Britney Spears' psychiatrist DIES: Dr Timothy Benson suffers suspected aneurysm

Publish date: 2024-07-10

Britney Spears' psychiatrist has died, just weeks before courts in her conservatorship case were set to receive a review of his medical treatment.

Dr Timothy Benson suffered what is thought to have been an aneurysm on August 24, in Santa Monica, according to TMZ. He was just 48.

The doctor was responsible for Britney's care, with regards to her mental health, and had been under evaluation for the past three months by a court reviewer, who is was set to present their report to the judge over the next two weeks.

Complications: Britney Spears' psychiatrist has died, just weeks before courts in her conservatorship case were set to receive a review of his medical treatment

Complications: Britney Spears' psychiatrist has died, just weeks before courts in her conservatorship case were set to receive a review of his medical treatment

Britney's conservatorship sees her father Jamie manage her financial affairs and daily life, which he had done for the past 11 years due to her mental health issues.

The handling of the conservatorship is currently under review, as is the treatment Britney has received for her problems.

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Her mother Lynne has been particularly critical of both her ex-husband Jamie and of the medication prescribed to her daughter by Dr Benson.

After Britney entered a mental health facility earlier this year, an evaluation was ordered, with the psychiatrist's treatment under the microscope.

Deceased: Dr Timothy Benson suffered what is thought to have been an aneurysm on August 24, in Santa Monica, according to TMZ . He was just 48

Deceased: Dr Timothy Benson suffered what is thought to have been an aneurysm on August 24, in Santa Monica, according to TMZ . He was just 48

It's said that the medication Britney uses is not effective after Britney agreed to a new stage show only to halt things altogether.  

Dr Benson is named on his website as a psychiatrist, speaker and author, and has experience working with NBA and NFL teams, coaching their athletes on how ti achieve success.

TMZ report that 'some people in Britney's life felt she needed someone who worked full-time on serious mental health issues'.

I object! Britney Spears' mom Lynne may challenge her father Jamie's plans to relinquish his conservatorship of the pop star. The mother-daughter duo is seen above in 2002

I object! Britney Spears' mom Lynne may challenge her father Jamie's plans to relinquish his conservatorship of the pop star. The mother-daughter duo is seen above in 2002

Meanwhile, Jamie has requested to temporarily relinquish his conservatorship over his daughter, while Lynne appears to have different plans.

The mother-of-three is apparently set to appear in court, according to her lawyer Gladstone Jones, shortly after word emerged Jamie was giving up his guardianship.

Jamie is currently supporting Jodi Montgomery to take his place, and has described Montgomery the pop star's 'care manager for the last year'.

It's yet to be seen whether or not she will be challenging Jamie and his decision, but all signs point to yes.

Relinquishing power: Dad Jamie has requested to temporarily relinquish his conservatorship over his daughter. Pictured leaving a Los Angeles court in May

Relinquishing power: Dad Jamie has requested to temporarily relinquish his conservatorship over his daughter. Pictured leaving a Los Angeles court in May

Lynne has appeared to support the #FreeBritney movement, liking several comments with the tag in past months.

The movement started online, but migrated to real life when protesters escalated into real life protests and celebrity endorsements from the likes of Miley Cyrus, J-Woww, Hayley Kiyoko and more.

Many accused Jamie of forcing his daughter into a mental health facility, which would be a criminal offense. 

Contrary to some reports, It appeared that Britney was able to come and go as she pleased.

Lynne has already asked to be involved with the conservatorship process. She's particularly concerned with Britney's medical issues.

Relinquish responsibilities: Jamie has been afflicted with intestinal issues this last year, and has asked for his responsibilities to be relinquished until at least January 20, 2020

Relinquish responsibilities: Jamie has been afflicted with intestinal issues this last year, and has asked for his responsibilities to be relinquished until at least January 20, 2020

If Lynne does indeed challenge Jamie's conservatorship and ask to be appointed herself, it would mean huge changes for the 64-year-old.

She would likely have to relocate to Southern California from Louisiana.

Jamie, who has been managing Britney's financial affairs and daily life for 11 years, has asked to 'relinquish the powers of conservatorship due to personal health reasons,' according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.

Jamie has been afflicted with intestinal issues this last year, and has asked for his responsibilities to be relinquished to Jodi Montgomery until at least January 20, 2020.

Jamie says Montgomery has the ability to take on the same responsibilities he currently assumes. 

Important role: Britney's father Jamie has managed her financial affairs and daily life for 11 years

Important role: Britney's father Jamie has managed her financial affairs and daily life for 11 years

The responsibilities Montgomery would be assuming include 'the power to restrict or limit visitors by any means, the power to retain caretakers and security for Britney on a 24-hour basis, the power to prosecute civil harassment restraining order, and the power to communicate with expert medical personnel regarding Britney and to have full access to her medical and psychiatric records', according to the documents. 

Jodi has already consented to become Britney's temporary conservator.   

Jamie has asked for a hearing to be expedited to next Monday, and says his daughter is 'able but unwilling' to attend the proceedings. 

Jamie has also said Britney does not contest the proceeding, and does not object to Montgomery becoming her temporary conservator. 

Doting mom: Spears with her sons, Sean, 13, and Jayden, 12, at Disneyland

Doting mom: Spears with her sons, Sean, 13, and Jayden, 12, at Disneyland

The update comes after it was reported Britney's ex-husband, Kevin Federline, may attempt to have Jamie removed as the pop star's conservator in the wake of allegations Jamie physically abused his grandson Sean. 

Kevin, 41, is said to have filed a police report claiming Jamie physically abused one of their sons in August.

Britney's team now believes Kevin - who shares Sean, 13, and Jayden, 12, with the singer following their short-lived marriage from 2004 to 2007 - could go to the judge in charge of her conservatorship and get Jamie removed in light of the claims.

Jamie has held the power of Britney's conservatorship for 11 years, managing the pop star's financial affairs and daily life since her 2007 breakdown.

Filed a report: Kevin Federline, pictured September 4, is said to have filed a police report claiming Jamie physically abused one of their sons in August

Filed a report: Kevin Federline, pictured September 4, is said to have filed a police report claiming Jamie physically abused one of their sons in August

This ultimately makes him responsible for the welfare of the children she shares with Kevin.

A source added to TMZ that Jamie is 'secure in his role for one reason... there's really no one else who can handle it'.

An insider told the site: 'Jamie certainly has his flaws, but everyone knows he's done a good job and there's no one else who can do it.'

The conservatorship was enacted in 2008, following Britney's public 2007 breakdown and subsequent hospitalisation.

MailOnline has contacted both Kevin and Britney's representative for comment.

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