Tito Jackson praises Britney Spears’ family for ‘supporting’ her despite bitter conservatorship feud with father Jamie

Tito Jackson has said he is pleased Britney Spears has the ‘support of her family’ despite the singer being locked in a tense legal dispute with her father over her conservatorship. 

The Toxic singer has pleaded with a judge to remove her dad, Jamie Spears, from the conservatorship, which he has been in charge of since her 2008 mental health episode. It was put in place so that Jamie could manage her financial affairs and wellbeing while she battled with personal struggles.

However, Britney, 39, has now argued that the terms of the court order have restricted her freedom. Jamie, 69, agreed to voluntarily step down earlier this month. 

During his Good Morning Britain appearance on Tuesday, Michael Jackson’s older brother Tito recalled how his own late father, Joe Jackson, took control of the Jackson 5’s career when they were young boys. 

The Jackson 5, which also consisted of Michael, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson, rose to fame in the 1960s thanks to their Motown classics with Joe at the helm behind the scenes.

Speaking to Ranvir Singh and Charlotte Hawkins, Tito said: ‘Showbusiness is not an easy endeavour, sometimes you need outside family participation or help.

‘There’s millions of people pulling at you wanting you to go in this direction or that direction, and sometimes somebody has to step in and say, wait a minute, this is the wrong way, do it this way.’ 

Britney and Jamie’s relationship has soured over the conservatorship (Picture: @britneyspears, Instagram)

The 67-year-old added of Britney’s plight: ‘So I do have sympathy for her but I think it’s good she does have the support of her family.’ 

His sentiment is in contrast to reports of Britney’s strained relationship with her relatives, including her mum Lynne and sister Jamie-Lynn Spears. 

Last month, the pop star shared an insight into the family feud as she wrote in an Instagram post: ‘For those of you who choose to criticize my dancing videos … look I’m not gonna be performing on any stages anytime soon with my dad handling what I wear, say, do, or think. 

The Jackson 5 rose to fame in the ’60s managed by their father Joe (Picture: Redferns)

‘And no I’m not gonna put on heavy makeup and try try try on stage again and not be able to do the real deal with remixes of my songs for years and begging to put my new music in my show for MY fans … so I quit !!!! 

‘I don’t like that my sister showed up at an awards show and performed MY SONGS to remixes !!!!! My so-called support system hurt me deeply !!!!’ 

She added: ‘This conservatorship killed my dreams … so all I have is hope and hope is the only thing in this world that is very hard to kill … yet people still try !!!!’ 

More: Good Morning Britain

Her father Jamie filed legal papers on August to voluntarily remove himself from the conservatorship. 

His lawyer said on his behalf in court documents: ‘He will always love her unconditionally, and he will always look out for her best interests.’ 

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.

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