Saturday, June 15, 2019
NEWSMAKERS
Spears’ ex-manager hit with 5-year restraining order
LOS ANGELES
A judge on Thursday issued a five-year restraining order forbidding Britney Spears’ former manager from contacting the singer or her family or making disparaging statements about them online.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny reached the decision after hearing testimony from the ex-manager, Sam Lutfi, and from Spears’ father, James Spears, who has controlled his daughter’s money and affairs via a court-ordered conservatorship for 11 years. Penny rejected arguments from Lutfi’s attorney, Marc Gans, that the order is an unconstitutional restraint on his client’s free speech, calling Lufi’s testimony evasive and extending the temporary restraining order she first issued May 8.
Gans said outside court that they are considering an appeal. James Spears declined to comment.
James Spears conceded under questioning from Gans that he does not have the most peaceful relationship with Britney Spears.
“Me and my daughter’s relationship has always been strained,” James Spears said.
Associated Press