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Britney's public meltdown

SIRI AGRELL

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 12:03 PM EDT 05/01/08

Not the end of a sad story: Spears dismissed as another woman facing death by paparazzi ...Read the full article

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  1. Matt Neffer from Calgary., Canada writes: You've composed a reasonably thoughtful, well-written story, Siri (which i didn't think was possible by now, given the subject) but doesn't it make you feel like a hypocrite to denounce the fact that Britney's life has turned into, as you say, a 'snuff film,' while also containing a link to that very snuff film in the left hand navigation on the globe site? Every 'contextualized' press story on people like Spears wants to have it both ways -- shake their collective heads at the insanity,while indulging in the insanity themselves. There was just an amazing clip on Canada AM this week which featured the same ambulance footage, then cut back to Seamus and the gang tsk-tsking all the paparrazzi in the shot -- but the shot they were watching was TAKEN by one of those paparazzi! I feel badly for Britney even if I don't like her -- to be at the centre of this is really a form of mass abuse.
  2. S J in T.O. from Toronto, Canada writes: I don't know whether to think of her as a poor lost soul or a pathetic, needy, egomaniac. One thing I do know...being pushed into the spotlight at 5ish (Mouseketeers I think), by a stage Mom with dollar signs in her eyes, didn't help. Way to go Linda (I think that's her name)! Another blue-ribbon parent.
  3. Time Out from Canada writes: Matt Neffer from Calgary - Well said, I quite agree with you. I don't see this ending very well. If they are capable, her family needs to step up to avoid another tragedy.
  4. gordon davies from Victoria B.C., Canada writes: A sorry mess for sure , but as far as I know there isn't any help from her family as they look to be as troubled as MRS. T&A SHOW.
  5. James S from Mississauga, Canada writes: Perhaps salvation may rest in completely dropping this story from the media, for the sake of her life?
  6. I hatemarketspeculators from leftcoast, Canada writes: Maybe she needs Dr. Phil
  7. jason rohlig from Guelph, Canada writes: I agree with S.J. in T.O this poor girl has been pushed under the spotlight for years, she probably never had the chance just to be a normal kid.

    Perhaps the media should leave her alone? Maybe not being under the media microscope is just what this woman needs to clean up her life and move on before its too late.
  8. A Mitchell from Canada writes: At some point in just about everyone’s life, we have individuals who are close to us that go through similar personal struggles as Brittany is experiencing. (minus the paparazzi and the riches) We struggle to help as they push everything good in their life away; at least in these situations we can try to help. As little as I really care about Brittany, its still agonizing watching her life devolve. I wish it would just go away, but I can’t change a channel, change a radio station, walk by a newsstand without being bombarded by it.
  9. J.C. Davies from Canada writes:
    Britney: the new Anna Nicole Smith.
  10. Farenheit 451 from Vancouver, Canada writes: Given the fact that her parents seem to be a complete dead loss, I was actually wondering if it wasn't possible to have her somehow made a ward of court. Presumably not given that she is over age, but it really is sad to see these girls self-destructing like this and no one seems to be able to intervene. I'm not sure that even eliminating the press coverage would help at this point - maybe mandatory rehab and counselling for a minimum of two years in some kind of closed facility.
  11. A Peon in the golden boy's court from Saskatchewan, Canada writes: I feel sorry for this woman. I realize that she made a lot of efforts to become a sex symbol & be a constant media sensation, but it seems pretty clear to me that she didn't understand the potential hazards and stressed involved in such a lifestyle. When she first became a famous sex symbol wasn't she still a teenager? How healthy is that, to be in the media spotlight constantly from the time you're like 16 or 17; not to mention her mousekateer career as a child. I feel really sorry for her. This young lady needs some time to take care of herself & become a healthy person so that she can also be a good mother. The media should be admitting some responsibility for this & shame on the people out there who revel in her sadness & dysfunction. If I was religious, I would pray for her health. Everyone is entitled to some privacy & dignity no matter what their past indiscretions (not crimes) have been.
  12. Steve C from Canada writes: Who cares?!
  13. Robin H From Toronto from Toronto, Canada writes: Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen To The Show That Never Ends: It's Media Misogeny Mahem!
  14. A Mitchell from Canada writes: So what we are saying then is that she never thoroughly read the brochure on becoming a sex symbol? Rather, she just looked at the photos and pondered, wow, that looks like fun? Failing to realize that behind closed doors, your no different that you were before, life is even more empty than it was prior to the status?
  15. Akbar M from Regina, Canada writes: We're all so disturbed and titillated by it all. So tragic and fun at the same time.
  16. Lyn Alg from Canada writes: It's beyond my comprehension how anyone could have sympathy for this cretinous, noisome, individual who has only herself to blame for her 'meltdown'. Good riddance, dear Unfitney !
  17. Dave Medich from Windsor, Canada writes:
    A truly sick puppy that needs serious help. I'm not a fan of hers but I wish her the best.

