A 'Free Britney' demonstration was held on the Ellipse, near the White House, in Washington on October 23, 2021. Reuters
A 'Free Britney' demonstration was held on the Ellipse, near the White House, in Washington on October 23, 2021. Reuters
Late last year, Jamie Spears, father of singer Britney Spears, ended the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money since 2008. AP
Late last year, Jamie Spears, father of singer Britney Spears, ended the conservatorship that has controlled her life and money since 2008. AP
Britney Spears supporter and artist Never Tara of Los Angeles displays her painting outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on September 29, 2021. AP
Britney Spears supporter and artist Never Tara of Los Angeles displays her painting outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on September 29, 2021. AP
Supporters of the singer Britney Spears during the #FreeBritney rally last year on September 29, 2021, in London, England. Getty Images
Supporters of the singer Britney Spears during the #FreeBritney rally last year on September 29, 2021, in London, England. Getty Images
Supporters in London, England, rally for an end to the 13-year conservatorship led by the popstar's father, Jamie Spears and Jodi Montgomery, who control her finances and business dealings. Getty Images
Supporters in London, England, rally for an end to the 13-year conservatorship led by the popstar's father, Jamie Spears and Jodi Montgomery, who control her finances and business dealings. Getty Images
Britney Spears supporters during the #FreeBritney rally on September 29, 2021, in London, England. Getty Images
Britney Spears supporters during the #FreeBritney rally on September 29, 2021, in London, England. Getty Images
Fans from around the globe came out in support of pop singer Britney Spears, including in London, England. Getty Images
Fans from around the globe came out in support of pop singer Britney Spears, including in London, England. Getty Images
Carlos Morales of Los Angeles holds a sign featuring an American flag with an image of Britney Spears and the hashtag #FreeBritney outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, California. AP
Carlos Morales of Los Angeles holds a sign featuring an American flag with an image of Britney Spears and the hashtag #FreeBritney outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, California. AP
Britney Spears supporter Kiki Norberto of Phoenix celebrates outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, California. AP
Britney Spears supporter Kiki Norberto of Phoenix celebrates outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, California. AP
Fans of Britney Spears protest in front of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse during her hearing to end her father's guardianship. AFP
Fans of Britney Spears protest in front of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse during her hearing to end her father's guardianship. AFP
Fans of Britney Spears protest in front of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse during hearing to end the controversial guardianship. AFP
Fans of Britney Spears protest in front of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse during hearing to end the controversial guardianship. AFP
Britney Spears supporters never say die. EPA
Britney Spears supporters never say die. EPA
Alejandro Sanz wears sunglasses with 'Free Britney' written on top during a rally outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles. EPA
Alejandro Sanz wears sunglasses with 'Free Britney' written on top during a rally outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles. EPA
A demonstrator writes 'Free Britney' in chalk outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles. EPA
A demonstrator writes 'Free Britney' in chalk outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles. EPA
Britney Spears's lawyer Matthew Rosengart has also been asked to speak before the US Congress. EPA
Britney Spears's lawyer Matthew Rosengart has also been asked to speak before the US Congress. EPA
Fans of Britney Spears protest in front of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. AFP
Fans of Britney Spears protest in front of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. AFP
Fans and supporters of pop star Britney Spears show up to support her in Los Angeles. Reuters
Fans and supporters of pop star Britney Spears show up to support her in Los Angeles. Reuters
Homemade bedazzled support for Britney Spears. Reuters
Homemade bedazzled support for Britney Spears. Reuters
Britney Spears has been a performer almost her entire life. ATOPIX
Britney Spears has been a performer almost her entire life. ATOPIX
Britney Spears is known for hits such as 'Toxic' and 'Circus'. Reuters
Britney Spears is known for hits such as 'Toxic' and 'Circus'. Reuters
In 2018, Britney Spears put her planned residency at the Park MGM hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on hold. AP
In 2018, Britney Spears put her planned residency at the Park MGM hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on hold. AP
Britney Spears and talent manager Larry Rudolph listen to Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak's speech during the grand opening of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Britney Spears Campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images
Britney Spears and talent manager Larry Rudolph listen to Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak's speech during the grand opening of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Britney Spears Campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images

World

US

Britney Spears invited to Washington

US Congress has extended invitation to pop star and her lawyer in hopes that her conservatorship battle 'will inspire and empower many others'

Kyle Fitzgerald
Kyle Fitzgerald

February 17, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Pop star Britney Spears has been invited to speak before the US Congress about her years-long conservatorship battle that ended in November.

Spears shared a letter on Instagram sent to her by two US members of Congress who said her journey “will inspire and empower many others who are improperly silenced by the conservatorship process".

“I received this letter months ago,” Spears said, and added that she was grateful her journey has been acknowledged.

“Again, I’m not here to be a victim although I’m the first to admit I’m pretty messed up by it all … I want to help others in vulnerable situations,” she said on Instagram.

“I was so scared and nothing is worse than your own family doing what they did to me.”

Spears's case pushed conservatorship battles into the political spotlight, with Republican and Democratic politicians voicing their support for the star and others in similar situations.

