I think Spears was abused in multiple manners, both physical and psychological. The fact she is alive to actually write this autobiography actually amazes people even now.
Weirdly enough I get the impression that Madonna is an important player in all of this. I do feel like she inspired this strength in her to keep going and start setting some mental boundaries as well as her faith. Like you can say whatever about religion but it does seem like one huge reason she kept going.
@@evolved1665It's more than that. I think Spears saw how one Taylor Alison Swift overcame the ugliness from Kanye West (not once, but twice!) and Scooter Braun and Swift's success in overcoming these obstacles inspired Spears to persevere in face of just about every person close to Spears mistreated her.
I felt this. Finished the book in one night! I haven’t gone through even a fraction of hardship as Brittney . But being a neurodivergent woman has been very confusing for me. I could definitely relate.
I cried when she found out that her diary with poems and her dolls were thrown by her family to the trash. I could never understand why she never truly mattered to the family she gave so much.. or Everything to. 😢
I don't believe they were thrown in the trash, her family knows the monetary value of them and that's all they care about. I think they were sold or put somewhere to be sold in the future, and she was told they were thrown in the trash.
Same, they literally threw her away :( I'm glad she's at peace with no longer seeing any of those people ever again. I pray she is well and living her life the way *she* wants ♥
Lynn spears posted pictures of them on IG and tags britney and says she doesnt know who told brit that but takes about 6 pictures of her doll collection and one large leather journal and asks britney via IG if she would like her to ship them all to her. They didnt throw all her dolls and writings away...but i dont doubt that she asked for them at one point and they told her no we threw them away (to keep her from having them since they are very valuable considering they are collectibles for one and for 2 they are hers).
Oh my god, my empathy goes out to her infinitely. I relate to her childhood trauma on some levels and the sense of guilt her parents imbued her with. Britney has been through so so much. I want to read this but I’m afraid I’ll get too emotional. I’m still going to read it. I hate how the world (including myself as a teenager) completely misunderstood her. I just want to hug her now and apologize for everything she went through
This book broke me. When she said, "I shouldn't be this strong"...it hurt so much. She has been through HELL and back multiple times. I just hope she feels safe enough to rest now.
I'm so glad she mentioned Instagram. There's people who see her silly dancing videos and act like she's insane. My aunt had to be on strong medication and it's changed her mentally. She's an amazing women who I love and will always defend, and sometimes she doesn't understand social cues and does things that people think are weird. I think being controlled for years and being forced to take meds will obviously change someone. Just because what she's doing is "cringe" or "strange" to you, doesn't mean she should be locked away with no choices. There's no such thing as a perfect victim, and yet, I continue to see this idea that people who have been through awful things, especially women, should be behaving in a very specific way.
You are so right! Of course she’s been changed by what’s happened to her, and being on mind altering medication can have a long term affect! I just want to pick her up and bring her home to live a normal life with no expectations on her. What’s been done to her is so sad and absolutely shameful
It’s her time now. Everyone else has used her and had their say at her expense. She has every right to share her side of the story and her truth. Glad she finally is standing up for herself.
Justin Timberlake is truly who Katy Perry was talking about as "the Regina George in sheep's clothing". Between what he did to Britney and the way he talked trash about her to the press post breakup which surely contributed to the media's relentless crusade against her, and the entire Janet Jackson incident which, despite being his doing, destroyed HER career. And yet he still gets to have a prosperous career with few blemishes while both Britney and Janet's careers were forever altered. Sorry for the rant, but he is a piece of trash 👿 Wish Britney the best, she deserves happiness and stability after all she has had to endure in her life, if not a full musical reevaluation as to her importance in musical history and culture outside of Baby One More Time, she will always be the Princess of Pop to us with taste, Blackout is the Pop BIBLE 💝, thanks Zack 😊
Taylor Swift may respect Timberlake's work with NSYNC, but I really doubt she wants to deal with him in any manner, especially considering her own experience with one Scooter Braun.
her experience really shows how much influence your family life especially in childhood affects you when you grow up. It still boggles my mind how this amazing and talented woman who was at the top and was looked up to by many people was experiencing this horrible pain and suffering. They really took the woman in her. The industry, the media, and her family took advantage of it. It's heartbreaking.
As someone who suffered a lot of abuse and having cptsd, it takes a long time to heal. You feel unstable, your emotions are all over the place, you can act really weird and strange. Living under that kind of stress and abuse changes your brain chemistry. Especially with what Brittney went through with gaslighting and control, it’s going to be hard for her learn healthy boundaries, what’s normal behavior and relationships, and even what the truth is about things in her past. It can take decades to sort out why people did things, like what was the secret motivation to the lies and manipulations they did to you. It’s a mind fuck. I just want everyone to let her live her life and figure it out on her own.
I have CPTSD too from childhood narcissistic abuse. What you wrote here is spot on. It can be healed through somatic therapy, bottom up approach through the nervous system. Cognitive based therapies don't touch it and can bring up major shame and hopelessness in survivors. So much love to you and all of us fighting through this awful shit. Long live Brit.
Thank you SO much for focusing on what really matters: the crimes committed against her by her family. I feel like so much of the commentary around this book focuses on justin timberlake and the abortion, and yes, those were important events, but federline completely alienated her from her children and her family basically enslaved her. This is the main story here, so thank you
I agree, unfortunately, it all started from Justin presenting her as a bad b in the media. While, it seems like people didn't believed to her parents, at least I didn't believe them or trusted their words. Justin words, and songs and interviews were much more influential, and his treatment of her was the beginning of the downfall. I know he cannot be responsible for everything and her family failed to support her and abused her really in a horrible way, still I don't understand how everyone was so trustful to this clown Justin.
Absolutely. I told my sister that a couple of days ago. People totally underestimate Britany's intelligence and capabilities. She's wicked smart and very creative. Shame how the public treated and still treats her.
I used to think Britney was just the cliché case of a tragic star gone wrong, but she had a crazy life even before all of that. Like without any of the "star/fame" issues she had, she just had a traumatic childhood and an abusive family. But I guess it goes together, she looked to her career as an escape.
It's astounding how much she had to endure. Like, it's evil. Truly evilness at work. I cried several times throughout the book over how bad I felt for her. And even though she's free from the conservatorship, and we can find some relief in that, I still can't help but feel upset about everything. Because it's like... she's free but there's no justice still. Those literal fucking DEMONS in her life are able to just get away with what they did to her all these years, and that still pisses me off.
I wish she'd give herself more credit for her strength and resilience. It's so sad to me when people give all of the credit for their accomplishments to an invisible higher power. She deserves to own her own power.
Thank you for sharing this. One thing I wish people would understand is that just because Britney is free doesn't mean she's going to go back to "normal", if you accept that she was capable of ruling her own life in 2007 despite her struggles, then you can't turn around now and say her current social media posts are a reason she needs to be back in conservatorship. Yes her posts are weird, especially the knife thing. But she is healing in her own way, her own time, and she is capable of leading her own life. I don't understand what she's doing currently, but I don't need to. I'm glad she is free, and I wish everyone would just let her be, even if they think she is acting strange.
People on the internet have been posting much weirder things than dancing with fake knives, but it seems like people's instinct is to question her independence every time she does anything.
Many people also don't seem to know that she is neurodivergent (ADHD) which can contribute to her impulsive actions we just didn't notice before because she wasn't allowed to be herself.
I want to believe that somewhere out there in the multiverse Brittney is a bad ass Elle Woods style lawyer who broke away from her family after high school.
