'Framing Britney Spears' Documentary Explains So Much
The 18-year-old U.S. pop star Britney Spears smiles for photographers during a news conference in Cologne, Germany on April 17, 2000.
What happened to Britney Spears? The "Framing Britney Spears" documentary, which aired on Feb. 5 on FX (and is subsequently streaming on Hulu), answers that question and so much more.
It's the latest of "The New York Times Presents" series of investigative documentaries, and it delves deep into the pop princess' legal battles with her father. Ever since 2008, she was placed under a legal conservatorship (typically reserved for the elderly), giving her father complete control over her own finances and career because she was deemed incapable of doing so.
But is Britney Spears really unfit to take care of herself, or is this just another example of sexism in an industry already facing serious #MeToo scrutiny? The answer to that question takes various twists and turns throughout the documentary, addressing issues of sexism and classism that ultimately brought down Spears in the eye of the media, the public and even herself.
#FreeBritney Movement
Britney Spears accepts the Vanguard award at the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on On April 12, 2018.
Of course, the documentary brought light to the #FreeBritney movement, which was started by fans at the onset of the conservatorship 13 years ago and continues today as the case against her father remains.
Believe it or not, as recently as Feb. 11, a hearing was held in Los Angeles that continued the arrangement but overruled her father's objections to a third party being established as a co-conservator of her state. Only time will tell if Britney will be freed.
In the meantime, here's a look back at Spears — the good, the bad and the ugly.
Britney Spears at the Recording Academy Pre-Grammy Gala in 2017
Britney Spears attends the Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-Grammy Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Feb. 11, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California.
A Rocking Performance at the Billboard Music Awards in 2016
Britney Spears performs at the Billboard Music Awards at the T-Mobile Arena on May 22, 2016, in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Proclaims 'Britney Day' in 2014
Britney Spears appears on stage at The LINQ Promenade on Nov. 5, 2014, in Las Vegas. Caesars Entertainment proclaimed the day "Britney Day," and the entertainer was presented with a key to the city and an official Clark County proclamation.
'The People's Choice' at the People's Choice Awards in 2014
Britney Spears accepts the Favorite Pop Artist award at the 40th annual People's Choice Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Jan. 8, 2014, in Los Angeles.
Did Somebody Request a Wake Up Call? Britney Spears Performs on ABC's 'Good Morning America' Show in 2008.
Britney Spears performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" show at the Big Apple Circus in New York on Dec. 2, 2008.
When You Got It, You Take Home a Lot of Hardware at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards
Britney Spears with her awards at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Britney Spears Deals With Child Custody Battle in 2007
Britney Spears leaves Los Angeles Superior Court after a hearing as part of her ongoing child custody case on Oct. 11, 2007, in Los Angeles.
Discovering the Power and Joy of a Shaved Head in 2007
In February 2007, Britney Spears shaves her head after being in rehab for less than a day.
The Federline Years
Britany Spears and her husband Kevin Federline in Beverly Hills, California, during happier days in 2006.
A Star Gets Her Own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003
Britney Spears is honored with the 2,242nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 17, 2003, in Los Angeles.
She's Not a Pop Queen for Nothing. Britney Spears Wows the Crowd During a Performance in 2002.
Britney Spears performs in concert in Buffalo, New York, on June 26, 2002.
How Do You Like This Snake? Britney Spears at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards
Britney Spears performs with a snake during the finale of the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards at New York's Metropolitan Opera House.
The Timberlake Years
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake share a laugh at a launch party for NSYNC's album, "Celebrity," on July 23, 2001, in Los Angeles.
Britney Spears Impresses Crowds on NBC's 'Today' Show in 2000
Britney Spears performs on NBC's "Today" show on June 30, 2000, in New York's Rockefeller Center.
BritneySpears Having Fun at the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards
Britney Spears at the MTV Music Video Awards in September 1999.
Hello, World. Britney Spears at the Planet Hollywood 'Drive Me Crazy' Promo in 1999
Britney Spears at the Planet Hollywood "Drive Me Crazy" Promo on Sept. 28, 1999.