READ MORE

'Britney is free': celebrities join fans to celebrate Spears conservatorship ruling

Britney Spears is free from conservatorship, but what happens to her $60 million fortune?

There are an estimated 1.3 million ongoing guardianship or conservatorship cases in the US, a 2018 repot from the National Council on Disability said.

“There is no doubt that your story will empower countless others outside the millions that are already inspired by you and your art,” Democratic representatives Charlie Cryst and Eric Swalwell said in the letter.

Jamie Spears, Spears's father, was suspended as the pop star's conservator in September.

A lawyer for the star said her father “had crossed unfathomable lines” by reportedly bugging her phone and bedroom. He has also been accused of mismanaging funds and micromanaging his daughter's every action.

Spears has previously alleged that her conservatorship has been abusive and that she was prevented from removing a birth control device so she could have children.

Her years-long conservatorship battle began in 2008 when she reportedly suffered a breakdown while being constantly harassed by the paparazzi. She lost custody of her two children in 2007.

The conservatorship battle gained serious momentum last year following a Netflix documentary that chronicled the singer's fight to win her freedom.

The documentary reignited the fan-created #FreeBritney campaign, wherein fans tried to bring attention to her conservatorship battle.

A Los Angeles judge's decision in November to formally end Spears's conservatorship was met with raucous cheers from fan demonstrating outside the courthouse.