This is so heart breaking. 💔 so many of my gal pals knew (KNEW) that her "breakdown" was a break through! She seems like such a sensitive girly in interviews and the adults in the room FAILED her. The dehumanization of Britney is a fucking crime.
I have so much empathy for her. It's so sad to think how we were all told by the media to just think of her as this crazy, trainwreck, hot mess of her own making back in the 2000s
This is actually heart wrenching to hear. I cannot believe that someone could do all this (her father) and it not have repercussions in some way, it sounds illegal and torturous. The same goes for lawyers, judges and therapists how look the other way for a paycheck. How disgusting! Poor woman.
Hearing Brittney (still) downplay how abusive people were to this day just shows the level of trauma this woman has gone through…it’s heartbreaking💔 Let’s all pray Lynne also goes to hell alongside her husband coz she’s also PURE EVIL!
I loved this video so much. I am an older subscriber at 38!! I really appreciate your dedication and research you put into your videos. I remember back in 99 and I had the TAPE (told you I’m old) of Baby One More Time. I was an instant fan of Britney’s from the beginning. I went to The Onyx Hotel tour back in 2004 and it saddens me to know that she hated it. Looking back I still remember her professionalism and her dancing. She wasn’t lip syncing but singing to a backing track, which is totally understandable with the amount of choreography she had. She danced and put on such a wonderful show. After all these years I can still remember how happy she seemed dancing and how beautiful she looked. It did show through her and I loved hearing how she explained that from her side. Wonderful job on the video!!!
Thank you so much for this thorough account, Zach. After watching this, I don't know if I have it in me to actually read the book. The fact that Britney summoned the strength to share her story is truly amazing. May she finally be blessed with the freedom and PEACE she deserves.
After watching your analysis, I just once again have to remark at the quality content you give us. You are so articulate and eloquent in your thoughts, and it helped me process the book even more. It really was so heavy and so many parts of it deserve space to sit with. I love that despite the unbelievable cruelty she received from her family, the legal system, and society at large, you can still hear her humor and spirit throughout the book. I’ve been following all things Britney for awhile so much of this wasn’t news to me, though I’m grateful to have gotten it from her perspective. I do find it interesting the amount of grace she continues to give people who don’t deserve it, and I wonder how much of that is her still being naive and trusting, and how much of it is the guilt she feels any time she allows herself to stand her own ground, knowing the backlash she will receive. It is heartbreaking. I just want so much for her to have a real redemption and that she is able to find peace, as best she can with the trauma she has survived. I hope more people allow her the space to grieve and heal, because I have seen way too many trash comments of people telling her to move on and think positively, as if anyone with PTSD or CPTSD can just take all their trauma, put it in a box, and put it all away the moment society decides justice has been given. It’s just not how that works and I hope more people are willing and able to acknowledge that.
As someone who grew up in a religious environment at the peak of Britney's career, everything that I was told about her was reflective of the views of the conservative media those around me consumed, but I always found a secret joy in it. As an adult, I've returned to her music out of nostalgia, and have found so much comfort in it and relate to it so much. It's so heartbreaking to me that all of that goodness was stolen from her and I'm so glad she is finally able to tell her own story. (Not sure when I'll have time to pick up the book, so thank you Zack! I recently found your channel and have been loving your refreshing takes on Swiftian and other madness)
Yes, it’s a thing that also happened with Madonna (people painted her in such a sketchy light, idk about her now but I talk about her back in her glory days) because she was so “in your face” and “sexual” it’s the people who are intimidated by a strong self aware, self Loving woman who critique these women… a strong woman isn’t “in her place” (whatever that means) so it’s a threat to these insecure ppl
I watched the Spears vs. Spears Documantary yesterday and its so sad and tragic that this all happend to her. "My father love it to control someone like me." He deserve the hell!
Just listening to your recap brought me to tears multiple times . Britney was all over my walls as a teen and I looked up to her very much. To hear all the things she’s lived through in more detail is just heartbreaking and so fucked. I pray the entire spears family & everyone involved in holding Britney captive for so long never know a moment of peace!
Does Janet Jackson count as one of those women? Even as a kid, I thought it was weird how harsh the media was toward her after the Super Bowl incident.
I was never the biggest britney stan but will forever have so much respect for her & was so relieved for her when i seen that the conservatorship was over. Nobody should be controlled like this & what she experienced within the industry made it possible for a lot of women to be the artists they are now.
I think this is my first time ever commenting on a youtube video... but I absolutely love your channel. Your thoughtful and rather objective analysis of pop culture combined with your eloquent delivery, humor and wonderful voice have captured me! Thank you for creating your content, it is appreciated :)
I read the memoir in one sitting last night and saw so much of myself in her. We've had similar experiences when it comes to hospitals. I really hope there's a new way we can help people. What she doesn't mention in the book is how whether you have true problems or not, you can end up in a mental health hospital bc someone around is simply worried and sometimes it does way more harm than good. I hope there's a discussion about MHH's - a way to help without stripping away our rights and making us feel like animals.
There’s a really good book by Jon Ronson called The Psychopath Test that’s about some of the flaws in the institutional therapy system in that once it’s been decided that you’re “insane” it becomes impossible to convince people that you are sane. Everything you do becomes evidence of your sanity or lack of in a way that’s totally out of control and I think you can really see that play out here unfortunately.
I’m going to say it…(through tears and wanting to hug Britney forever until she truly feels loved)…B blazed the trail that allowed Taylor to be Taylor…and I wonder if at this moment, when she could most use it…what exactly Taylor will do. What all the other pop girlies will do. Aside from Madonna, who else paved the way for them?
I feel like Mariah paved the way as well. At the beginning of her career she was controlled kind of like Britney. Mariah found a way to escape her captors as well. Although Britney’s story is heart breaking, I’m glad she’s free but I wish she would’ve escaped earlier so that she wouldn’t have spent so many years sad. Honestly, Britney was just too nice
This video is so thourough, articulate and well done and I appreciate you putting this summarized breakdown together. I'm undecided on whether I want to purchase the hard copy or the audio book version. Either way, I look forward to hearing all of Britney's peaks and valleys discussed in this memoir and I will continue to root for her ❤.
She couldn't even vote, I guess I knew that deep down but I've never heard that said about her conservatorship. I can't say it's the most severe loss of personal and civil liberty that she experienced but it feels like the most clear stab at her by the court. The right to vote is a human right, it's so disgusting.
My God, this poor woman and all that she has been through, I wish her peace and quiet for the rest of her days. What a great video Zack, I would not have been able to read it myself, thank you for breaking it down short form I really appreciate it! ❤
Great breakdown of the book, as always! This poor girl was seriously abused. I really hope she heals, and if she ever wants to come back to performing, it will be open arms! Thanks again for all the hard work, Zac. BTW, you're slaying that jacket!
Thanks Zach for this analysis, i really wanted to know more about this memoir and you gave me exactly what i wanted, thank you so much for your amazing content. In my opinion what happened to Britney is one of biggest crimes to humanity in history. And people who did this to her don´t deserve jail, but death sentence. People like them shouldn´t be let stay alive. She lived through real hell and i can´t even express how much respect and admiration i have for her. She´s one of strongest people that ever lived. With this book she became my hero. One of saddest things about this whole thing is that she agreed to this converstationship and stayed in it for so long to be able stay close to her children, she sacrificed her freedom for them and they both clearly have no love or respect for her. Being embarrased of what your mom is doing on her social media while she sacrificed her life for you? Really? That´s more than pathetic, i don´t even know a word to describe this. They don´t deserve such an amazing mother as Britney. I truly wish for Britney to spend rest of her life happy and in full control of her life, i never want her to suffer like this again.
