Britney Spears Conservatorship Hearing Accessed By Four Unauthorized Individuals
By Mike Walters on July 23, 2020 at 11:08 AM EDT
Britney Spears' digital conservatorship hearing was postponed after four individuals illegally accessed the court's digital video link system -- and refused to leave, evening popping back up several times after being ordered by the judge to exit the system.
According to sources close to the situation, Britney Spears was set to make a digital appearance in her ongoing conservatorship case, using the Los Angeles Courts video link courtroom system.
But, we're told as soon as it started four different people popped up in the video feed, who was not authorized to listen in the private hearing, and the judge was forced to stop the proceedings.
Gettyimages | ROBYN BECK
Our sources say the individuals kept refusing to jump off once the judge ordered the hearing sealed -- and even popped back on several times after they were told to stay off the video system.
Several individuals who were present inside the courtroom originally stated once leaving that Britney herself was having 'technical difficulties' joining the hearing. We're told that is not the case. The issue is the judge was unable to continue the hearing once the four people were able to access the video link.
We're told the judge was 'frustrated with the situation' and decided to continue the hearing until August.
"LACourtConnect is not authorized for use by anyone other than litigants and attorneys and others involved in a case - it is not authorized for media use," a spokesperson of the L.A courts told The Blast.
They contiuned, "We understand that some media representatives were able to access the system yesterday. The Court is preparing an advisory to clear up any misunderstanding or misinformation about the use of the remote appearance technology."
It's unclear if the unauthorized persons were actually members of the media, or just fans wishing to listen in on the hearing. Our sources say one of the people was a 'documentary filmmaker.'
Gettyimages | Frazer Harrison
As we reported, there has been a spike in the #FreeBritney movement -- a group that believes Britney is being held in this personal conservatorship against her will and should be released from its restraints.
Several celebrities have joined in the conversation including Rose McGowen,Paris Hilton, and Ariel Winter.
As we reported, #FreeBritney protestors were present at the courthouse for Wednesday's hearing but were barred from entering the courtroom where the judge was conducting the digital hearing.
According to the minute order, both of Britney's parents were present for the hearing, along with several attorneys representing all the parties involved.
But, based on the illegal access by individuals not authorized to be on the video link, the judge contiuned the hearing until August 16, 2020.