Britney Spears encouraged by people close to her to get help after arrest, source says

Culture & TrendsBritney Spears encouraged by people close to her to get help after arrest, source saysThe 44-year-old pop star checked into rehab after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in March.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleBritney Spears checks herself into treatment facility 03:45Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 13, 2026, 9:16 PM EDTBy Chloe MelasBritney Spears voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility after being encouraged by several people close to her to do so, according to a source familiar with the situation.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The 44-year-old pop star was arrested in March on suspicion of driving under the influence in Ventura County, California. The people close to Spears told her it was important to show the judge she was taking the matter seriously, said the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. A spokesperson for Spears declined to comment on Monday regarding why the artist decided to check into rehab. TMZ previously reported that Spears checked into a rehab facility in the U.S. for substance abuse, citing sources with direct knowledge.Spears, known as the “Princess of Pop,” was freed from her conservatorship in 2021, ending the 13-year arrangement that has legally stripped the pop star from making her own personal and financial decisions. But in the years since, many of her followers have expressed concerns over her mental health, citing her social media posts. Many of her Instagram updates show her dancing alone in her home, including one in which she was dancing with knives that she later said were not real. Her most recent post, shared on Instagram on Sunday, is a video that appears to show someone putting their fingers in a water-filled bowl of pink flowers. She also posted a video of herself dancing to Cardi B. Following the arrest...