Thank you for reading such a difficult book in terms of content & reporting back to us so compassionately, thoroughly & professionally. It's straight up coercive control aka domestic violence. 😢 What a remarkably strong & talented woman Britney Spears is. The media has a lot to answer for.
i still remember one of the first albums i owned / purchased was a britney album. she was also one amongst the first singers in pop music who i liked and even stanned before i knew what stanning was. i'm still yet to finish the book but so far i'm really glad she put this one out and finally got to talk about everything from her side
god, I grew up with self-interested abusive parents as well and the bit about her mom going on about her painful labor, as though Britney did this to her and should feel guilty, hits close to home. My mom talks about me crying too much as a baby as if I made the conscious choice to do it to make her miserable. Narcissistic parents hold literal babies to adult standards, it's bizarre.
Also her statement on making peace with her family, like it's a huuuge epiphany when you finally realize "there is no point in constantly striving for their approval because it's never going to come, there is no point in repeatedly feeling disappointed by their lack of empathy and support because they aren't capable of giving it. I accept who they are as people now & they aren't people I want to know".
It’s so interesting how she devoted the most time to her debut, Blackout and Glory. I expected a lot more of In the Zone. I was shocked she hated the Onyx Hotel tour!
I was really surprised and honestly disappointed she didn't talk about the Original Doll album that she tried to record and promote against the wishes of her record label. She had some great songs on there, extremely dark too.
i love your commentary Zach. Gosh i know you have to know but YOUR BRAIN. Your ability to say all this in a concise way but in a detailed way with social commentary, emotional intelligence, empathy and humor. So many that are into pop culture are seen as just being “silly”. I love seeing intelligence mixed with pop culture
Thank you SO MUCH for doing this video, you got my subscription. On the book: Yes, the expectations that women MUST be both "sexy baby" and "responsible mother figure" is so insane to me... also I started modelling as a child at 7 and continued until I was 24. I absolutely understand how Britney feels about the cameras and controlling her image. It's really scary putting yourself out there at such a young age knowing that you've signed releases for these photos and the control is totally out of your hands. I'm so happy that Brit was able to keep fighting for herself and her sons. She IS WORTH IT! Singing is 100% a form of prayer or spiritual experience, it's why there's an entire book in the Bible devoted to song. This is also a strong Southern Baptist belief. (Pssst... I slowed the video down a bit for me, don't forget us slow-talking Southerners)
I actually choked up a bit when you spoke about Britney’s recount of her mother promoting her own book (44mins), while Britney was in crisis, and how she couldn’t imagine not doing anything possible to help her own sons should they face any kind of hardship. I’ve got 2 young girls myself (a baby and a preschooler) and this just crushed me trying to imagine how Britney felt in that moment.
Great vid and damn quick as always! I wish the media hadn't ran with the "Top shocking revelations from Britney's book!", as the last 3rd of the book didn't have the biggest 'scandals', but was so heavy and devastating. We knew it was bad, but Jeeesus-she's stronger than we ever knew. 💝
Thank you for your service! I haven't read it yet. I have a lot of love for Britney. Her case shows so well why it is so important to stand up for yourself especially when you are a geniue person. If you don't they gonna walk on you and it's not only bad for your career, it affects your mental health. I'm evermore glad that Taylor is ballsy.
It’s devastating to hear how mistreated and disrespected she was… Used and abused… (( However, it’s clear Britney is not mentally ok… Obviously, all of the suffering effected her well-being… Having mental illness doesn’t make a person bad or crazy… It’s a natural reaction to cptsd and ptsd… She still needs help!! A lot of therapy and, probably, rehab… People can get addicted to meds, and I think she is… If there are friends who care about her, they need to find her a great therapist as well as rehab, for mental and physical health.
The trouble is whether she has anyone around her, even now, who actually has her best interests at heart and wants to genuinely help her rather than take advantage of her. How can she ever trust anyone again?
@@nickybull2361 It might sound weird, but I think that some of her celebrity female friends could help… Someone who doesn’t need her money and clout but is able to understand what she has been through and knows the right places and people…
Britney is afraid of any medical personnel :( even if someone was well intentioned it wouldn't go over well. I don't blame her, after everything she's been through I wouldn't wanna see anymore medical people either.
What an amazing review of this book! I literally read it in a day I couldn’t stop reading (and crying) just ordered the audio for when I’m away I hear Michelle Williams is incredible and so excited to hear the audio version! I’m so so happy for Britney that she has finally told her story. I’ve loved her from day one just like like millions and millions of other and watched her struggles with a broke heart and now we’re reading what REALLY happened. It must be so liberating for her xxxx
The public starting to question her “authenticity” as the start of the “anti-Britney” movement was a really great insight that you shared. This expectation to be extremely likeable is something that mainly female public figures (e.g., Taylor Swift) are cursed with, and it just further highlights how public opinion was really unfair to Britney. 😢 Well, I wasn’t planning on reading the book, but now I might just have to run out and get a copy. Once again, your deep dive, thorough analysis did not disappoint. Oh and btw, finally subscribed. 😊
@@HollyHargreaves She does read the prologue but she mentions it would be too emotionally difficult to read the whole thing, so someone else reads the rest. Michelle Williams does a really great job capturing the emotions, though. Still very much worth the listen.
It's really interesting, I had read Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn last year that is an extensive (and fairly horrifying) history on women and medical bias and abuse. When I think of gendered medical abuse in modern times I always think Britney Spears, she was definitely unwell during those years leading to her breakdown and the beginnings of her conservatorship, but all the medical "help" she received was corrective, not therapeutic. I very much do not believe that if she was a male this would have happened to her. The parallels to her grandmother's own mental illness struggles is so hard to hear but clarifying in a way. I really hope that people who read this book can now see the context that was missing when we tell the story of Britney Spears. She wasn't a superstar that "snapped" one day without warning, she came from a deeply patriarchal family unit that were financially dependent on her, who saw no problem in treating her like a racehorse that needed to be broken in and kept on a leash, the conservatorship was just the means to that end.
I'm actually amazed by how much clarity she has on all these situations now- she's really expressing herself well and giving a really in depth picture of all these complex situations. She's really emotionally intelligent. Oh, and happy birthday Mr. President! Can't wait for 1989 reaction/Birthday celebration video
Excellent commentary as always! I don't know if Brit was portrayed as "innocent". Her baby one more time video she portrays the classic trope of the fun sexy girl who is really sad and lonely on the inside. I would say none of her videos actually portray her as being innocent. You made me thing. Love you!
The journalist made her EMPTY HER PURSE?? I wish artists would put their foot down and not allow these boutiques do things like that--confront their rudeness. Like asking about virginity, how dare they
This story is harrowing and shows the issues our legal system has with dealing with mental health. But it is inspiring to know that people were able to use social media for good. The free Britney movement actually did something monumental in Britney’s life even if it was just giving her that courage she needed to break the chains. Her bravery is inspiring and she’s using her voice to protect children in the future who get into this industry.
Thank you so much for this video. I wasn't honestly that invested in Britney’s story, as she's not a favorite artist of mine. However, I was curious about her book, and your storytelling abilities opened up my heart. Never in my life could I have imagined I would relate to Britney Spears so much, from her childhood to her personality. Thank you for bringing her story to light and helping me realize I'm not alone; even a celebrity such as herself has the doubts and traits I have.
Britney's had such a sad life 😢 Her Oops I Did It Again album was the first cd I ever bought. She's an icon. Amazed at how fast you got through this and made a video!
