Britney Spears sends forceful cease and desist to sister Jamie Lynn over ‘outrageous claims’
Britney Spears and her sister Jamie Lynn Spears (Getty/J. Meritt/Michael Loccisano)
Britney Spears has sent her sister Jamie Lynn Spears a case and desist letter over the ongoing promotional tour for her new memoir, Things I Should Have Said.
The singer’s lawyer Mathew Rosengart has issued a forceful legal letter in which the “Stronger” hitmaker states that she “will no longer be bullied” for the supposed benefit of book sales.
“We write with some hesitation because the last thing Britney wants is to bring more attention to your ill-timed book and its misleading or outrageous claims about her,” the letter began.
“Although Britney has not read and does not intend to read your book, she and millions of her fans were shocked to see how you have exploited her for monetary gain. She will not tolerate it, nor should she.”
The legal document continued: “You of all people know the abuse and wrongdoing Britney had to endure during the conservatorship, after initially growing up with a ‘ruinous,’ alcoholic father. In fact, your own book reportedly states that your father ‘spent most of my life in that cycle of ruinous behavior. His bouts of drinking caused me periods of torment and sorrow’.
Britney Spears with her sister Jamie Lynn in 2003. (Frank Micelotta/Getty)
“As I have previously stated, having endured a 13-year conservatorship that stripped her of civil rights and fundamental liberties, Britney will no longer be bullied by her father or anyone else. Publicly airing false or fantastical grievances is wrong, especially when designed to sell books. It is also potentially unlawful and defamatory.”
It continued: “Britney was the family’s breadwinner and she also otherwise supported you. Publicly airing false or fantastical grievances is wrong, especially when designed to sell books. It is also potentially unlawful and defamatory.
“You recently reportedly stated that the book was ‘not about her.’ She takes you at your word and we, therefore, demand that you cease and desist from referencing Britney derogatorily during your promotional campaign.”
Rosengart concluded: “If you fail to do so or defame her, Britney will be forced to consider and take all appropriate legal action.”
Britney Spears attorney Mathew Rosengart (AFP/ Getty Images/ Patrick T. Fallon)
The letter was issued as Jamie Lynn, 30, takes part in high-profile interviews with the likes of ABC’s Good Morning America and an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
Britney has been using social media to hit back at her younger sister’s claims, with the “Womanizer” singer sharing a scathing Instagram on Tuesday (18 January) as news of her cease and desist letter was made public.
The Circus singer wrote: “In life a lot of people say “DO I MATTER ????” … try eating alone for 4 months morning ☀️ … noon ? … and night ? Jamie Lynn. I asked myself every day “DOES ANYBODY CARE ??? WTF ??? DO I MATTER ???” I would honestly be very interested to see your pretty face in the setting I was forced to be in and asking yourself “DO I MATTER ???” I didn’t get to cry ? …
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY42hYqgixV/
“I had to be strong … TOO STRONG ?? !!! So yes … YOU DO MATTER and don’t you ever think for one f***ing second you don’t. Pssss this is my new …Baby One More Time outfit ???♀️ !!!!”
Since Britney Spears broke her silence on the conservatorship that controlled her life for almost 14 years, she has rallied against her family for the part they played in her misery.
Her father, Jamie Spears, was repeatedly accused of conservatorship “abuse” by Britney in a rash of social media posts and court testimonies.
The singer has also claimed that her mother Lynne “ruined her life” by giving Jamie the idea for the conservatorship in the first place.
