When Britney Spears’s 13-year conservatorship ended in November last year, a resounding triumphant cheer went up across the globe. This was heard most loudly on social media—under the label of #FreeBritney on nearly every platform from TikTok to Reddit—where millions of fans chimed in with celebratory posts about the pop star’s newfound freedom. It seemed like a win not only for Spears herself, but for every fan who had passionately advocated for the singer online. The case may have ultimately been settled by the Los Angeles Superior Court judge who ended the conservatorship, but the truth was clear: the real court of influence was that of public opinion.
#FreeBritney stands as one of the clearest displays of the power social media movements hold today. The campaign gained such momentum that even the biggest celebrities weighed in. “You never deserved what happened, Thank God 4 today. You’re a superstar and a super-human being,” wrote Lady Gaga on Instagram on the day the end of the conservatorship was announced, while Donatella Versace showed support with: “Freedom is a human right. My heart is smiling for you, Britney. Congratulations on your
