Britney Spears' ex-manager Sam Lutfi defends her after viral freeway stunt: 'She's a human being'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Britney Spears' latest social media video has once again placed the pop icon under intense public scrutiny. The singer drew criticism after footage showed her riding on the roof of a moving vehicle.
While many questioned her actions, one of the most unexpected voices to come to her defense was former manager Sam Lutfi. Despite their highly publicized legal history, Lutfi said people should avoid rushing to judgment and instead respond with empathy. He said, "She's a human being."
Sam Lutfi urges compassion for Britney Spears
Lutfi, who managed Spears before their relationship ended in years of legal disputes, called for compassion rather than criticism after the singer's car roof video went viral.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lutfi said he believes "compassion is a better response than mockery" when it comes to whatever Spears may be experiencing.
"She's a human being before she's a celebrity," the 51-year-old said. "People are very quick to judge, especially when it's Britney." He also urged people not to speculate about her mental or physical well-being based on clips circulating online.
"Social media isn't someone's medical chart," Lutfi said, adding that he had no interest "to diagnose (or) criticize" Spears over the incident. "She's already spent her life under a microscope, so why don't we show her the same grace we'd want for ourselves, period? I wish her nothing but the best," he said.
His comments surprised many because Spears obtained restraining orders against Lutfi in 2008 and again in 2019 after accusing him of attempting to control her personal and professional life.
Rather than dwelling on their past, Lutfi called on people to show Spears compassion and avoid judging or criticizing her without knowing what she is going through.
Britney Spears responds to viral car stunt
Spears defended herself after photos showed her standing through the sunroof of a black Mercedes SUV while traveling on the 101 Freeway near Studio City in Los Angeles. The singer, who was wearing a short floral sundress, stretched out her arms as the vehicle continued down the highway.
Responding to the attention on Instagram, Spears said people were judging her based on only a brief moment. "What people see is two seconds of insanity of me arching me to the lords !!!!! yet the days and hours of my reality !!!!!! Nothing is what it seems," she wrote alongside a photo from the incident.
The 'Toxic' singer also joked about the viral moment, adding, "Psss I think I need to come out of the roof quite a bit more."
