Britney Spears: The paparazzi has crossed the line

As we previously posted on our site yesterday, Britney Spears feels that the time has come for her to finally speak up about the tabloids "taking things too far" in regards to her, her son Sean Preston, and her husband Kevin Federline.

Over the past few months, Britney’s parenting skills have been questioned many times due to various incidents, such as the high chair snapping, the illegal driving, the forward facing car seat ordeal, and the tripping. Popular magazine websites even had a countdown going as to when the last time Britney and Kevin were photographed together, suggesting that the two were on the rocks and heading fast for the divorce path.  Add the new manny Perry Taylor, and a pregnancy into the mix and things seem pretty chaotic even for this pop star.

Britney’s family and her rep have defended her so far, making comments stating that she has followed through with all state laws, that she’s not at fault for any of these incidents, and that her and Kevin are doing just fine. Now, in an interview with The Today Show’s Matt Lauer, Britney has the chance to defend herself and set the record straight.

Source: Just Jared and Dateline NBC

Thanks to CBB reader Mary Beth for the tip.

When asked why she drove with Sean on her lap, she answers, "I can’t go anywhere without someone judging me.  I did it with my dad. I’d sit on his lap and I drive. We’re country." Speaking about the tabloids, she says,  “They’ve crossed the line a little bit…they like to have the person they pick on, I feel like I’m a target.” When asked what she would say to the paparazzi if she could, “You have babies at home.  And…you have a life.  And if you don’t, you have to realize that we’re people and that we … just need privacy and we need our respect.  And those are things that you have to have as a human being.”

Through smiles, shrugs, and sobs, Britney does her best to clear up the bad name that she’s innocently made for herself. She assures us that everything with her marriage is "awesome", and that she knows she’s a "good mom".

The interview airs on The Today Show Thursday morning at 7:00 AM/ET, and on Dateline at 9:00 PM/ET. You can watch the Dateline NBC Commercial Interview here.

Comments

There are times when I do feel that people are too hard on Britney. She has clearly made mistakes, though. “Country” or not, no one should drive with their nine month old baby on their lap. I honestly believe Britney loves her son and her baby on the way. I wish her and her kids all the best.

- em0712 on June 13th, 2006

I only feel sorry for stars to a certain point. Britney draws attention to herself whereas other celeb parents keep it low key for the sake of the children. Just like her going to the same starbucks each morning (where the infamous baby on the lap shot was taken) so of course there are going to be paparazzi waiting there for her. I’m not saying she should hide out in her house but there are other ways of doing things if she wants to have a more private life.

- Lorus on June 13th, 2006

First and foremost let me nit pick.

Just got done watching Access Hollywood….does she know that chewing gum while doing interviews is so tasteless? She does it all the time and it’s annoying! Didn’t her mother ever teach her anything.

And as far as her crocodile tears…I also can’t feel sorry for her. Yes the paparazzi are endless BUT sometimes you create them to be monsters when you do stupid things in public like drive w. him on your lap!

And damn I gotta say that mama’s boobs are HUGE!!! and she’s alot bigger this time around…maybe it’s a girl! LOL

But anyways, I do hope and wish the best for her but as far as defending her it will never happen. When you stop blaming other people for your mishaps and take responsibility on your own then maybe I can feel bad for you.

- joy on June 13th, 2006

You know, if Britney would just come out and admit that she’s made some terrible mistakes instead of making up pathetic, crappy excuses such as “I’m country” I might empathize her a wee bit. It seems like every time she opens her mouth, something stupid flies out. You’d think she’d be a bit more cautious when making public statements by now.

I noticed how she couldn’t even look at Matt Lauer in the eye when answering his questions.

- DeviantMind on June 13th, 2006

Just because her dad let her “drive” on his lap, it doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do…parents make mistakes as well!

Deviant – I agree about the crappy excuses bit. She needs to grow up and accept repsonsibility for her actions. What kind of example is she going to set for her children?

- amyfinke on June 13th, 2006

Oh. My. God.

OK, Britney, let’s do some math. You were born in Dec 1981, so you were Sean’s age in ’82.. and hey.. I’ll give you ’83. During that time, only Mercedes had airbags. Seeing as how your family was “country”, I’m assuming you couldn’t exactly afford a Mercedes though. Cars were not required to have airbags installed until 1988 (Source: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/escape/timecar.html). By then, you were 6 or 7, hardly small enough to be ‘driving on your daddy’s lap’. AIRBAGS are the number one reason that kids shouldn’t sit in the front seat of a car, if they inflated, they’d snap his tiny, underdeveloped neck bones. When you were a kid, there were no airbags to worry about. So just because your daddy did it then.. so what!! It’s WAY more dangerous now!

—–

Ok, sorry. That comment she made was just really infuriating. She’s a terrible liar (how many times has her story changed??) and I’m just getting really sick and tired of her.

- Zoey on June 13th, 2006

I would think that people who live in the country might feel a bit insulted by her comments. I think she’s just young and has no one really advising her that has her best interests at heart. I hope the tabloids are right that her parents are trying to help her because I would think at least they might have her interests in mind.