    .
  18. Frank Black from Vancouver, Canada writes: Lock her up in a rubber room and toss away the key...
  19. Allan Eizinas from Simcoe, Canada writes: .
    Another example of highlighting and enjoying watching the rich and famous crash and burn.

    Catering to a distasteful and unpleasant side of human nature.

    Enough already!
  20. Kothar Rumbleg from Canada writes: She was, is and will be nothing but trailer trash. She should go away now and disappear forever. She never had any talent, was merely manufacteured by a record company for profits. You want talent, someone who can write their own music, play instruments in concert and actually really sing, look no further than Avril Lavine!
  21. Sue Hickey from Grand Falls-Windsor, Canada writes: I have no problems with people complaining that the Britney affair has appeared too often in the Globe. I don't particularly like Ms. Spears' music. However the woman apparently has mental issues, probably a combination of genetic predisposition, upbringing, pressure from family and the American media machine....add the hypersexualization of girls and women from that same Western media, where a confused young woman (no matter if she's famous or not) can go crazy trying to keep up. People with mental issues deserve sympathy and compassion. Brit should follow in the path of John Malkovich, who refuses to bring his family up in America. She should physically and mentally detox in a quiet part of Europe or Canada (how about Newfoundland! We don't a fuss about here, during the Shipping News filming Kevin Spacey sent home all his bodyguards), away from the crassness of the US.
  22. K M from Toronto, Canada writes: This a morality tale for parents. Keep your kids out of the entertainment business.
  23. Valerie Trammell from Rural AZ, United States writes: I don't buy it, Siri. Death by Paps? Surely you jest. Spears is NO Princess Di! 'Britiot' started this media frenzy by filming herself when Paps were not around. She made a reality show out of it. SHE WANTED IT. With every action stupid action, she just proves time and time again how much she needs the attention on her 24/7! If you look closely, all this drama started when she began having 'difficulties' with her mom and Timberlake. They appeared to be the only thing keeping her normalcy act together until that point. Britwreck began acting out (with any man who would follow along) through a quicky Vegas marriage, then a real one. Even last week, she was SLEEPING with a Pap just to make news! When people didn't approve of K-Fed, she got pregnant to validate her actions - 'You have to respect me. I'm doing normal things like all my country kin!' (Her words, not mine when questioned about letting her infant son ride on her lap while driving) Over the past year, she has systematically sought out the Paps on a daily basis, allowing them to pump her gas, order her fast food and bring her coffee to her car. Does she have no help to bring these things to her house? No. No driver, no bodyguard and no concern for anyone outside her sphere of influence - hence the hit and runs. If she's mentally ill, it's because she wants to be that way. Many, many, MANY people along the way have tried to help her steer out of this freefall. There is no one to blame but Britbrat. If she was living in a trailer and acting this way, people would just call it trailer trash behavior and we'd be paying for those kids with tax dollars because Mommy would be in jail. But because she has money and fame, it's a Popwreck feast for the media. Britbrat continues to get away with breaking the law, violating court orders, stealing from stores, etc. because she is, after all, Britney Biotch! Mentally ill? No. Just a brat who sees the end coming. FAST.
  24. Vox Veritas from Montreal, Canada writes: C'mon we all know that the FAME machine chews you up then spits you out.....always been that way, always will.
  25. John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: jason rohlig from Guelph, Canada writes: 'I agree with S.J. in T.O this poor girl has been pushed under the spotlight for years, she probably never had the chance just to be a normal kid.'

    I have to agree too. Britney isn't the first pop star who became incredibly successful at a young age, and then couldn't handle the pressures that success brought. She won't be the last.

