(Newser)
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Britney Spears' former manager Sam Lutfi is suing her parents and conservators for millions, claiming he had an agreement to get 15% of her earnings—and of course, since Lutfi was Britney's confidante during her head-shaving phase, the first day of the trial yesterday included some scandalous claims. Lutfi's attorney told the jury that his client was trying to keep an amphetamine-loving Spears from using drugs, but lost control as she spiraled downward and was turned into a "scapegoat" and falsely accused, in Spears' mother's book, of drugging the pop star.
Some of the crazier details from yesterday's Lutfi camp opening remarks, from the AP and TMZ:
- When Lutfi was first hired, his lawyer said, he brought in drug-sniffing dogs to Spears' home and they found a substance Spears admitted was likely crystal meth.
- The reason for that head-shaving incident? Lutfi claims Britney was so paranoid her hair would hold traces of the drugs she was using, she shaved it all off in an effort not to test positive and lose custody of her sons.
- Lutfi also says Brit OD'ed on amphetamines in 2008, the night she was placed on a psychiatric hold.
The trial—which is not expected to include testimony from Brit herself—comes after years of legal wrangling between Lutfi and the Spears clan; the family got a restraining order against him at one point and another legal battle involving legal fees is also pending. When the Spears side makes its opening remarks today, lawyers are expected to argue that Lutfi basically acted as a drug pusher for Britney,
TMZ reports.