- brave on June 13th, 2006

And oh yea, wasn’t Nick and Jessica’s marriage “awesome” for like.. weeks.. even months? And we all see how truthful that ended up being.

- Zoey on June 13th, 2006

I don’t think she should be criticized for defending her marriage. What else is she going to say? Even if they are having problems, it’s not like she’s going to admit it in public.

As for her parenting skills – I do think she should just admit that she’s made some mistakes. What parent hasn’t? I don’t think she did herself any favors with the lame “I’m country” excuse.

She desperately needs a new PR person!

- gargoylegurl on June 13th, 2006

I do not feel an ounce of sadness for Britney – never have, never will. This is a girl who has lied time and time again. This is a girl who LOVES the spotlight… when SHE wants it. She seems to think that she can turn the media on and off – when she wants them around they have to be there but when she doesn’t she expects them to go away. Does NOT work that way, Britney.

This is a girl who is a HUGE publicity lover, even setting up publicity stunts (ie: the latest snaps of her with Kevin) over the years. She honestly thinks that selling herself, her relationship and her kid(s) is okay, but then she’s suddenly a victim in some conspiracy or something. Please.

To be honest, I don’t think Britney is all that bright. Just watch her interviews (ie: Letterman) and tell me that girl isn’t a little slow. And these incidents with Sean furthur prove this.

If she wants to get rid of the paps, then quit the business and move out of the country. Design baby clothes, live off of royalties… she doesn’t have to stay in the business but knowing how much she loves attention, she won’t do it.

Oh, and as far as driving as a kid…. I did it when I was a kid but my dad had his hands on the wheel (we were in a transport truck). It happens but no on with a brain does it with a 4 month old… which, if I’m not mistaken, is how old Sean Preston was when it happened to him.

Good mother? Psh. Even Joan Crawford thought she was a good mother. Britney, in my opinion, is not a good mother.

- Erin on June 13th, 2006

She shouldn’t use the “we’re country” excuse – that’s an insult to people from the country. The one she should use is: we are stupid white trash.

My favorite actor (Christian Bale) says that if you don’t act like a celebrity – you won’t be treated like one. He has pictures snapped on the street – but he doesn’t seem to be hounded by the press like Britney & TomKat.

- Patty on June 13th, 2006

I must say, as a kid, I also sat on my dad’s lap and “drove”. I was probably about 6 years old. When it was cool to be “driving”. Sean was less than a year old, so the coolness factor doesn’t even come into play. not to mention, if she can’t determine the difference between driving on country roads, and driving in traffic in LA, then there is more wrong than originally thought.

I dislike the excuses. I guess I can also be considered a “young” mother, since I was 23 when i had my son. But never has the thought crossed my mind to do half the stuff that Britney has been caught doing. She isn’t a young mother, but rather, an immature one. For the sake of her children, I sincerely hope that she learns something from this, and maybe takes a class or two in parenting…

- Amber Joy on June 13th, 2006

*adding* Besides, didn’t Brit originally claim the reason for her riding with SPF on her lap was because the “paparazzi was stalking her and she needed to get her baby to safety”? Now it’s “I’m country”? Poor Brit’s credibility flew out the window ages ago…

- DeviantMind on June 13th, 2006

Oh please she is so pathetic. I agree that she needs to take responsiblity for her actions. What is with the blame on other people. Christian Bale is a smart man. His quote is so true. Maybe what she needs to do is fuss up and stop blaming other people. I don’t feel sorry for her, she’s the one that is doing it. If she would take a lesson from someone like Christian Bale, maybe the paparazzi wouldn’t target her so much. Christian Bale has no problem with them, because he doesn’t have a reason for them to go after him. She made her bed and now she has to lie in it. She likes the attention and she’s like addicted to having to have her picture in the tabloids. How many times has the tabloids written stuff that later came out to be true? Like I said before she needs to take a look at her life and make some changes. I’m sorry, but I’ll never like her no matter what. She’s always been like a media whore who needs the attention to make herself feel important. This is just my option.

- nannie4334 on June 13th, 2006

Seems to me she needs a huge reality check. She acts like “Hey everybody look at me. I can do whatever I want, and I can act however I want..I am Britney Spears and ya’ll will still love me….I am BRITNEY.” Whatever! She really needs to grow up and take a real hard look at herself, her life, and her actions! Hate to break it to ya, Brit…but you are sooooo NOT all that!!

- Jeanie on June 14th, 2006

I would agree that Britney certainly has made mistakes, and all parents have – maybe not that extreme, but we have all made mistakes.. I recall Kathy Lee Griffin crying years ago because her baby son, Cody fell from the counter to the floor. Nobody called children and Youth on her. I am not defending Britney at all. I am just saying she is a human, and we all make mistakes. God is our judge. Also, and ultimately Britney would be the one responsible if anything ever did happen to her children.. (God forbid)..So why is American so obsessed because she had a baby? Do people ever think that all these accusations, and threats, and press could actually force her into a deep depression? I would hate for her to have a breakdown, or injure herself because she couldn’t take the backlash. Now let’s imagine you have a camera on you 24/7 you know there are things you do during the course of a day that you would never want the public to view…Think about it…

- Yonni on June 14th, 2006

but britney takes it too far when she uses lame excuses to defend her actions.