Thank you for such an in depth report! I wouldn’t have read this myself. But as a 34 y/o woman, Britney was THE pop star of my jr hi and high school years, and I’m rooting for her, so I really enjoyed being able to hear her side of what she’s gone through!
The sickest part is her family was so sadistic they didn't even care that if Britney got to decide her own life and career, she'd be not only be filthy rich but would have bought them houses, cars, payed their bills, spoiled them etc just because her heart is so big. they not only clipped the wings of an angel but made her suffer for their greed, when she's so talented and creative she'd be a superstar no matter what. there's no way her parents and sister were too stupid to realize she loved them and had a heart of gold. they punished her because they were all jealous they weren't her.
Thank you so much for reading the book and getting your reaction/synopsis out so quickly. I wondered if you would do this with Britney as you reacted to Spare, it's great to hear your objective and considered thoughts without having to read the book ourselves. Super good summary from you in such a short space of time ... and we're about to hit 1989 TV as well so appreciate how much time you're devoting to us. It's appreciated :)
I need to buy this book. This video moved me to tears. The relationship I have with my family is terrible and nowhere near as bad as what she went through; I can hardly imagine how she must have felt. I felt utterly trapped but I knew that at 18 I could leave. She had no end in sight. That lack of hope must have been soul-destroying.
I still pause to read excerpts from the memoir on Twitter and watch videos like this as if I haven't read Britney's memoir in a single day when it came out lol. Thank you for all of your hard work on this video.
Luv Stevie Nicks❤she's a boss... wrote songs about her fkd up ex that was in the band and he had to play the music on stage while she sang them😅 She's a ICON ❤
Wow… that was a truly well-made video essay. I’m astonished at how well you stated the facts/ her story while remaining so compassionate. I learned so much about Brittney! Thank you for the video! ❤
I wanted so much to read this book but some parts just hit too close to home, so thank you SO MUCH for giving us such a high quality and well put together analysis of it! Your literally my favorite content creator!!
Thank you for this! I know I'm a little late, but I just came across you and since I haven't been able to get the book yet, altho I've heard a lot of tidbits. I must say, your delivery and description of all Britney went thru, made me feel like I was right there with her. And I personally, can actually relate to her overall sense of self...you know, the people pleasing, the feeling of always doing something wrong, feeling not good enough, feeling guilt unnecessarily, a reclusive type but a need to be accepted! All of that. I didn't go thru abuse, with family like she did, but I did always feel alone and always had a big empathetic heart also! So the way you spoke, was very nicely done and made us listeners, I believe anyway, really take it in and have even more compassion for her. So thank you again! Great job!😊❤
This is actually insane. I truly didn’t know all the lore and I feel so so bad for her. I was honestly quick to pass judgment for her instagram posts but I see things differently now, so thank you for opening my eyes.
Thank you Zach. I don't have access to the book now / yet. But having watched so many of your videos, I trust your journalistic integrity and ability to summarise information concisely without altering it, all while giving insightful commentary. I appreciate your work very much. Seeing the "Hit Me Baby One More Time" for the first time is what made me fall in love with pop music, Britney and eventually led me to become a songwriter. I have had posters of her on my wall. I have looked up to her. And then seeing her the only time live in a Circus concert, I was so disappointed, it was so bad. I have not enjoyed her later art since. Even though I respected her impact on my life always. As I became a grownup and an expert on pop music, I even talked about the conservatorship and documentaries on live TV, and hoped she would get freed. My hear breaks for now understanding the full depth of the hell her abusive family and society has put her through. We as society have failed Britney Spears. She's a modern day martyr and it's a miracle she is alive to tell her story. I hope she will be able to process the trauma and become peaceful, happy and healthy. And thank you for recounting the book. What a tragedy. And what a blessing that she's had the strength to survive. It is a real crime against humanity what they did to her.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - 4:13 context and main themes
4:13 - 9:17 unhappy childhood
9:17 - 13:50 mickey mouse club
13:50 - 15:33 baby one more time
15:33 - 18:42 media misogyny
18:42 - 20:57 movie and tour success
20:57 - 22:23 justin and the abortion
22:23 - 24:46 breakup and depression
24:46 - 26:54 cry me a river betrayal
26:54 - 28:23 madonna's mentorship
28:23 - 29:38 traumatic diane Sawyer interview
29:38 - 31:52 Kevin federline marriage
31:52 - 34:33 postpartum depression
34:33 - 35:49 recording blackout
35:49 - 37:55 divorce
37:55 - 41:21 breakdown and VMAS
41:21 - 43:33 hospitalisation
43:33 - 46:46 conservatorship begins
46:46 - 48:04 financial abuse
48:04 - 49:30 body shaming
49:30 - 50:47 vegas residency
50:47 - 51:44 reclaiming her creativity
51:44 - 54:29 'rehab' for no reason
54:29 - 55:33 her lowest point
55:33 - 56:51 free Britney
56:51 - 58:08 her Instagram presence
58:08 ending the conservatorship
You are amazing! Her book is on my wishlist and you really took the time to recap and did it so well! Thank you! ❤
I think Spears was abused in multiple manners, both physical and psychological. The fact she is alive to actually write this autobiography actually amazes people even now.
Weirdly enough I get the impression that Madonna is an important player in all of this. I do feel like she inspired this strength in her to keep going and start setting some mental boundaries as well as her faith. Like you can say whatever about religion but it does seem like one huge reason she kept going.
her strength is truly incredible
@@evolved1665It's more than that. I think Spears saw how one Taylor Alison Swift overcame the ugliness from Kanye West (not once, but twice!) and Scooter Braun and Swift's success in overcoming these obstacles inspired Spears to persevere in face of just about every person close to Spears mistreated her.
@@Sacto1654It had nothing to do with Taylor. TS is her contemporary, not her peer.
@@Sacto1654this has nothing to do with Taylor…… they are not peers.
As a child, Britney was adultified. And as a grown woman, she was infantalized. Women, esp neurodivergent women, cannot win.
I felt this. Finished the book in one night! I haven’t gone through even a fraction of hardship as Brittney . But being a neurodivergent woman has been very confusing for me. I could definitely relate.
Damn, so true.
True
Can you explain what you mean by neurodivergent women can't win? I am feeling like I am ( 30s undiagnosed) and want some understanding. thx ♥
@@naturaldyerI think they mean we just aren’t allowed to be ourselves? That’s how I took it anyway.
If we get one thing out of this, it's that Britney Spears is a way better writer and dancer than her sister, Jamie Lynn.
Britney didn’t “write” this book
@timetotalktitanic7381 and you didn't write that comment
Britney Is One Of The Greatest Dancers.No Doubt She Is Better Than Jamie Lynn.
@@jon.callaghan4165 true I asked an AI to do it
@timetotalktitanic7381 find a better AI then
I cried when she found out that her diary with poems and her dolls were thrown by her family to the trash. I could never understand why she never truly mattered to the family she gave so much.. or Everything to. 😢
literally so barbaric and for no reason
I don't believe they were thrown in the trash, her family knows the monetary value of them and that's all they care about. I think they were sold or put somewhere to be sold in the future, and she was told they were thrown in the trash.
Same, they literally threw her away :( I'm glad she's at peace with no longer seeing any of those people ever again. I pray she is well and living her life the way *she* wants ♥
Lynn spears posted pictures of them on IG and tags britney and says she doesnt know who told brit that but takes about 6 pictures of her doll collection and one large leather journal and asks britney via IG if she would like her to ship them all to her. They didnt throw all her dolls and writings away...but i dont doubt that she asked for them at one point and they told her no we threw them away (to keep her from having them since they are very valuable considering they are collectibles for one and for 2 they are hers).
