Britney Spears makes rare public remarks in conservatorship hearing

In the most anticipated hearing in the case in years, Britney Spears is addressing a judge overseeing a hearing into the conservatorship that has controlled the pop star’s money and affairs since 2008.

Since Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny did not make a last-minute decision Wednesday to seal the proceedings, Spears’ words will be heard in open court for the first time in the 13-year conservatorship.

Several dozen fans from the so-called #FreeBritney movement gathered outside the courthouse before the hearing, holding signs that read “Free Britney now!” and “Get out of Britney’s life!”

Jennifer Preston, 33, crossed the country