behind the steering wheel to shield herself from the snappers.

As night turned into morning, Spears and Jamie remained inside the house.

Spears's confidante, Sam Lutfi – who has been accused of drugging Britney and has been ordered to keep his distance from the singer – has yet to resurface.

Source: People

Brit Back In Court To Battle Dad Today?

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

We're hearing that Britney's new attorney, Adam Streisand, may be heading back to court today to petition the commisioner that Britney is, indeed, mentally stable enough to retain her own counsel, which will be the first step in trying to put an end to father Jamie's conservatorship.

Jamie is expected to appear, but it's doubtful that the newly released Britney will show.

Calls to Adam Streisand's office were not immediately returned.

Stay tuned...

With all that's happened, you'd Britney might just want to rest!

Source: X17

X17 XCLUSIVE: Britney's First Night Home

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

After an exhausting day of running from one place to the next, Britney Spears finally came to rest at the Summit last night for the first time since being admitted to UCLA's Mental Health Center.

The pop starlet changed out of her pink wig and into some more comfortable clothes before heading outside for some more quality time with Adnan.


Despite the day's seriousness, Britney and Adnan appeared to be in a playful mood - for instance, when Britney accidentally dropped a glass (around two minutes into our clip below), Adnan pretended that he'd been struck in the eye by a flying shard. Needless to say, Britney got concerned - but was happily able to laugh it off when Adnan revealed that he was kidding!

From time to time, Britney's mother Lynne would check in with her daughter. At one point, she stopped outside to say goodnight to Britney and Adnan - and to tell the pair that she'd be visiting Sean and Jayden the next day! (Listen up at 4:08 of our clip - you can actually hear her saying it!)

Hopefully Britney got some rest last night - after all, yesterday was quite a day for her!

We were a little worried to see that pink wig - after all, you all remember what it supposedly means!

See more pics here!

Source: X17

Mark Vincent Kaplan -- Britney's Lawyer, Too?


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

Mark Vincent Kaplan officially has a fan. Only problem: The guy thinks he's Britney's lawyer, not K-Fed's!

TMZ was talking to Kaplan about the ongoing custody battle outside Madeo last night in Beverly Hills, when the celeb hunter known as "Yaya" could be heard shouting "I know you're the lawyer. You're the lawyer for Britney!"

Kaplan was a good sport though, and laughed it off after posing for a photo.

Source: TMZ

Mediabase Chart Update!

'Break The Ice' is currently at #65 on Mediabase with 183 spins and 6.227 million listeners!

Click here to vote for it on your local radio station!

Source: Break The Ice

Update: The story so far!

The following italicized article is taken from www.finalpixxceleb.com:

What we know so far in a nutshell, is that Britney Spears checked out of the UCLA Medical centre earlier on today.

She immediately drove back to her home at The Summit before heading back out again with much apprehension of where she wanted to go, eventually settling on her trusted Beverly Hills Hotel.

Adnan, cars, lawyers, Century City, disappearing act blah blah blah, X17 pulling their hair out.....

Basically, Ghalib who was called directly by Britney upon her release, she had requested for Adnan to meet her at the Beverly Hills which he did, but unaware of the technicalities of her release. That people, at this moment remains the same. A mystery.

Lots of rumors.

Time will tell...

Adnan has been in contact with her parents previous to today’s events, and as the day has unraveled they have all agreed to get Britney safely back to her home so that she can get the medical care and love that she deserves.

We can reveal that Britney’s family, including Adnan are taking care of Miss Spears at The Summit and are all doing very well.

We hope and believe this is the true start of her recovery.

Update: After spending most of the evening with The Spears at The Summit Adnan left and went back home at 2.30am. This to give the family some alone time.

Source: Finalpixx

ACCESS EXCLUSIVE: Jamie Spears & A Guardian To Live With Britney

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

Now that Britney Spears has been released from the UCLA Medical Center psych ward, her father is coming to live with her, Access Hollywood has exclusively learned.

A source close to the family told Access that Jamie will move in with his daughter. He will monitor her along with another person who will act as a guardian/sobriety type of coach, the source revealed.

“[They will] try to keep her calm,” the source said of Jamie and the as yet unnamed guardian.

Jamie will also work to ensure that the people in Britney’s recent inner circle – including her self-proclaimed “manager,” Sam Lutfi and paparazzi boyfriend Adnan Ghalib stay away from the star.

As previously reported on Access Hollywood.com, the conservators over Britney, including Jamie, requested and were granted a temporary restraining order against Sam Lutfi on behalf of his daughter, Britney and the Spears family.

A declaration from Lynne Spears, Britney’s mother, was included in supporting paperwork for the temporary restraining order. In her declaration she accused Lutfi of throwing away Britney’s multiple cell phone chargers, cutting the phone lines in her home, disabling her cars and drugging the star.

"Sam told me, ‘You’d better learn that I control everything. I control Howard Grossman, Britney’s business manager. I control her attorneys and the security guards at the gate. They don’t listen to Britney, they listen to me,'" Lynne claimed Sam said. "At another point that evening, Sam bragged to me that he is the one who receives Britney’s checks."