Oh my god, my empathy goes out to her infinitely. I relate to her childhood trauma on some levels and the sense of guilt her parents imbued her with. Britney has been through so so much. I want to read this but I’m afraid I’ll get too emotional. I’m still going to read it. I hate how the world (including myself as a teenager) completely misunderstood her. I just want to hug her now and apologize for everything she went through
This book broke me. When she said, "I shouldn't be this strong"...it hurt so much. She has been through HELL and back multiple times. I just hope she feels safe enough to rest now.
I cried multiple times reading it...
I cried watching this
I'm so glad she mentioned Instagram. There's people who see her silly dancing videos and act like she's insane. My aunt had to be on strong medication and it's changed her mentally. She's an amazing women who I love and will always defend, and sometimes she doesn't understand social cues and does things that people think are weird. I think being controlled for years and being forced to take meds will obviously change someone. Just because what she's doing is "cringe" or "strange" to you, doesn't mean she should be locked away with no choices. There's no such thing as a perfect victim, and yet, I continue to see this idea that people who have been through awful things, especially women, should be behaving in a very specific way.
You are so right! Of course she’s been changed by what’s happened to her, and being on mind altering medication can have a long term affect! I just want to pick her up and bring her home to live a normal life with no expectations on her. What’s been done to her is so sad and absolutely shameful
I believe she also has ADHD which could contribute to her impulsivity and she just wants to be free to do as she pleases at this point
It’s her time now. Everyone else has used her and had their say at her expense. She has every right to share her side of the story and her truth. Glad she finally is standing up for herself.
Amen
YOU ARE LITERALLY GIVING YOUR SUBSCRIBERS EVERYTHING WE WANT. Thank you
Nodaysoffologist! Thank you Zach for your reporting efforts they do not go unnoticed!!!
Amen
Justin Timberlake is truly who Katy Perry was talking about as "the Regina George in sheep's clothing". Between what he did to Britney and the way he talked trash about her to the press post breakup which surely contributed to the media's relentless crusade against her, and the entire Janet Jackson incident which, despite being his doing, destroyed HER career. And yet he still gets to have a prosperous career with few blemishes while both Britney and Janet's careers were forever altered. Sorry for the rant, but he is a piece of trash 👿
Wish Britney the best, she deserves happiness and stability after all she has had to endure in her life, if not a full musical reevaluation as to her importance in musical history and culture outside of Baby One More Time, she will always be the Princess of Pop to us with taste, Blackout is the Pop BIBLE 💝, thanks Zack 😊
When Katy said "Regina George in sheep's clothing", she was talking about Taylor Swift...
@@izzyplaysgamez I know, I'm just referencing the quote itself, not Taylor
Taylor Swift may respect Timberlake's work with NSYNC, but I really doubt she wants to deal with him in any manner, especially considering her own experience with one Scooter Braun.
@@Sacto1654 scooter braun?? Who's that? He sounds like a loser lol
JT literally is demonic
her experience really shows how much influence your family life especially in childhood affects you when you grow up. It still boggles my mind how this amazing and talented woman who was at the top and was looked up to by many people was experiencing this horrible pain and suffering. They really took the woman in her. The industry, the media, and her family took advantage of it. It's heartbreaking.
Yes. This breaks me. I want to hold her forever and tell her everything will be ok.
Them not letting her see her children made me tear up. I couldn't imagine the pain
As someone who suffered a lot of abuse and having cptsd, it takes a long time to heal. You feel unstable, your emotions are all over the place, you can act really weird and strange. Living under that kind of stress and abuse changes your brain chemistry. Especially with what Brittney went through with gaslighting and control, it’s going to be hard for her learn healthy boundaries, what’s normal behavior and relationships, and even what the truth is about things in her past. It can take decades to sort out why people did things, like what was the secret motivation to the lies and manipulations they did to you. It’s a mind fuck. I just want everyone to let her live her life and figure it out on her own.
I have CPTSD too from childhood narcissistic abuse. What you wrote here is spot on. It can be healed through somatic therapy, bottom up approach through the nervous system. Cognitive based therapies don't touch it and can bring up major shame and hopelessness in survivors. So much love to you and all of us fighting through this awful shit. Long live Brit.
Thank you SO much for focusing on what really matters: the crimes committed against her by her family. I feel like so much of the commentary around this book focuses on justin timberlake and the abortion, and yes, those were important events, but federline completely alienated her from her children and her family basically enslaved her. This is the main story here, so thank you
I agree, unfortunately, it all started from Justin presenting her as a bad b in the media. While, it seems like people didn't believed to her parents, at least I didn't believe them or trusted their words. Justin words, and songs and interviews were much more influential, and his treatment of her was the beginning of the downfall. I know he cannot be responsible for everything and her family failed to support her and abused her really in a horrible way, still I don't understand how everyone was so trustful to this clown Justin.
She really is this generations, Marilyn Monroe both in talent and tragedy.
Absolutely. I told my sister that a couple of days ago. People totally underestimate Britany's intelligence and capabilities. She's wicked smart and very creative. Shame how the public treated and still treats her.
100%, there will films about her in 15-20 years like Marilyn and Diana.
Thankfully it's not too late and we still have her with us. 🩵
I do hope she lives longer though
No. Marilyn was Marilyn, Britney is Britney. Two completely different but both wonderful human beings.
I used to think Britney was just the cliché case of a tragic star gone wrong, but she had a crazy life even before all of that. Like without any of the "star/fame" issues she had, she just had a traumatic childhood and an abusive family.
But I guess it goes together, she looked to her career as an escape.
It's astounding how much she had to endure. Like, it's evil. Truly evilness at work. I cried several times throughout the book over how bad I felt for her. And even though she's free from the conservatorship, and we can find some relief in that, I still can't help but feel upset about everything. Because it's like... she's free but there's no justice still. Those literal fucking DEMONS in her life are able to just get away with what they did to her all these years, and that still pisses me off.
I wish she'd give herself more credit for her strength and resilience. It's so sad to me when people give all of the credit for their accomplishments to an invisible higher power. She deserves to own her own power.
I feel like inventing a Time Machine and going back in time to call CPS on her parents.
Very much that!
Thank you for sharing this. One thing I wish people would understand is that just because Britney is free doesn't mean she's going to go back to "normal", if you accept that she was capable of ruling her own life in 2007 despite her struggles, then you can't turn around now and say her current social media posts are a reason she needs to be back in conservatorship. Yes her posts are weird, especially the knife thing. But she is healing in her own way, her own time, and she is capable of leading her own life. I don't understand what she's doing currently, but I don't need to. I'm glad she is free, and I wish everyone would just let her be, even if they think she is acting strange.
exactly, I feel as though its her life to live no matter how it may seem to others
People on the internet have been posting much weirder things than dancing with fake knives, but it seems like people's instinct is to question her independence every time she does anything.
@MaiPham-vy5nl yes, it's like people have learned nothing!
Many people also don't seem to know that she is neurodivergent (ADHD) which can contribute to her impulsive actions we just didn't notice before because she wasn't allowed to be herself.
Omfg there’s no one else i’d trust to summarize this book for me other than you!!! So excited for this one. Killing it this iconic 1989 TV week my guy
I want to believe that somewhere out there in the multiverse Brittney is a bad ass Elle Woods style lawyer who broke away from her family after high school.
This is so heart breaking. 💔 so many of my gal pals knew (KNEW) that her "breakdown" was a break through! She seems like such a sensitive girly in interviews and the adults in the room FAILED her.
The dehumanization of Britney is a fucking crime.
