Britney's tryst with publicity takes new turn

Britney's tryst with publicity takes new turn

Britney Spear's locked horns with publicity yesterday, but this time in a completely fresh turn, when she issued a press release to warn against use, publish and print of her son's photos, which have been reported to be stolen from a private portfolio. The photos were displayed on a couple of sites on Friday and Britney seems to be very upset about this gross breach of privacy.

The statement was from Jive Records, her recording company and went thus, "Anyone who publishes, sells or otherwise exploits any of these images in any way will be subject to liability and damages for willful infringement of copyright,”. The public statement constituted more of a warning to dormant exploiters than an attempt to identify the culprits.

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Britney, the pop star, has earned a reputation for creating scandals, to further publicity gains and cheap coverage. The star singer rippled the world with her infamous lip lock with newly found guru Madonna at the Video Music Awards last year. Her break up with Justin Timberlake and subsequent marriage with childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander shocked and awed her fans by the sheer impulsiveness she exhibited. She wedded Jason on January 3, 2004 and then dissolved the marriage on January 5, 2004, quoting flimsy reasons and announcing that it was just an experiment, which lasted for precisely 55 hours only. Then, in September 2004, she went ahead and married one of her previous background dancers, Kevin Federline. Till recently, she and Kevin were pretty comfortable offering real life coverage of her wedding and private moments, evincing interest in the making of a reality serial on UPN.

However, after Britney delivered son Sean Preston in September, 2005, the couple have consciously evaded the limelight and public life, except for once, when they were seen together. Moreover, their baby has been more than kept away from glaring media predators.

The New York Post reported recently that Britney had backtracked on a deal to sell Sean's photos to the publication 'People'. Britney is said to have turned emotional, refusing to part with the photos on ethical grounds, citing that she couldn't sell her baby to publicity this way, and rubbishing the fee she would have got for doing so.

This was soon followed by news of some pictures of the little one being pilfered from a privately shot portfolio. It is yet to be ascertained whether the photos meant for 'People' initially are the ones that have been thieved.

Britney Spears, who has always invited attention to her deliberate stunts and antics, is now suddenly enemies with the camera. If a cliché can be risked for her, perhaps motherhood has pervaded her life deeply. The other instance where her new role in life has taken preference over glamour is her recently dumped Las Vegas tie-up, where she suddenly turned uncooperative. According to Jack Wishna, front negotiator for the unknown casino, Britney was not keen to live and work in Las Vegas life because she felt it inappropriate in her new status as mother. Her terms and conditions, moreover, were not acceptable and hence the deal had been shelved prematurely.

The casino had been looking for three top music artists to cap its shows. Had Britney accepted, her commitment for the deal would be about 12-15 weeks in a year.

Speculation is rife now, as fans look forward to what Britney will do next in her newly donned motherhood mantle, a far cry from her days of self-centered antics blown out of proportion. Let's hope this one is a genuine turn and not another scandal-in-the-making.