    Now that she lives her life in a fishbowl, she won't be able to drop out of sight while she deals with the issues in her life. It's the downside of life where everything about you--right down to your shoe size and the colour of your socks--is front page tabloid news. And where publications like National Enquirer are only too happy to spread rumour and inuendo as national news the public has a right to know.
  26. Andrew S from Canada writes: So we're now talking about her death? Man, people are ignorant.

    The media should leave Britney alone - infact, the courts should order all media to stay away from her for the sake of her life and sanity.

    How would you feel if you were constantly watched for your every move? I bet all of us parents have done something that wasn't quite according to the rules. K Fed should be counting his lucky stars because he would only be a dancer if Brit and them didn't hook up. People are very unappreciative.

    When the time gets rough, let's all get a divorce and have instant gratification. North America has become the land of instant gratifers, single self-serving portion obsessors, wasteful energy consumers, over endulgers, and lack of respect for fellow humans in the interest of making a buck.
  27. Rain SCM from Canada writes: It doesn't matter how wealthy or famous, this vilification of mental illness is far more worrisome.

    You don't have to like her music, I certainly don't. You don't have to like her nouveau riche, 'Beverly Hillbillies' lifestyle, I certainly don't. You don't have to like how she is raising her children, I certainly don't. However, when someone is obviously dealing with extreme emotional issues, were is the sympathy?
  28. U S Eh! from Vancouver Island, Canada writes: Sick or not, she is getting what she wanted most in life...her face and name in the news. She wants this over her children, her career and her dignity. Many people escape from a bad childhood and are able to get beyond it with help. She obviously wants to wallow for the sake of fame. Others like her came from the MMC childhood and are doing quite well for themselves both in fame and dignity. They were child stars and now are adult stars. Britney may have been manipulated for the financial benefit of others, but she has the choice to remain a public spectacle or not. She chooses to be a twit. And we all go along for the ride whether we want to or not. I am country too, but country folk really don't act like this (he says in his mock hillbilly accent).
  29. Fool Monty from Vancouver, Canada writes: I don't feel at all sorry for Britney. She made her bed, and now she's vomiting in it. I think the paparazzi are a sympton, but not the cause of her problems. After all, it was Britney herself who fanned the fire with respect to their ilk. Then, Britney started believing her own hype. Is she troubled? Yes. Is she a unstable? Yes. At the end of the day, like Michael Jackson, you can't help someone (especially the very rich) who doesn't want to be helped. If she were anyone else, she'd be just another pile of stank humanity babbling insanity on skid row.

    Buy the ticket, take the ride. - Hunter S Thompson
  30. Don Bryant from Calgary, Canada writes: Britney Spears is a spoiled, self-indulgent, narcissistic trollop. If/when the day comes that she goes the same route as Anna Nicole Smith, it'll be no loss to anyone.
  31. L C the 1st from Canada writes: I usually don't comment on this krap, but it struck me....

    Frances Farmer was lobotomized for less than this. I guess we should be happy it isn't the '50's. Horrible that it is played out on the world stage, but it certainly isn't the first time I have seen addiction issues coupled with mental illness make a young woman act this way. I can separate from the hue and cry of all those that seem to feel that Britney is worse than the usual because she is 'famous', or some such happy drivel, but it would be good to remember that quite a few people in this kind of mess are attention wh_res. Most people don't have a fleet of paparazzo following them, however. It is usually family and friends that have to deal with the frantic calls and acting out. How nice that the Associated Press takes on that little job for Brit. It would be helpful if they would turn their backs and stop before much longer, because I doubt she will get better till they do. She's young, she's sick, and unlike La Lohan, is dumb as a stump.

    Hope she hits bottom soon.
  32. s like from Canada writes: Matt Neffer

    You summed it all up very well.

    This really is a form of mass abuse.
  33. Hendrick Larose from Calgary, Canada writes: Don Bryant, a very sensitive comment. Glad you took the time away from your busy day to share that.