This book has been out for a day and Zach has already delivered this ???! King of commentary
I have so much empathy for her. It's so sad to think how we were all told by the media to just think of her as this crazy, trainwreck, hot mess of her own making back in the 2000s
This is literally unbelievable! Like the dad should be in prison wtf 😢 I had no idea what she'd been through, no wonder she seems so damaged..
This is actually heart wrenching to hear. I cannot believe that someone could do all this (her father) and it not have repercussions in some way, it sounds illegal and torturous. The same goes for lawyers, judges and therapists how look the other way for a paycheck. How disgusting! Poor woman.
Hearing Brittney (still) downplay how abusive people were to this day just shows the level of trauma this woman has gone through…it’s heartbreaking💔 Let’s all pray Lynne also goes to hell alongside her husband coz she’s also PURE EVIL!
I loved this video so much. I am an older subscriber at 38!! I really appreciate your dedication and research you put into your videos. I remember back in 99 and I had the TAPE (told you I’m old) of Baby One More Time. I was an instant fan of Britney’s from the beginning. I went to The Onyx Hotel tour back in 2004 and it saddens me to know that she hated it. Looking back I still remember her professionalism and her dancing. She wasn’t lip syncing but singing to a backing track, which is totally understandable with the amount of choreography she had. She danced and put on such a wonderful show. After all these years I can still remember how happy she seemed dancing and how beautiful she looked. It did show through her and I loved hearing how she explained that from her side. Wonderful job on the video!!!
so jealous you went to the onyx tour!! thanks for watching
Thank you so much for this thorough account, Zach. After watching this, I don't know if I have it in me to actually read the book. The fact that Britney summoned the strength to share her story is truly amazing. May she finally be blessed with the freedom and PEACE she deserves.
Definitely read it!!! I have it and was so sad for her and still am :( it may hurt but it's worth hearing things from her side in her own words.
After watching your analysis, I just once again have to remark at the quality content you give us. You are so articulate and eloquent in your thoughts, and it helped me process the book even more. It really was so heavy and so many parts of it deserve space to sit with.
I love that despite the unbelievable cruelty she received from her family, the legal system, and society at large, you can still hear her humor and spirit throughout the book. I’ve been following all things Britney for awhile so much of this wasn’t news to me, though I’m grateful to have gotten it from her perspective. I do find it interesting the amount of grace she continues to give people who don’t deserve it, and I wonder how much of that is her still being naive and trusting, and how much of it is the guilt she feels any time she allows herself to stand her own ground, knowing the backlash she will receive. It is heartbreaking. I just want so much for her to have a real redemption and that she is able to find peace, as best she can with the trauma she has survived. I hope more people allow her the space to grieve and heal, because I have seen way too many trash comments of people telling her to move on and think positively, as if anyone with PTSD or CPTSD can just take all their trauma, put it in a box, and put it all away the moment society decides justice has been given. It’s just not how that works and I hope more people are willing and able to acknowledge that.
thank you so much for watching and your thoughtful comment!
👏 brilliant comment
As someone who grew up in a religious environment at the peak of Britney's career, everything that I was told about her was reflective of the views of the conservative media those around me consumed, but I always found a secret joy in it. As an adult, I've returned to her music out of nostalgia, and have found so much comfort in it and relate to it so much. It's so heartbreaking to me that all of that goodness was stolen from her and I'm so glad she is finally able to tell her own story. (Not sure when I'll have time to pick up the book, so thank you Zack! I recently found your channel and have been loving your refreshing takes on Swiftian and other madness)
Yes, it’s a thing that also happened with Madonna (people painted her in such a sketchy light, idk about her now but I talk about her back in her glory days) because she was so “in your face” and “sexual” it’s the people who are intimidated by a strong self aware, self Loving woman who critique these women… a strong woman isn’t “in her place” (whatever that means) so it’s a threat to these insecure ppl
thanks for watching!!
That was so heavy on my heart I can’t fathom how she got through all that, bless her on her healing journey🩷
I watched the Spears vs. Spears Documantary yesterday and its so sad and tragic that this all happend to her. "My father love it to control someone like me." He deserve the hell!
Just listening to your recap brought me to tears multiple times . Britney was all over my walls as a teen and I looked up to her very much. To hear all the things she’s lived through in more detail is just heartbreaking and so fucked. I pray the entire spears family & everyone involved in holding Britney captive for so long never know a moment of peace!
That performance at the VMA's is possibly the best dance performance I've ever seen. I had no idea she got backlash for that. I was in awe.
@@lindseyb2586 ok show me one better!
Why is Justin Timberlake the villain in so many stories of women back then? Can he be added to our prayer?
Pray for what? His demise?
Swiftologist always prays for scooter Braun and Scott B to have a bad day
I never liked him or his music!
Does Janet Jackson count as one of those women? Even as a kid, I thought it was weird how harsh the media was toward her after the Super Bowl incident.
@@santaclara6112 ofc she does
I was never the biggest britney stan but will forever have so much respect for her & was so relieved for her when i seen that the conservatorship was over.
Nobody should be controlled like this & what she experienced within the industry made it possible for a lot of women to be the artists they are now.
Me tearing up over you telling her story with the most monotone delivery has me looking like a clown I would not survive that environment.
I think this is my first time ever commenting on a youtube video... but I absolutely love your channel. Your thoughtful and rather objective analysis of pop culture combined with your eloquent delivery, humor and wonderful voice have captured me! Thank you for creating your content, it is appreciated :)
thank you for watching!!
I read the memoir in one sitting last night and saw so much of myself in her. We've had similar experiences when it comes to hospitals. I really hope there's a new way we can help people. What she doesn't mention in the book is how whether you have true problems or not, you can end up in a mental health hospital bc someone around is simply worried and sometimes it does way more harm than good. I hope there's a discussion about MHH's - a way to help without stripping away our rights and making us feel like animals.
You did an amazing job summarizing Britney’s book!!!! Thank you for sharing!!
There’s a really good book by Jon Ronson called The Psychopath Test that’s about some of the flaws in the institutional therapy system in that once it’s been decided that you’re “insane” it becomes impossible to convince people that you are sane. Everything you do becomes evidence of your sanity or lack of in a way that’s totally out of control and I think you can really see that play out here unfortunately.
I’m going to say it…(through tears and wanting to hug Britney forever until she truly feels loved)…B blazed the trail that allowed Taylor to be Taylor…and I wonder if at this moment, when she could most use it…what exactly Taylor will do. What all the other pop girlies will do. Aside from Madonna, who else paved the way for them?
God soooo many brave women from Cher, Janet, Diana, Donna, Diana, Barbara, Tina, etc. They really hate us and teach us to hate each other too.
Britney definitely made an impact in pop culture and the industry that will far outlive any of us!
I feel like Mariah paved the way as well. At the beginning of her career she was controlled kind of like Britney. Mariah found a way to escape her captors as well. Although Britney’s story is heart breaking, I’m glad she’s free but I wish she would’ve escaped earlier so that she wouldn’t have spent so many years sad. Honestly, Britney was just too nice
@@ajam5988THIS
@@ajam5988 good points.
This video is so thourough, articulate and well done and I appreciate you putting this summarized breakdown together. I'm undecided on whether I want to purchase the hard copy or the audio book version. Either way, I look forward to hearing all of Britney's peaks and valleys discussed in this memoir and I will continue to root for her ❤.
With this you earned my subscription. After all she went through she really needs respect by the public and the media.
thank you for subscribing!