Supporters of singer Britney Spears celebrate outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles as Spears's conservatorship is terminated. Reuters
Supporters of singer Britney Spears celebrate outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles as Spears's conservatorship is terminated. Reuters
Britney Spears supporter Phoebe Price and her dog Henry take pictures next to a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree set by fans outside the courthouse. AP
Britney Spears supporter Phoebe Price and her dog Henry take pictures next to a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree set by fans outside the courthouse. AP
For the first time in 13 years, Britney Spears will be able to choose how she spends her fortune, estimated to be worth more than $60 million. AP
For the first time in 13 years, Britney Spears will be able to choose how she spends her fortune, estimated to be worth more than $60 million. AP
Confetti falls on Britney Spears supporters outside the courthouse. AP
Confetti falls on Britney Spears supporters outside the courthouse. AP
Spears supporters march on Grand Avenue during the hearing. AP
Spears supporters march on Grand Avenue during the hearing. AP
Under the conservatorship imposed since 2008, Spears had no control over her how she spent her money, when she performed, who had access to her house and even what medications she should take. AP
Under the conservatorship imposed since 2008, Spears had no control over her how she spent her money, when she performed, who had access to her house and even what medications she should take. AP
Spears herself posted an Instagram with the #FreedBritney hashtag shortly after the court decision. 'Good God, I love my fans so much it's crazy,' she said. AP
Spears herself posted an Instagram with the #FreedBritney hashtag shortly after the court decision. 'Good God, I love my fans so much it's crazy,' she said. AP
New Jersey performer and Britney Spears supporter Brennyboombox cheers Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer, as they celebrate outside the courthouse. AP
New Jersey performer and Britney Spears supporter Brennyboombox cheers Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer, as they celebrate outside the courthouse. AP
Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer,, talks to the media after the hearing. AP
Matthew Rosengart, Britney Spears's lawyer,, talks to the media after the hearing. AP
'Effective today, the conservatorship of the person and the estate of Britney Jean Spears is hereby terminated,' Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny said after a 30-minute hearing in which no one opposed ending the court-sanctioned arrangement. AP
'Effective today, the conservatorship of the person and the estate of Britney Jean Spears is hereby terminated,' Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny said after a 30-minute hearing in which no one opposed ending the court-sanctioned arrangement. AP
Britney Spears supporter Felipe Servat, from Brazil, reacts with the the crowd as they celebrate. AP
Britney Spears supporter Felipe Servat, from Brazil, reacts with the the crowd as they celebrate. AP
The conservatorship was set up and overseen by Britney's father, Jamie Spears, after she had a public breakdown in 2007 and was hospitalised for undisclosed mental health issues. AP
The conservatorship was set up and overseen by Britney's father, Jamie Spears, after she had a public breakdown in 2007 and was hospitalised for undisclosed mental health issues. AP
Lauriann Wright, the lawyer for Jodi Montgomery, who had been entrusted with overseeing Spears's personal life, told the judge there was 'no reason this termination cannot happen and Ms Spears cannot live a safe, happy and fulfilling life'. AP
Lauriann Wright, the lawyer for Jodi Montgomery, who had been entrusted with overseeing Spears's personal life, told the judge there was 'no reason this termination cannot happen and Ms Spears cannot live a safe, happy and fulfilling life'. AP
Spears's case helped prompt hearings in the US Congress and a new law in California aimed at preventing abusive conservatorships, which are normally set up to protect disabled people, the elderly or those suffering from dementia. AP
Spears's case helped prompt hearings in the US Congress and a new law in California aimed at preventing abusive conservatorships, which are normally set up to protect disabled people, the elderly or those suffering from dementia. AP
In June, Spears told the court she had been humiliated and traumatised and that she wanted her life back. EPA
In June, Spears told the court she had been humiliated and traumatised and that she wanted her life back. EPA
Spears's lawyer Rosengart said a 'safety net' had been put in place to help Spears transition back to regular life. AP
Spears's lawyer Rosengart said a 'safety net' had been put in place to help Spears transition back to regular life. AP
Since revealing years of private anguish in tearful testimony in June, Spears hired Rosengart, who moved aggressively to end the restrictions. AP
Since revealing years of private anguish in tearful testimony in June, Spears hired Rosengart, who moved aggressively to end the restrictions. AP
Filipe Servat and Lindsey Fairchild embrace upon hearing the news that Britney Spears's conservatorship has been terminated. EPA
Filipe Servat and Lindsey Fairchild embrace upon hearing the news that Britney Spears's conservatorship has been terminated. EPA
Spears's lawyer Rosengart is pushing for Jamie Spears to be investigated for possible financial mismanagement of his daughter's affairs, but he said on Friday it would be up to Britney Spears to decide how to proceed on that matter. EPA
Spears's lawyer Rosengart is pushing for Jamie Spears to be investigated for possible financial mismanagement of his daughter's affairs, but he said on Friday it would be up to Britney Spears to decide how to proceed on that matter. EPA
Spears had said she had been forced to work and take medication against her will and was prevented from marrying or even getting her hair done. AFP
Spears had said she had been forced to work and take medication against her will and was prevented from marrying or even getting her hair done. AFP
A Britney Spears doll sits atop a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree during a rally outside the courthouse. EPA
A Britney Spears doll sits atop a 'Free Britney' Christmas tree during a rally outside the courthouse. EPA
Lexi Tonniges and Lauren Grundmann are joined by other dancers as they perform on a stage outside the LA courthouse. EPA
Lexi Tonniges and Lauren Grundmann are joined by other dancers as they perform on a stage outside the LA courthouse. EPA
Jamie Spears has said through lawyers that he helped his daughter rehabilitate her career and always acted in her best interest. AFP
Jamie Spears has said through lawyers that he helped his daughter rehabilitate her career and always acted in her best interest. AFP
Jubilation erupted outside the courthouse, with fans cheering and shouting after the decision was announced. The crowd chanted 'Britney! Britney! Britney!' and fans sang and danced to Spears’ song 'Stronger'. Reuters
Jubilation erupted outside the courthouse, with fans cheering and shouting after the decision was announced. The crowd chanted 'Britney! Britney! Britney!' and fans sang and danced to Spears’ song 'Stronger'. Reuters
The judge’s move was widely expected, with little support left for prolonging the legal arrangement. No new arguments were offered at the 30-minute hearing. Spears did not attend. Reuters
The judge’s move was widely expected, with little support left for prolonging the legal arrangement. No new arguments were offered at the 30-minute hearing. Spears did not attend. Reuters
Spears’s lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, told fans and reporters that the case 'helped shine a light on conservatorships and guardianships from coast to coast, from California to New York. And that took a tremendous amount of insight, courage and grace'. Reuters
Spears’s lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, told fans and reporters that the case 'helped shine a light on conservatorships and guardianships from coast to coast, from California to New York. And that took a tremendous amount of insight, courage and grace'. Reuters
Supporters decorate a pink Christmas tree outside the courthouse. Reuters
Supporters decorate a pink Christmas tree outside the courthouse. Reuters
Alexandra Foertschbeck holds a 'Free Britney' flag during at the rally. EPA
Alexandra Foertschbeck holds a 'Free Britney' flag during at the rally. EPA
Twins Edward and John Grimes of Dublin, Ireland, with a 'Free Britney' flag outside the courthouse. AP
Twins Edward and John Grimes of Dublin, Ireland, with a 'Free Britney' flag outside the courthouse. AP
Supporter Rafael Lopez, of Tijuana, Mexico, waves a 'Free Britney' flag. AP
Supporter Rafael Lopez, of Tijuana, Mexico, waves a 'Free Britney' flag. AP
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The specs

Engine 60kwh FWD

Battery Rimac 120kwh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry

Power 204hp Torque 360Nm

Price, base / as tested Dh174,500 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HyperPay%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202014%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhannad%20Ebwini%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Riyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2455m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AB%20Ventures%2C%20Amwal%20Capital%2C%20INet%2C%20Mada%20VC%2C%20Mastercard%2C%20SVC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Results

Final: Iran beat Spain 6-3.

Play-off 3rd: UAE beat Russia 2-1 (in extra time).

Play-off 5th: Japan beat Egypt 7-2.

Play-off 7th: Italy beat Mexico 3-2.

Results:

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 (PA) | Group 1 US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres

Winner: Goshawke, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) | Listed $250,000 (D) | 1,600m

Winner: Silva, Oisin Murphy, Pia Brendt

7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) | Conditions $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m

Winner: Golden Jaguar, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash

8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) | Group 3 $200,000 (D) | 1,200m

Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m

Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m

Winner: Oasis Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m

Winner: Escalator, Christopher Hayes, Charlie Fellowes

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Updated: February 17, 2022, 7:05 PM`
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