    As a father of young women of similar age, my heart definitely goes out to this young woman. She is sick and is being devoured by the media. If I was her father I would be taking her somewhere out of the western world to get some help and some solitude. They should be concerned about suicide as she has had everything taken from her and has no coping skills. I sincerely hope she finds a way through this and someone comes to her rescue because this is a sickening display.
  34. J Law from Canada writes: Matt Neffer from Calgary

    Thank you. I thought I was the only person who looked upon entertainers as people employed to entertain us while on stage, but whose personal lives are just that; their personal lives that should be respected. Unfortunately the press has taken it upon themselves to look upon entertainers as something to be stalked as a victim to be used for the press's own selfish profit making.

    Which is the pathetic and which is the abused?
  35. Able Bodied Man from Canada writes:
    It is truly sad and horrible... Show me more.
  36. Orest Zarowsky from Toronto, Canada writes: Who is going to assume responsibility for her children? That is the only important issue here. They are the only innocents in this sorry situation. One would think that, with all that ready cash on hand, Brittney could afford to buy unadulterated drugs. I have zero sympathy for her. She has been out of control for a long time, and has even recognized that truth, and she needs help. But she declines to take responsibility for herself. Spare me the excuses about fame. She's well over 21 and has knowingly been manipulating and using the press and papparazzi for a very long time. There is no excuse for Brittney's behaviour and performance. She is a real and imminent threat to her children. Her parents should also be slapped upside the head - repeatedly - with a 2x4. Greed and stupidity - ya gotta love it.
  37. The Bubble from Canada writes: This was predictable, this is what Americans look for for entertainment now, we have become hatred here in America.
    In a few year Hannah Montanna will become the next victim.
    Why are people so stupid about this stuff.
  38. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: Britney....the saga of trailer trash with cash.
  39. Tomcat Alba from South of no north, United States writes: She has gone from being a succulent morsel to a flaming marshmellow.
  40. Sikki Nixx from saskatoon, Canada writes: I always find it ironic and somewhat amusing the way everyone in here becomes an armchair doctor who, in this case, is able to determine Britney has a mental illness. The same people do the same thing whenever a high profile case is before the courts, they become armchair judge and jury. Maybe just maybe this young lady is just DRUNK on her own CELEBRITY, and has a case of anything Lindsay or whoever does, I can do BETTER!
  41. John Spafford from Canada writes: Easy solution. Just down the road is the world famous San Diego Zoo. Just put Britney safely tucked away at this location. I've seen this installation and suggest she would receive wonderful treatment like all the other animals. Then, sort it all out at this time. No problem, class dismissed.
  42. Jerry Kowalski from Canada writes: There's 2 comments that come to me right now. First is: please everybody, just leave her alone!. Second: it serves her right!, that's the price you need to pay for rising so quickly.
  43. G Young from Canada writes: I agree with many of the comments regarding this YOUNG woman's tragic descent...and if anyone in her circle cares about her and not simply her money, they will flee to some remote corner of the globe as Sue Hickey suggests.

    However, I think the most disturbing issue is the degree to which her family created and almost guaranteed this result by allowing a young teenager to be used as a sex symbol. And this would be the 'dream' to which many parents would aspire with their children: rich and famous. What is wrong with us? It's time for us to collectively reconsider what assets and abilities we compensate most.
  44. Joe InOntario from Canada writes: I certainly hope she gets the help she clearly needs, but I find it strange how many posters are framing her in the role of some innocent vicitm that the big bad media just won't leave alone. She has courted the media for all of her career, has played on her white trash sexuality at every opportunity and has lived a life that deserves contempt not pity. Save the pity for her children.

    BTW, Robin H From Toronto, who wrote 'Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen To The Show That Never Ends: It's Media Misogeny [sic]Mahem [sic]!', what the hell are you talking about? This train wreck is somehow a 'womyns issue'?
  45. Anne Johnston from Red Deer AB, Canada writes: I agree with Don Bryant, her suicide would not be a loss to anyone. Maybe it would be better, as her kids could be adopted into a home where they could be wanted and loved. Our young girls need a better role model, than Britney and her pregnant teenage sister to look up to. What an absolute mess this whole family are. What are the parents thinking, if they have enough brain function to think???
  46. Shawn Petriw from Prince George, Canada writes: Many think Britney needs time away from the media to have a 'normal' life. Not going to work. To her, 'normal' is the rigours of showbiz, and performing, and calling attention to oneself - life with media and fans viying for her attention. Her formative teen years were not guided with boundaries and restraint. She has no idea how to be 'normal'' and therefor can't be.