Me too
She couldn't even vote, I guess I knew that deep down but I've never heard that said about her conservatorship. I can't say it's the most severe loss of personal and civil liberty that she experienced but it feels like the most clear stab at her by the court. The right to vote is a human right, it's so disgusting.
that detail really put it in perspective for me
Yes, oh my God 😱
It's just such a *_CLEAR_* red flag, how could anyone, for all that time, man...
My God, this poor woman and all that she has been through, I wish her peace and quiet for the rest of her days. What a great video Zack, I would not have been able to read it myself, thank you for breaking it down short form I really appreciate it! ❤
Great breakdown of the book, as always! This poor girl was seriously abused. I really hope she heals, and if she ever wants to come back to performing, it will be open arms! Thanks again for all the hard work, Zac. BTW, you're slaying that jacket!
thanks Lisa!!
Thanks Zach for this analysis, i really wanted to know more about this memoir and you gave me exactly what i wanted, thank you so much for your amazing content. In my opinion what happened to Britney is one of biggest crimes to humanity in history. And people who did this to her don´t deserve jail, but death sentence. People like them shouldn´t be let stay alive. She lived through real hell and i can´t even express how much respect and admiration i have for her. She´s one of strongest people that ever lived. With this book she became my hero. One of saddest things about this whole thing is that she agreed to this converstationship and stayed in it for so long to be able stay close to her children, she sacrificed her freedom for them and they both clearly have no love or respect for her. Being embarrased of what your mom is doing on her social media while she sacrificed her life for you? Really? That´s more than pathetic, i don´t even know a word to describe this. They don´t deserve such an amazing mother as Britney. I truly wish for Britney to spend rest of her life happy and in full control of her life, i never want her to suffer like this again.
I am so jazzed to see Zach’s subscribers, increasing exponentially! Finally!
Thank you for reading such a difficult book in terms of content & reporting back to us so compassionately, thoroughly & professionally.
It's straight up coercive control aka domestic violence. 😢
What a remarkably strong & talented woman Britney Spears is.
The media has a lot to answer for.
Wow that woman has been through literal hell. I hope she can find healing and joy in her later years. 💔
i still remember one of the first albums i owned / purchased was a britney album. she was also one amongst the first singers in pop music who i liked and even stanned before i knew what stanning was. i'm still yet to finish the book but so far i'm really glad she put this one out and finally got to talk about everything from her side
she truly has such an indelible place in so many of our minds!
what album
@@riyanirfanthe britney (2001) record. the album that has i’m a slave 4 u and i’m not a girl not yet a woman
god, I grew up with self-interested abusive parents as well and the bit about her mom going on about her painful labor, as though Britney did this to her and should feel guilty, hits close to home. My mom talks about me crying too much as a baby as if I made the conscious choice to do it to make her miserable. Narcissistic parents hold literal babies to adult standards, it's bizarre.
Also her statement on making peace with her family, like it's a huuuge epiphany when you finally realize "there is no point in constantly striving for their approval because it's never going to come, there is no point in repeatedly feeling disappointed by their lack of empathy and support because they aren't capable of giving it. I accept who they are as people now & they aren't people I want to know".
It’s so interesting how she devoted the most time to her debut, Blackout and Glory. I expected a lot more of In the Zone. I was shocked she hated the Onyx Hotel tour!
that shocked me too lol
I was really surprised and honestly disappointed she didn't talk about the Original Doll album that she tried to record and promote against the wishes of her record label. She had some great songs on there, extremely dark too.
i love your commentary Zach. Gosh i know you have to know but YOUR BRAIN. Your ability to say all this in a concise way but in a detailed way with social commentary, emotional intelligence, empathy and humor. So many that are into pop culture are seen as just being “silly”. I love seeing intelligence mixed with pop culture
thank you so much Katie!!
I love when you talk about celeb books
who should I do next ?
@@theswiftologistmaybe Jamie Lynn Spears book? And slander it like spear? 😅
@@theswiftologist PLEASE do I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
@@theswiftologist the meaning of mariah carey!
Thank you SO MUCH for doing this video, you got my subscription. On the book: Yes, the expectations that women MUST be both "sexy baby" and "responsible mother figure" is so insane to me... also I started modelling as a child at 7 and continued until I was 24. I absolutely understand how Britney feels about the cameras and controlling her image. It's really scary putting yourself out there at such a young age knowing that you've signed releases for these photos and the control is totally out of your hands. I'm so happy that Brit was able to keep fighting for herself and her sons. She IS WORTH IT! Singing is 100% a form of prayer or spiritual experience, it's why there's an entire book in the Bible devoted to song. This is also a strong Southern Baptist belief. (Pssst... I slowed the video down a bit for me, don't forget us slow-talking Southerners)
I actually choked up a bit when you spoke about Britney’s recount of her mother promoting her own book (44mins), while Britney was in crisis, and how she couldn’t imagine not doing anything possible to help her own sons should they face any kind of hardship. I’ve got 2 young girls myself (a baby and a preschooler) and this just crushed me trying to imagine how Britney felt in that moment.
Great vid and damn quick as always!
I wish the media hadn't ran with the "Top shocking revelations from Britney's book!", as the last 3rd of the book didn't have the biggest 'scandals', but was so heavy and devastating. We knew it was bad, but Jeeesus-she's stronger than we ever knew. 💝
I remember when I first found your channel you had around 3,000 subs. You now have over 50,000. Congrats!
Thank you for your service! I haven't read it yet. I have a lot of love for Britney. Her case shows so well why it is so important to stand up for yourself especially when you are a geniue person. If you don't they gonna walk on you and it's not only bad for your career, it affects your mental health. I'm evermore glad that Taylor is ballsy.
It’s devastating to hear how mistreated and disrespected she was… Used and abused… (( However, it’s clear Britney is not mentally ok… Obviously, all of the suffering effected her well-being… Having mental illness doesn’t make a person bad or crazy… It’s a natural reaction to cptsd and ptsd… She still needs help!! A lot of therapy and, probably, rehab… People can get addicted to meds, and I think she is…
If there are friends who care about her, they need to find her a great therapist as well as rehab, for mental and physical health.
The trouble is whether she has anyone around her, even now, who actually has her best interests at heart and wants to genuinely help her rather than take advantage of her. How can she ever trust anyone again?
@@nickybull2361 It might sound weird, but I think that some of her celebrity female friends could help… Someone who doesn’t need her money and clout but is able to understand what she has been through and knows the right places and people…
Britney is afraid of any medical personnel :( even if someone was well intentioned it wouldn't go over well. I don't blame her, after everything she's been through I wouldn't wanna see anymore medical people either.
What an amazing review of this book! I literally read it in a day I couldn’t stop reading (and crying) just ordered the audio for when I’m away I hear Michelle Williams is incredible and so excited to hear the audio version! I’m so so happy for Britney that she has finally told her story. I’ve loved her from day one just like like millions and millions of other and watched her struggles with a broke heart and now we’re reading what REALLY happened. It must be so liberating for her xxxx
The public starting to question her “authenticity” as the start of the “anti-Britney” movement was a really great insight that you shared. This expectation to be extremely likeable is something that mainly female public figures (e.g., Taylor Swift) are cursed with, and it just further highlights how public opinion was really unfair to Britney. 😢
Well, I wasn’t planning on reading the book, but now I might just have to run out and get a copy. Once again, your deep dive, thorough analysis did not disappoint. Oh and btw, finally subscribed. 😊
I powered through the audiobook yesterday and cannot WAIT to hear your take!
Does Brittney read the audiobook?
@@HollyHargreavesno
@@HollyHargreaves She does read the prologue but she mentions it would be too emotionally difficult to read the whole thing, so someone else reads the rest. Michelle Williams does a really great job capturing the emotions, though. Still very much worth the listen.
