Civil Trial Opens Against Britney Spears' Parents

Britney Spears' former confidante was made a scapegoat on her mental breakdown despite efforts to help keep the singer by using drugs, his attorney told a jury inside a case against the pop superstar's parents and conservators.

Attorney Joseph Schleimer told the panel that Sam Lutfi was attempting to help the singer but lost control inside a series of events that resulted in her being hospitalised and placed directly under a court-ordered conservator. Get more celebrity news here.

 Lutfi is seeking a share from the singer's fortunes, claiming he'd an agreement to serve as her manager in return for 15 per cent of her earnings.

Mr Schleimer conceded the situation would be complicated. His opening statements included flashing photos of Britney Spears having a shaved head and striking a sports utility vehicle with an umbrella.

He explained one of Lutfi's first actions after being hired as manager was having drug-sniffing dogs search the singer's home.