A court commissioner has ordered Britney Spears to undergo random
drug testing and hire a parenting coach to help the pop singer
raise her children with ex-husband Kevin Federline, court papers
showed on Tuesday.
The documents, which were posted on celebrity news site TMZ.com,
result from a Monday hearing in the bitter custody battle between
Spears and Federline over their two sons -- Sean Preston, 2, and
Jayden James, 1.
"Based on the evidence presented, the court finds that there is
habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and
alcohol by the petitioner," who is Spears, Superior Court
Commissioner Scott Gordon wrote in his ruling.
Federline had been asking for increased custody, but Gordon
maintained a 50/50 joint arrangement.
Gordon ordered both Spears, 25, and Federline, 29, to complete a
"parenting without conflict" program, and said each must refrain
from making derogatory remarks about the other.
But he saved his most stringent requirements for Spears, who in
recent months has exhibited odd behavior after completing a rehab
program in March.
Spears has shaved her head bald, attacked paparazzi, fired
staff, and stripped down to underwear for an impromptu ocean swim
in front of photographers, among many incidents.
In July she was derided for lip-syncing songs while performing
at Southern California nightclubs, and earlier this month she
earned scorn at MTV's Video Music Awards dressing as a stripper and
miming a new song, "Gimme More."
Gordon ordered Spears to undergo testing for drugs and alcohol
twice per week on random dates and times.
She must meet with a counselor at least once a week to address
parenting issues and work with a parenting coach at least eight
hours a week in at least two sessions per week.
Britney Spears dumped by manager
Britney Spearshas been dumped by her managers as the troubled
pop princess struggles to rebuild her career after a heavily
criticized public performance earlier this month.
A statement from Spears's manager Jeff Kwatinetz said his
company had severed its links with the singer, who has been the
subject of frenzied tabloid attention following her concert at the
MTV Video Music Awards.
"It saddens us to confirm media reports that we have terminated
our professional relationship with Britney Spears," Kwatinetz said
in a statement released late Monday.
"We believe Britney is enormously talented, and has made a
terrific record, but current circumstances have prevented us from
properly doing our job."
Kwatinetz was hired by Spears a month ago as the singer prepares
to release her long-awaited new album in November.
After receiving a critical mauling following her performance in
Las Vegaslast month, several tabloid reports have said Spears's
handlers grew frustrated at the singer's wild lifestyle and refusal
to meet with them.
Meanwhile, Spears's lawyer Laura Wasser confirmed after a closed
doors court hearing on Monday that she was no longer representing
the star.
Wasser insisted however that the decision should not be
perceived "that we're dumping Britney."
(Agencies via Chinadaily.com.cn September 19, 2007)
