Britney Spears, aged 44, faced charges in California for driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol, as reported by authorities on Thursday. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the pop star was charged with a single misdemeanour count related to this incident.
The criminal complaint did not specify the type or quantity of alcohol or drugs that Spears allegedly used while driving. Following her arrest on March 4, when she was pulled over for driving recklessly in her black BMW on U.S. 101 near her residence, Spears underwent field sobriety tests and was subsequently taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of a mix of substances, according to the California Highway Patrol.
After being released on bail the next day, Spears voluntarily checked into a substance abuse treatment facility. Her upcoming arraignment is scheduled for Monday, although her physical presence in court is not mandatory due to the misdemeanor nature of the charge.
Britney Spears, known for her chart-topping hits like “Toxic,” “Gimme More,” and “I’m a Slave 4 U,” rose to fame in the 1990s and 2000s. Despite her successful music career, she faced intense media scrutiny and personal struggles, including battles with mental health issues. Under a conservatorship managed primarily by her father and legal team since 2008, which was terminated in 2021, Spears experienced significant personal and financial control.
In recent years, Spears has kept a low profile in the music industry, with minimal new releases following her last full album in 2016.