Britney Spears has candidly shared her emotional struggles, revealing how online bullying has contributed to her “severe sadness.”
The pop icon, known for her signature dancing videos on Instagram, took to the platform to express her feelings and address the harsh criticism she’s faced over her posts.
Spears, 42, posted a heartfelt message alongside a carousel of images, including a meme, a beach photo of herself, and a picture of her in a black lace bra. In the caption, she explained the emotional toll that negative comments have taken on her, particularly focusing on the reaction to her dance videos.
Spears, who has been sharing dance routines on social media for years, noted that she had removed a recent dance video from her Instagram after receiving a flood of hateful comments.
“I took the video of myself dancing down because so many people said so many mean things… if they only knew how severe my sadness is,” she wrote.
The post revealed just how deeply the cruel remarks affect her, with Spears describing it as a “f–king miracle from God” that she is able to dance and enjoy herself given the emotional burden she carries.
“I took the video down because I was so saddened by the things people were saying,” she continued. “It is insane!!! It’s a f–king miracle that I played and danced, period.”
Alongside the emotional post, Spears opened up about how the negativity has impacted her daily life.
She revealed that she almost canceled a recent vacation due to her sadness but was able to find some solace when she arrived at the beach. She described the small hotel that looked like an apartment and the breakfast table inside the pool as elements that helped lift her spirits.
However, upon reflecting on her phone, she said she was disappointed to see “so much hate” directed at her online.
“After listening to some dark music, including Amy Winehouse, I looked through my phone and I was like, ‘Damn, there’s so much I haven’t even shown,'” she wrote. “But it saddens me that people say mean things about me.”
Spears went on to defend herself and her iconic dance videos, which have long been a point of contention for some online critics. “I’m so damn sick of people saying they are concerned,” she expressed. “If you don’t like the way I move, f–k off and don’t watch it!!!”
The “Toxic” singer has had her fair share of detractors over the years, and she’s never been one to shy away from defending herself.
One of her more high-profile critics has been rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Over the summer, Osbourne voiced his displeasure with Spears’ dancing videos, saying he was “fed up” with seeing them.
Spears wasted no time firing back, calling Ozzy and his family “the most boring family known to mankind” and telling them to “kindly f–k off.”
In a surprising twist, Osbourne later reached out to Spears via social media to apologize for his earlier comments.
He also offered some unsolicited advice, suggesting that she change up her dance moves. “It would be better if you didn’t do the same f–king dance every day,” he wrote. “Change a few movements.”
Another celebrity who has publicly criticized Spears’ dancing is Abby Lee Miller, the former Dance Moms star.
Earlier in 2024, Miller mocked Spears, claiming that while she was once a “great, confident and well-taught” performer, she now found Spears’ dancing “cringe.”
Miller’s comments came on the heels of several viral dance videos that Spears had posted, showcasing her free-spirited, unapologetic moves.
Spears has faced similar trolling from comedian Kathy Griffin. In October 2023, Griffin sarcastically recreated one of Spears’ infamous knife-dancing clips, which had sparked a great deal of controversy.
During a subsequent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Griffin commented on Spears’ actions, saying, “I fear the #FreeBritney people, I do, but sometimes, a person can be too free.” This remark further fueled the ongoing debate about Spears’ personal freedom and her online presence.
Despite the negative attention, Spears has consistently defended her right to express herself through dance. In a 2021 Instagram post, she told her critics: “If you don’t want to see my precious ass dancing in my living room or it’s not up to your standards … go read a f–king book 📕!!!!”
Spears’ fans and supporters have continued to rally around her, praising her for reclaiming her voice after years of legal and personal battles, including her controversial conservatorship.
However, the online hate she faces highlights the pressure that comes with being a public figure, especially for someone as beloved and scrutinized as Spears.
Her latest revelation underscores the emotional weight of living in the public eye. While she has learned to brush off some of the negativity, the continued trolling and body-shaming can take a toll on anyone.
Despite this, Spears remains resilient, continuing to share her life with her millions of followers and defending her right to be herself—unapologetically.
As the pop princess moves forward in her personal journey, it’s clear that she’s not letting the hate get in her way.
Her recent posts continue to reflect her ongoing struggle to find balance and peace while navigating the complex world of fame.