Judge Brenda Penny suspended Jamie Spears from his role because "it reflects a toxic environment."
After 13 whole years and months of tearful testimonies in court, it looks like Britney Spears is finally free from the conservatorship that has controlled her life. A judge suspended her father, Jamie Spears, from his position as the conservator of Spears' estates, reports Associated Press.
Per Reuters, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny suspended Jamie Spears saying that he needs to give up his role as conservator, given how "the current situation is not tenable. It reflects a toxic environment which requires the suspension of Jamie Spears, effective today."
Judge Penny's decision to fire Jamie from his role comes a week after the Piece of Me singer's attorney Mathew Rosengart petitioned to formally appoint a temporary successor in place of the singer's father. "[This decision is] in the best interest of the conservatee, which is my goal," Penny said. Now, John Zabel—who, per TMZ, is a CPA with senior "executive experience in finance and in the entertainment industry"—will tentatively hold the post as a temporary conservator until December 31, 2021, reports PEOPLE.
Rosengart, who was present in court when Jamie was suspended, accused him of being "cruel and abusive" toward Britney, and noted that his client "wants, needs and deserves an orderly transition."
"I believe we'll find evidence of his corruption," the attorney added.
"This man does not belong in her life for another day," Rosengart went on to say. "He must be suspended today. Britney Spears is pleading for it. This is a very easy decision. ... My client will be so extraordinarily distraught if Mr. Spears remains conservator for one more day. ... If he cares about his daughter, he will resign today."
Meanwhile, Vivian Thoreen, Jamie's Lawyer, justified her client's behavior by saying that, "Mr. Spears has not talked to his daughter in many months, but he'd love to. ... Everything Jamie has done is in [Britney's] best interest."
In fact, Thoreen had earlier questioned the experience and ability of Zabel, claiming in court documents that he is "not a licensed professional fiduciary and is a stranger to this Court."
Rosengart, in turn, argued that Zabel is "a highly-esteemed, nationally-recognized award-winning CPA with an impeccable record of serving in positions of trust who will also be supported by Ms. Spears' business management and forensic accounting teams."
Soon after the decision was made public, Spears shared a video showing her seated next to a pilot in the cockpit of a small plane and maneuvering the controls. "On cloud 9 right now," she captioned the post. "First time flying a plane and first time in a prop plane !!! Geez I was scared," she wrote, without mentioning the conservatorship.
The next court date has been set for November 12, 2021, and it "will be about the termination of the entire conservatorship," confirmed Rosengart, cites PEOPLE. "It's a great day for justice. She's very happy. We're all very happy."
"This was a monumental win for Britney and for justice," Rosengart added in a later statement.
References:
https://people.com/music/britney-spears-attorney-speaks-out-after-jamie-suspended-happy/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Kate Green
