Britney Spears was arrested Wednesday night in Ventura County, California, authorities confirmed.
According to Ventura County jail records, the pop superstar was taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol around 9:28 p.m. Local time and booked into jail shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday. She was subsequently released.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Ryan Ayers confirmed to CNN that Spears was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
Her vehicle was impounded, according to arrest information.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” a representative for Spears said in a statement. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the aid and support she needs during this difficult time.”
“Her boys are going to be spending time with her,” the representative added. “Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success and well-being.”
This represents not the first time Spears has faced legal issues.
In 2007, she was charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run after a traffic accident, a charge that was later dropped after she paid damages.
The following year, she was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation. Shortly after, her father, Jamie Spears, was granted a temporary legal conservatorship over her affairs.
The conservatorship, initially established in 2008 following a public mental health crisis, drew widespread scrutiny and fueled the #FreeBritney movement, with fans advocating for her independence.
The legal arrangement was terminated in 2021, and since then, Spears has largely been seen through social media posts, often sharing videos of herself dancing on Instagram. Her account was unavailable as of Thursday.
Spears is scheduled to appear in court on May 4.
This story has been updated with additional information.