"He told me that if he weren’t in the house to give Britney her medicine, she would kill herself," Lynne’s declaration continued. "Then he said to me, ‘If you try to get rid of me, she’ll be dead and I’ll p*** on her grave."

According to the source, who spoke to Access Hollywood earlier today, the Spears family initially felt that Lutfi was a “bad man,” but until they were in Britney’s home they had “no clue how bad.”

Britney was let out of the UCLA Medical Center this afternoon. Britney herself requested the release the source said.

Source: Access Hollywood

Britney Spears' Parents Blast Hospital for Releasing Daughter Early

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

Eight hours after Britney Spears was released from UCLA Medical Center, her parents, Jamie and Lynne, released the following statement to the Associated Press:

"As parents of an adult child in the throes of a mental health crisis, we were extremely disappointed this morning to learn that over the recommendation of her treating psychiatrist, our daughter Britney was released from the hospital that could best care for her and keep her safe," the statement read.

"We are deeply concerned about our daughter's safety and vulnerability and we believe her life is presently at risk. There are conservatorship orders in place created to protect our daughter that are being blatantly disregarded. We ask only that the court's orders be enforced so that a tragedy may be averted."

Citing patient privacy, a UCLA Medical Center spokeswoman has declined to comment.

Source: US Weekly

New Britney Pictures!

New pictures of Britney in a parking garage in Santa Monica. See them all here!

Source: Wenn/Breathe Heavy

Why Britney Spears Was Released Early

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

Britney Spears was released early from UCLA Medical Center's psych ward because a court representative found "no just cause" for the hold, a source tells PEOPLE.

The doctor overseeing Spears's care had wanted her to stay, (as did her parents), but the decision was overridden by the court representative, the source said.

The source said that the doctor who was vetoed was not Spears's psychiatrist Dr. Deborah Nadel, but another attending doctor at UCLA. Once Nadel issued the singer's 72-hour hold at UCLA, Nadel was not involved in Spears's hospitalization, the source said.

The decision followed regular procedure for any patient on a 14-day hold.

The procedure calls for a hearing at the hospital to find out whether the hold is justified. The rep for the court, called a "hearing referee" – who is usually a lawyer – interviews the patient and doctor to determine if there's "just cause" for detainment.

"This is when law and medicine collide," says attorney Terry K. Wasserman, who's not involved in the Spears matter, "when a lawyer can override a doctor's opinion."

Source: People

Why Britney Spears Was Released Early

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

Britney Spears was released early from UCLA Medical Center's psych ward because a court representative found "no just cause" for the hold, a source tells PEOPLE.

The doctor overseeing Spears's care had wanted her to stay, (as did her parents), but the decision was overridden by the court representative, the source said.

The source said that the doctor who was vetoed was not Spears's psychiatrist Dr. Deborah Nadel, but another attending doctor at UCLA. Once Nadel issued the singer's 72-hour hold at UCLA, Nadel was not involved in Spears's hospitalization, the source said.

The decision followed regular procedure for any patient on a 14-day hold.

The procedure calls for a hearing at the hospital to find out whether the hold is justified. The rep for the court, called a "hearing referee" – who is usually a lawyer – interviews the patient and doctor to determine if there's "just cause" for detainment.

"This is when law and medicine collide," says attorney Terry K. Wasserman, who's not involved in the Spears matter, "when a lawyer can override a doctor's opinion."

Source: People

Britney's Parents Express Fear For Her Life

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

Britney Spears's parents strongly objected to her discharge from the psychiatric hospital, saying they "believe her life is presently at risk."

Jamie and Lynne Spears expressed their fears in a joint statement issued Wednesday night to CNN's Anderson Cooper:

As parents of an adult child in the throes of a mental health crisis, we were extremely disappointed this morning to learn that over the recommendation of her treating psychiatrist, our daughter Britney was released from the hospital that could best care for her and keep her safe.

We are deeply concerned about our daughter's safety and vulnerability and we believe her life is presently at risk. There are conservatorship orders in place created to protect our daughter that are being blatantly disregarded.

We ask only that the court's orders be enforced so that a tragedy may be averted.

Source: People

Britney Finally Returns Home

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

Almost 12 hours after being released from her court-ordered hospitalization, troubled pop star Britney Spears finally returned to her home behind the gates of her private community. And what had at first appeared to be headed for another classic Britney night of hotel-hopping and driving aimlessly until sunrise was brought to a quiet end after the intervention of her father.

Shortly before 9:oopm on Wednesday (CLICK HERE for the entire timeline) a weary-looking Jamie Spears entered the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hotel, where his daughter was holed up in a room on the second floor with her boyfriend, photographer Adnan Ghalib. In his hands, Jamie was clenching a pile of legal documents that he was attempting to get the hotel staff to look at.