Just say, “yes driving w/ my son on my lap was irresposible and wrong. I regret it but now I have to accept what is and be a better mother to make sure I don’t put him in a dangerous situations again”

then I would feel more obligated to say, okay brit’s taking responsibility of what she’s done and atleast she is aware it was wrong and she can make sure it doens’t happen again.

But no, she has to go change her story over and over to protect her ass. I’m through w/ her and her lame excuses as a mother.

- joy on June 14th, 2006

I like Britney and I think she is a really nice girl who does love her family alot but those couple of things she has done are a little more than mistakes. It’s just common sense not to let your baby sit in your lap while driving and I’m 20 years old! Even I know that! I hate hearing the excuses of being young. Also, what does being from the south have anything to do with anything? That is idiotic.

- Scarlett on June 14th, 2006

Oh yeah, hasn’t she already said the things she has done were stupid and wrong of her to do? That she will learn from them and be more careful? I thought she had.

- Scarlett on June 14th, 2006

see, I dont agree with Christian Bale at all. he is one side of the two extreme’s- there is too private, and there is too public. I dont think living your life and doing what you have to do, is being too public. people like the Kutcher’s and the Cruises, live their life, but do not draw attention to themselves. it comes with the territory. people who draw attention to themselves, are people who get attention for no reason, like Paris Hilton.

- MuffThumb on June 14th, 2006

^ exactly.

Britney can boohoo all she wants. When you do stupid things it’s going to cause more of an uproar. It’s like they feed of of her and WAIT for her to do something bad w. her son. I don’t doubt that she loves him and perhaps tries her best to be a good mother but she just digs herself a deeper whole. Fame = paparazzi….take it or leave it.

- joy on June 14th, 2006

I agree with Muff and Joy.

I’m a fan of Brit’s, but I do think she purposely draws attention to herself. Lately it may not be intentional? I don’t know. But in the past I believe she has definitely used the media to her advantage. You can’t have it both ways. It’s not something you can turn on or off, unfortunately.

- gargoylegurl on June 14th, 2006

The Cruises?!! I’m sorry, but since when does jumping on couches and staging oh-so tacky makeout sessions on the red carpet not qualify as drawing attention to yourself??

Lol, but other than that I agree with you. There are some people for whom it just comes with the territory. Britney (and the Cruises, IMO) go out looking for it.

- Zoey on June 14th, 2006

You know, after I ACTUALLY WATCHED the interview, which some of you apparently HAVE NOT, how can you not feel bad for her?! She has to defend her husband because he’s being trashed (which yes, I will say that I’m guilty of contributing!! He REALLY is a LOSER!! Never trust a guys friends. Of course they’re going to help out their buddy!! If you watched the interview, you’ll know what I’m talking about), and I know it has to break you down to see the man you love being ridiculed to no end. He brought it on himself, yes, but, for her, I’m sure it hurts. He’s supposed to be her rock, and people are tearing him apart. Ouch. And then to have your parenting skills thrown in your face til no end. Geez. Like she said, follow the lives of ANY ONE with kids….You’ll see that accidents DO happen ALL the time. She DID say that she had Sean Preston in her lap, because the paparazzi were all over her, beating on her windows, and that made her feel uncomfortable. I’m not justifying her for it. No, it was idiotic, as she easily could have had her bodyguard strap him in. She WASN’T JUST blaming it on being “country.” Which yes, it was another SUPER DUMB thing to say/do. But whatever…. I thought she was very sweet throughout most of the interview. You can tell she loves her son to death. Yeah, she does come off kind of slow, but I honestly don’t believe she is. The gum chewing thing just adds to the fire. It seems it’s more of a nervous tick, because, if you watched the WHOLE interview, she only started chewing when she started to get upset or nervous. Anyway, she’s obviously a very savvy business woman to be where you is today. Some of ya’ll might disagree, and some might say that’s why she deserves it. Just because she brought it on herself in the past, does not mean they should cross the line with her child around!! And YES, THEY HAVE CROSSED THE LINE!! I’m positive in the past that she was a tabloid whore. I know she used to tip off the paps as to where her and Kevin were going to be. But now she has a child, and to have that many people following you CONSTANTLY to catch your next eff up to show to the world, HAS GOT to hurt!! Anyone with a child knows this. I can believe that the doctors thought she was guilty for Sean Preston falling out of the high chair. I can VERY EASILY see it. The tabloids catch EVERYTHING SHE DOES IN PUBLIC on film, and it makes her seem backwoods as hell!! I don’t think she’s a BAD MOTHER. Like I said before, I think she loves her son more than anything. She’s made bad choices with her career, relationships, marriages and what not, but to call her a bad mom is a TERRIBLE thing to do. Yeah, so anyways, if you disagree, I don’t care. You probably don’t have kids. And if you do have kids and think she’s a bad mom, you’re more than likely just heartless. It’s not nice to judge others….except Kevin Federline. Judge all you want.

- April on June 15th, 2006