US singer Britney Spears has reportedly entered a substance abuse treatment facility, more than a month after she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the AP reported.
A report citing a rep for Spears on April 12 (local time) said the 44-year-old singer had checked into the facility voluntarily.
Why was Britney Spears arrested?
The California Highway Patrol said that in March, Spears was cited by officials for driving her BMW “at an unusually high rate of speed” on US 101 in Ventura County near the Los Angeles County line. Following the reports, the pop singer, who lives in the area, underwent a series of field sobriety tests and was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs. She was later taken to the county jail and released several hours later.
Investigators later turned her case over to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on March 23, who will likely decide whether to charge the singer before her scheduled May 4 court date.
TMZ, citing the California Highway Patrol, reported in March that Spears was alone in her vehicle and showed signs of impairment from a combination of alcohol and drugs.
In addition, she was also taken to the hospital to have her blood alcohol content measured. Citing sources, TMZ reported that close investigations revealed that an unknown substance was allegedly found in the pop star’s car, adding that testing is pending.
What did Spears’ rep say about her arrest?
Following her arrest, her rep described her actions as “completely inexcusable” and added that ideally, it would be “the first step in the long overdue change that needs to happen in Britney’s life.”
Speaking to the BBC, her representative commented: “Britney will take the right steps and abide by the law,” adding: “We hope she gets the help and support she needs at this difficult time.”
The rep continued, “Her boys will be spending time with her. Her loved ones will come up with a plan to set her up for success for welfare.”
The ex-husband of Britney Spears criticized the media
Spears’ first husband, Jason Allen Alexander, supported her on social media. Amid the controversy, he took to Instagram and wrote, “Everyone needs to slow down with the headlines about Britney Spears.” He added, “If the reports are accurate that she fired a .06, that’s under the legal limit in most states. And if the only substances in her system were legal prescription drugs, that completely changes the story. At most, what’s being discussed right now could potentially amount to a misdemeanor charge — things like reckless driving or simple possession of a substance if a substance was found in the car.”
Alexander called the media to court, noting that the internet was quick to jump straight to all kinds of speculation, like drunk driving, rehab, that weren’t even proven. “This is exactly how media stories get out of control. Rumors spread faster than facts and suddenly someone is being judged before the truth is even clear. Britney Spears deserves the same as anyone else: facts, fairness and due process – not headlines based on speculation.”
However, as of April 13, his post appears to have been removed from his Instagram account.