Thirty minutes later, with the assistance of hotel security and the LAPD, Jamie foud himself face to face with the daughter who reportedly wants nothing to do with him. And yet somehow he was able to convince Brit to ultimately return to her home.

It's possible that, as her court-appointed conservator, Jamie was able to tug on her pursestrings to make her realize that she can't afford expensive four-star hotel rooms without his approval. Regardless, insiders tell OK! that Brit and Adnan were driven to a restaurant in the San Fernando Valley and then to her home in The Summit where she and Adnan are currently staying with Jamie and Britney's mom Lynne.

Sources also tell OK! that Jamie and Britney's mom Lynne are likely to head to court as early as Thursday to ask the judge to strengthen the existing conservatorship. It is believed that Brit met with lawyer Adam Streisand shortly after being released from the hospital today and that Streisand, who attempted unsuccesfully earlier this week to present himself as Brit's lawyer, may once again attempt to involve himself in the case.

OK! will be on hand at the courthouse tomorrow to bring you any breaking news.

Source: OK Magazine

They'll Probably Be Back In Court Tomorrow

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

Britney Spears is a free woman and her parents are clearly frustrated, especially after today's circus in the streets of Bev Hills.

Based on what we know, it's a good bet Jamie Spears will be back in court -- we're guessin' tomorrow -- asking the Commish to put some teeth in the conservatorship order. That order gives the conservator power to restrict the visitors Brit receives. No doubt Ma and Pa were frustrated that Brit let a paparazzo ride with her in her car today. And we're hearing they were none too happy about the people she saw at the Bev Hills Hotel.

It wouldn't be at all unusual for the conservator to ask for an order requiring the cops to enforce the instructions Jamie lays down. In other words, he could call the Bev Hills Police and ask them to remove the pap from the car.

Likewise, the conservatorship gives Jamie the right to approve contracts. It's a good bet he would not have approved Britney buying stuff or getting a room at the hotel. Think about the cops going to the hotel and telling the manager they can't let Brit buy stuff or get rooms without Jamie's consent and if they defied Jamie they could be held in contempt.

We'll be in court tomorrow ... just in case, so stay tuned.

Source: TMZ

Brit's Parents -- We're Soooo Frustrated

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

The following statement was released to CNN's Anderson Cooper by Jamie and Lynne Spears, Britney's parents:

"As parents of an adult child in the throws of a mental health crisis, we were extremely disappointed this morning to learn that over the recommendation of her treating psychiatrist, our daughter Britney was released from the hospital that could best care for her and keep her safe. We are deeply concerned about our daughter's safety and vulnerability and we believe her life is presently at risk. There are conservatorship orders in place created to protect our daughter that are being blatantly disregarded. We ask only that the court's orders be enforced so that a tragedy may be averted."

Source: TMZ

Bitchy British Britney Still Lingers


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

Britney's days in the psych ward didn't exorcise her British persona -- blimey! While she was on her way to the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she met up with Adnan, a pap offered her Ghalib's new phone number. Spears was caught saying Adnan can take his phone number and "shove it up his ass!"

She also littered -- dropping her cigarette out the window. Bloody hell!

Source: TMZ

Britney's Car: It's Audi Here!


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

In the middle of all the craziness today, Britney Spears had one of her cars towed from her house!

Brit's black Audi was towed at around 5:30 PM PST. We've previously spotted Brit in the car back in October -- when she had paparazzi change a flat tire for her.

Ah, the good ol' days.

Source: TMZ

Britney And Adnan Visit Her Lawyer

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

Fresh from a quick jaunt to the Beverly Hills Hotel, Britney and Adnan drove to the L.A. offices of lawyer Adam Streisand.

When TMZ called Streisand's office, we were directed to the marketing department. Huh?

Streisand went to court earlier this week to have Jamie and Andrew Wallet removed as her conservators, but was shut down when he couldn't prove he had been retained by Britney.

Source: TMZ

Britney Has Left the Building!


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

Adnan Ghalib drove Britney Spears out of the Beverly Hills Hotel just minutes ago. She ducked down in the passenger seat of his silver Mercedes.

Source: TMZ

Adnan In The House!


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

TMZ has just spotted Adnan Ghalib pulling up to the Beverly Hills Hotel in a silver Mercedes.

Source: TMZ

Britney Visits Her Old Stomping Grounds


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

Britney Spears pulled into the Beverly Hills Hotel this afternoon and was faced with a paparazzi crush we haven't seen in ... well, days.

Source: TMZ

Britney's Crazy Car Chase To Bev Hills Hotel

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

In one of the more spectacular sights of the Britney chase, Spears and a convoy of at least 20 SUVs full of paparazzi all banged a left turn -- at the same time.

The group converged from four lanes to a single lane entrance, as Spears made it into the overhang entry. Check out the madness, caught on the MyFoxLA.com live cam.

The chase ended at the Beverly Hills Hotel, when cops arrived and broke up the paparazzi party. Britney was promptly escorted inside, where according to ExtraTV.com, she came face to face with Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife Maria Shriver!

Source: TMZ