Britney Spears, aged 44, faced charges in California for driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol, as confirmed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The specific substances involved were not disclosed in the criminal complaint filed against the pop star.
Following her arrest on March 4 after driving erratically on U.S. 101, Spears, who appeared impaired, underwent field sobriety tests and was subsequently detained on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. She was later released on bail. Authorities concluded their investigation and submitted the case to prosecutors on March 23.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson criticized Spears’ behavior as “completely inexcusable,” highlighting the need for significant changes in her life. Shortly after the arrest, Spears voluntarily enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program.
An arraignment for Spears is scheduled for Monday, although her presence in court is not mandatory due to the misdemeanor charge. The renowned artist, known for hits such as “Toxic” and “Oops! … I Did It Again,” gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She faced intense media scrutiny during her struggles with mental health and subsequent conservatorship under her father, which lasted until 2021.
In recent years, Spears has taken a step back from her music career, releasing only a few collaborative singles since her last full album in 2016.