Brit attorney vows to fight on
2008-02-28 09:29
Los Angeles - The attorney who
claims to represent troubled pop star Britney Spears in the
legal wrangling over control of her affairs vowed on Wednesday
to continue his fight, one day after a federal judge ruled he
is not the singer's lawyer.
Attorney Jon Eardley has said he was hired by Spears on
February 12, but a California court had previously appointed
conservators to control her personal and business affairs and
another attorney to represent Spears.
US District Judge Philip Gutierrez on Tuesday ruled the
state court's appointment of the attorney precluded Eardley
from acting as Spears' lawyer.
Spears was hospitalised twice in January for psychiatric
evaluation, and the California state court's ruling occurred
while she was not in court.
Britney's civil rights 'violated'
Eardley claims the state court violated Spears' civil
rights by appointing conservators because she was not present.
He further argues that her conservators are not acting in her
best interest.
"We have only just begun the fight," Eardley said in a
statement.
"There is nothing that will stop me from
dismantling, if necessary, this oppressive and unjust
conservatorship."
Spears, 26, has seen her life spin out of control since her
breakup with ex-husband Kevin Federline.
Conservatorship
She has lost custody
and visitation rights to their two sons, spent time in rehab
and in recent months the Louisiana native has been seen around
Los Angeles wearing pink wigs and talking in a British accent.
On February 1, a California court gave the singer's father,
Jamie Spears, control over her personal and business affairs
through what is known as a conservatorship.
An attorney, Andrew
Wallet, was named co-conservator, and another lawyer, Samuel
Ingham was appointed counsel for Britney.
That conservatorship has been extended on two occasions,
and remains in effect until March 10.
Judge Gutierrez ruled the case would remain in state court,
not federal court as Eardley sought, because Eardley had no
authority to move it.