Britney Spears has publicly accused her ex-husband Kevin Federline of engaging in “gaslighting” as his memoir approaches publication.
On Wednesday, October 15, Spears, 43, expressed her thoughts on X, stating, “The continuous gaslighting from my ex-husband is incredibly painful and draining. I’ve always yearned for an authentic life with my boys.”
“Navigating relationships with teenage boys is challenging. I’ve felt diminished by this situation and have consistently requested, almost pleading, for them to be involved in my life,” she continued.
Spears’ remarks followed Federline’s, 47, defense of his forthcoming tell-all book, You Thought You Knew, which recounts their marriage in 2004 and subsequent divorce three years later. They have two sons together, Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19. In his book, Federline alleges that Spears consumed wine mixed with prescription medication during her pregnancy and used cocaine while breastfeeding.
“It’s unfortunate that my sons have consistently observed the lack of respect displayed by their father towards me,” Spears expressed in her X post. “The accountability rests with them. One of my sons has only seen me for 45 minutes in the last five years, while the other has managed only four visits in the same period. I also take pride in my worth. I will now communicate my availability to them going forward.”
“Believe me, the distortions presented in that book are for profit, and I am the one who suffers the most. I will always have love for them, and if you truly know me, you wouldn’t heed the tabloids concerning my mental stability or drinking habits. I am a highly intelligent woman striving to maintain a private life these past five years. I speak out because I’m done being silent; any real woman would do the same.”
On October 14, Spears issued a statement responding to various excerpts leaking from Federline’s manuscript, set to be released next week.
“With news about Kevin’s book emerging, he and others seem to continue profiting from her, especially after child support payments have ceased,” Spears’ representative informed Us Weekly during that time. “Her primary concern remains her children, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and their welfare amidst this media sensationalism. She shared her story in her own memoir.”
In 2023, Spears launched her memoir, The Woman in Me, where she narrates her musical journey, details about her extensive conservatorship, and her relationships with both Federline and Justin Timberlake.
In response to Spears’ team’s statement, Federline told Us during an exclusive interview on Wednesday, “This isn’t about money. If she can share her experiences, why can’t I share mine?”
He mentioned he “couldn’t recall the last conversation” he had with Spears and expressed good wishes for her.
“All I want is for her to establish a great relationship with her children,” he shared with Us. “I hope she finds happiness and wellness. I desire nothing but good outcomes for her.”