According to reports, Britney Spears has been released from the psychiatric unit at the UCLA Medical Center, despite recent reports that she was to be held for a further two weeks following her seventy-two hour commitment and evaluation. Due, possibly, to the fact that sources close to Spears had confirmed that she'd be detained for a further fortnight, the singer was able to make a quiet exit from the facility.
The press caught up with her eventually, however, when she left her home some time later and travelled to the Beverley Hills Hotel in a black Merc with an unidentified man. Spears' journey was monitored by paparazzi vehicles and a news helicopter overhead. I'm not surprised she's been having mental trouble, when she can't even leave the house without someone watching.
According to Associated Press, the singer's parents are upset that she's been allowed to leave, releasing a statement via their lawyers that reads: "As parents of an adult child in the throes of a mental health crisis, we were extremely disappointed this morning to learn that over the recommendation of her treating psychiatrist, our daughter Britney was released from the hospital that could best care for her and keep her safe. We are deeply concerned about our daughter's safety and vulnerability and we believe her life is presently at risk. There are conservatorship orders in place created to protect our daughter that are being blatantly disregarded. We ask only that the court's orders be enforced so that a tragedy may be averted".
As previously reported, the singer's welfare and estate have been placed in the conservatorship of her father James, a move which, according to Spears' lawyer, she opposes. That ruling will hold good, however, until 14 Feb. Another report suggests, meanwhile, that Spears senior is planning to move in with Britney and look after her, and that the pop star is happy with the idea.
According to other reports, Britney's friend/manager Sam Lutfi is planning to write a book about the popstress' personal life, which seems like just the sort of thing a 'friend' ought to do. Lutfi, who as you know, has been served with a restraining order and told to stay away from the singer, told Rolling Stone magazine "we've been doing dictation, she's been telling me her story, and I've been writing it all down. It would make a great book!"