    She reminds me of Michael Jackson (except he's a true talent).
  47. gloria garvey from Canada writes: I don't especially care about Ms Spears but it's sad to see her publicly wasting her life away. What she needs is to get out of the spotlight and just live for a time until she sorts out who she is. But since she has spent her whole life in front of the cameras, this is the very thing she doesn't know how to do. Shame on those close to her who don't seem to be helping and giving her perspective. Unfortunately, she's old enough that it's hard to make her do anything. She has enough money to live on for the rest of her life if she never worked again and could choose any life she wants but has no idea of anything beyond what she's already doing.
  48. Anne Johnston from Red Deer AB, Canada writes: Why don't the media chase after, and harass her parents, and leave her alone.
  49. Sam Gallagher from Calgary, Canada writes: Oh boo-hoo... Another sad commentary on so-called 'success' in America... Let's be honest - Britney was sold, in her early days, as a Lolita fantasy to an adult male audience and a so-called 'role model' to the tween market. Like most child stars before her, eventually Britney needed to either prolong the 'clean Lolita' image as long as possible (impossible if she pops out kids). Or, she needed to transform herself into an adult-aged performer of sophistication (as Madonna has done successfully several times). Clearly both Britney and her so-called management team were not up to task, and perhaps she never had the chops/talent to be anything but her first incarnation as a tweenie Lolita. She's no longer the lamb for the media/entertainment slaughter machine, but now just a piece of old mutton that is good for nothing other than the blood sport of watching her demise. Perhaps now she get the help she clearly needs and will retire into obscurity, collecting her residual cheques. The world will be a better place for her (and us) and the world can focus on devouring the next batch of fresh meat (any bets on when Hannah Montana gets pregnant?)... And the fresh meat will continue to be delivered as long as North Americans persist in selling their young women as Lolitas... Witness the decline of the American Empire...
  50. Kathleen Degelder from TacomaUSA, Canada writes: I feel sorry for her children.
  51. harry carnie from Northern, B.C., Canada writes: Too much money...too little brains........sad for her, and anyone connected..especially the kids.

    In spite of being wealthy she will probably NOT receive the help that might possibly give her some real benefit .
    In these cases..Elvis..Anna Nicole, and so many others, the 'Doctors' involved are usually more interested in the CASH than their patients true welfare.
  52. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from Canada writes: I think that all the people who post these things commenting on someone else should have their own life exposed for the world to see (including those in the media). I wonder how they would stand up to the stress, or if they would fall of the edge of the earth, in a manner of speaking.

    I'm wondering how much empathy would result if the shoe was on the other foot....
  53. harry carnie from Northern, B.C., Canada writes: Upper Canadian born and ..........
    Yes...a human tragedy SAD when it happens to an individual...RICH OR POOR.
  54. The Great Gazoo from Toronto, Canada writes: .

    FINALLY!!!

    For the longest time it looked like G&M had lost it's way, but now thanks to Britney they have a topic with legs.

    *
  55. David Simon from Canada writes: One wonders how many other show business people are in the same way but have better handlers. One worrries that one American political party, the Democrats, depends on such people for advice.
  56. No use for a name from Toronto, Canada writes: Where are Britney's parents? What have they been doing while she has continued on a path to self - destruction?

    Sam Gallagher - the decline of the American Empire because of Britney? Uh, ya, that's a bit much.
  57. Jennifer Rollison from Canada writes: I hate to say I watched video of Britney being wheeled out of her house. What I saw were photographers yelling and holding up cameras and being in 'your face'. It was appalling. The media should leave her alone. I do not condone anything Spears has done but I defy anyone to live, even a remotely normal life, with cameras shoved in your face every single moment of your life...not to mention the stories and blogs etc.
  58. Montgomery C. Burns from Springfield, Canada writes: Brit's an early candidate for the Darwin Awards.
  59. Frank Black from Vancouver, Canada writes: Just keep her AWAY from her children...
  60. John Williams from Ajax, Canada writes: Stop The Whining!!

    Look at ANY site which lists the most popular stories, and Britney's latest disaster is always #1. So people read this crud, probably for some Distraction from their own day.

    They POST it as it gets the most CLICKS = $$$

    Just have a CELEBRITY section, and post this junk there for people who want it.

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