It's really interesting, I had read Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn last year that is an extensive (and fairly horrifying) history on women and medical bias and abuse. When I think of gendered medical abuse in modern times I always think Britney Spears, she was definitely unwell during those years leading to her breakdown and the beginnings of her conservatorship, but all the medical "help" she received was corrective, not therapeutic. I very much do not believe that if she was a male this would have happened to her.
The parallels to her grandmother's own mental illness struggles is so hard to hear but clarifying in a way. I really hope that people who read this book can now see the context that was missing when we tell the story of Britney Spears. She wasn't a superstar that "snapped" one day without warning, she came from a deeply patriarchal family unit that were financially dependent on her, who saw no problem in treating her like a racehorse that needed to be broken in and kept on a leash, the conservatorship was just the means to that end.
oooh I have to check this book out
I'm actually amazed by how much clarity she has on all these situations now- she's really expressing herself well and giving a really in depth picture of all these complex situations. She's really emotionally intelligent.
Oh, and happy birthday Mr. President! Can't wait for 1989 reaction/Birthday celebration video
Excellent commentary as always! I don't know if Brit was portrayed as "innocent". Her baby one more time video she portrays the classic trope of the fun sexy girl who is really sad and lonely on the inside. I would say none of her videos actually portray her as being innocent. You made me thing. Love you!
Sexy baby is the way to describe innocent but yet not quite that was the exact imagine she had
The journalist made her EMPTY HER PURSE?? I wish artists would put their foot down and not allow these boutiques do things like that--confront their rudeness. Like asking about virginity, how dare they
During 1989 month u have time to drop another analysis video about Britney?! Thank u for feeding us peasants. ❤
This story is harrowing and shows the issues our legal system has with dealing with mental health. But it is inspiring to know that people were able to use social media for good. The free Britney movement actually did something monumental in Britney’s life even if it was just giving her that courage she needed to break the chains. Her bravery is inspiring and she’s using her voice to protect children in the future who get into this industry.
Thank you so much for this video. I wasn't honestly that invested in Britney’s story, as she's not a favorite artist of mine. However, I was curious about her book, and your storytelling abilities opened up my heart. Never in my life could I have imagined I would relate to Britney Spears so much, from her childhood to her personality. Thank you for bringing her story to light and helping me realize I'm not alone; even a celebrity such as herself has the doubts and traits I have.
You're so welcome!
Britney's had such a sad life 😢 Her Oops I Did It Again album was the first cd I ever bought. She's an icon. Amazed at how fast you got through this and made a video!
you did such a great job with this summary. you were so respectful and thoughtful and I really felt your kindness and compassion towards britney
Thank you so much!
Thank you for such an in depth report! I wouldn’t have read this myself. But as a 34 y/o woman, Britney was THE pop star of my jr hi and high school years, and I’m rooting for her, so I really enjoyed being able to hear her side of what she’s gone through!
The sickest part is her family was so sadistic they didn't even care that if Britney got to decide her own life and career, she'd be not only be filthy rich but would have bought them houses, cars, payed their bills, spoiled them etc just because her heart is so big. they not only clipped the wings of an angel but made her suffer for their greed, when she's so talented and creative she'd be a superstar no matter what. there's no way her parents and sister were too stupid to realize she loved them and had a heart of gold. they punished her because they were all jealous they weren't her.
She Literally Before Taylor Was The First Time I Started To Be Passionate About Music.
She was betrayed by absolutely everyone, I'm so sorry for her 💔
This is so heartbreaking. I can not believe the people that were supposed to love and protect her, did this to her. I’m glad she is free now
Thank you so much for reading the book and getting your reaction/synopsis out so quickly. I wondered if you would do this with Britney as you reacted to Spare, it's great to hear your objective and considered thoughts without having to read the book ourselves. Super good summary from you in such a short space of time ... and we're about to hit 1989 TV as well so appreciate how much time you're devoting to us. It's appreciated :)
You are so welcome!
I need to buy this book. This video moved me to tears. The relationship I have with my family is terrible and nowhere near as bad as what she went through; I can hardly imagine how she must have felt. I felt utterly trapped but I knew that at 18 I could leave. She had no end in sight. That lack of hope must have been soul-destroying.
I could listen to you review anything. You're so insightful and I love it. Thank you
thank you for watching!!
thanks for posting this so fast🙏
the timing about this video is insane! i am literally writing an essay about her, and her resilience, for school right now. thanks Zac ❤
Glad to help !!
You show all the rest what good commentary sounds like. You are the best Zach!! Thank you for all your hard work. 🥰💖💙🙏
Girl…. I don’t want no scrub…. 🤣🤣🤣 that was beautiful.😂
I still pause to read excerpts from the memoir on Twitter and watch videos like this as if I haven't read Britney's memoir in a single day when it came out lol. Thank you for all of your hard work on this video.
I love that you’re a Britney fan and a Swiftie because same! I was first a Britney then Taylor and somewhere in there Stevie Nicks.
Luv Stevie Nicks❤she's a boss... wrote songs about her fkd up ex that was in the band and he had to play the music on stage while she sang them😅 She's a ICON ❤
@@kaykaymishka5548 hell yeah!!
Thank you for covering this. ❤
15:28 saying “fearless” and then “off to the races” YOU DON’T GET TO DO THAT
Wow… that was a truly well-made video essay. I’m astonished at how well you stated the facts/ her story while remaining so compassionate. I learned so much about Brittney! Thank you for the video! ❤
One hour video???!! I STAN !!!
I wanted so much to read this book but some parts just hit too close to home, so thank you SO MUCH for giving us such a high quality and well put together analysis of it! Your literally my favorite content creator!!
I am so excited you uploaded today!
Thank you for this! I know I'm a little late, but I just came across you and since I haven't been able to get the book yet, altho I've heard a lot of tidbits. I must say, your delivery and description of all Britney went thru, made me feel like I was right there with her. And I personally, can actually relate to her overall sense of self...you know, the people pleasing, the feeling of always doing something wrong, feeling not good enough, feeling guilt unnecessarily, a reclusive type but a need to be accepted! All of that. I didn't go thru abuse, with family like she did, but I did always feel alone and always had a big empathetic heart also! So the way you spoke, was very nicely done and made us listeners, I believe anyway, really take it in and have even more compassion for her. So thank you again! Great job!😊❤
This is actually insane. I truly didn’t know all the lore and I feel so so bad for her. I was honestly quick to pass judgment for her instagram posts but I see things differently now, so thank you for opening my eyes.
Thank you Zach. I don't have access to the book now / yet. But having watched so many of your videos, I trust your journalistic integrity and ability to summarise information concisely without altering it, all while giving insightful commentary. I appreciate your work very much.
Seeing the "Hit Me Baby One More Time" for the first time is what made me fall in love with pop music, Britney and eventually led me to become a songwriter. I have had posters of her on my wall. I have looked up to her. And then seeing her the only time live in a Circus concert, I was so disappointed, it was so bad. I have not enjoyed her later art since. Even though I respected her impact on my life always. As I became a grownup and an expert on pop music, I even talked about the conservatorship and documentaries on live TV, and hoped she would get freed.
My hear breaks for now understanding the full depth of the hell her abusive family and society has put her through. We as society have failed Britney Spears. She's a modern day martyr and it's a miracle she is alive to tell her story. I hope she will be able to process the trauma and become peaceful, happy and healthy.
And thank you for recounting the book. What a tragedy. And what a blessing that she's had the strength to survive. It is a real crime against humanity what they did to her.