I guess the days of revisiting tales of Britney’s breakdown are over, because her former self-declared “manager,” Sam Lutfi’s, case against her family for defamation has been thrown out of court. We’ve heard Lutfi’s allegations that Britney’s mom tried to get him to take the fall for her daughter’s mental health issues, that he’s owed millions in back pay from Britney, and that her dad, Jamie, once struck him. The judge found those claims hollow and decided that his case had no merit. He didn’t have a contract as Britney’s alleged manager, he couldn’t establish that he was harmed if Jamie did strike him, and his case against Lynne Spears for libel was weak. The last we heard, Britney’s ex boyfriend, paparazzo Adnan Ghalib, was testifying on Lutfi’s behalf. That must not have amounted to much, and I bet the judge was fed up with it all. Here’s more, thanks to E!
“I really thought long and hard,” said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Suzanne Brugera in announcing her decision, “so the motions are granted…as to all the defendants and all the causes of action. That is the right thing to do, so I am going to do it.”
Jamie and Lynne filed a motion yesterday to have Lutfi’s battery and breach-of-contract claims thrown out, arguing that Britney’s self-proclaimed ex-manager never suffered any injury during a purported altercation with Jamie back in 2008, and that no legal contract was in place that had entitled Lutfi to the back salary he claimed Britney owed him.
“It was not a planned event,” attorney Michael Aiken told the judge at today’s hearing, referring to Jamie making contact with Lutfi on the morning on Jan. 29, 2008, after Britney had an emotional episode that attracted a bunch of media attention the previous night. “It was purely an incident that occurred on the spur of the moment. Whether we call it a punch or a poke, the fact of the matter is, he wasn’t hurt. There was no preplanned event.”“Lufi said [he] was going to be fine and how can you award damages to someone who said he was fine?” argued Aiken…
Britney’s attorney, Joel Boxer, then launched into the breach-of-contract claim, saying there was no contract and, even if there had been, Britney was feeling pressured and would have been under “undue influence” from Lutfi to agree to something.
Schleimer countered, stating that Britney still had others in her life, such as business manager Howard Grossman, to advise her on financial matters, and that his client was never properly compensated for the work he did for Britney.
“Twenty-four hours a day with Britney Spears, I think, is very challenging,” Schleimer said. “Twenty-four hours a day is a tough job.”
“Clearly this was a contract by stealth if it was a contract at all,” Boxer said.
As for the libel claim over Lynne Spears’ 2008 memoir, Through the Storm, in which she accused Lutfi of manipulating her daughter in a chapter titled “The General,” Lynne’s attorney argued that there was a complete absence of malice on her part.
If Lynne believed what she had been told—that Lutfi had ground up pills to medicate Britney without her knowledge, unplugged her phone, hid her dog, etc.—then she was not guilty of having reckless disregard for the truth, argued attorney Stephen Rohde. (Lutfi denied doing these things and telling Lynne he had done them.)
Lynne “stuck to her guns” and never wavered on the witness stand, Rohde said.
“I am going to appeal,” Lutfi told reporters as he headed for the elevator outside the courtroom.
Here’s what I want to happen – I want Lutfi to be held liable for Britney’s attorneys’ fees in this case. This was a frivolous lawsuit that he was hoping to get a settlement from. He never expected this to go to court and to be called on his lies. This guy is a manipulator, and there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that he worked to insert himself into Britney’s life. The money and access dried up for him and his only recourse was to sue to try and squeeze Britney’s family for more. The fact that this case got so far just shows how he’ll stop at nothing.
Sam and Britney are shown in January, 2008. Britney is also shown in two different outfits on 10-19-12. Credit: FameFlynet
Never was a Britanny fan, but I’m glad this turned out ok for her and the family and I admire her father for defending her the way he did. Most fathers who love their daughters would do exactly the same thing
I’m sorry, but “Britanny”? Honestly, you don’t know how to spell her name? I’m no fan of hers either, but come on.
Jeez @Esma. Not that big of a deal. She is a celeb. It is not like she misspelled the Presidents name. LOL Chill and have some coffee. 😉
Wow. I suggest decaf for Esma.
In defense of both marky mark and Esma – I’m a stickler for spelling since it’s part of what I do for a living, so Britney’s name has always driven me nuts. Her parents, whether intentionally or through ignorance, used a lot of license in the spelling of her name. The origin is “Brittany”. Of course, parents nowadays go out of their way to misspell names to a ridiculous degree, so it’s still kosher, but kinda tacky imho.
@ gg…
Girl, I am totally with you re: the “parents go out of their was to misspell names” thing. Drives me batsh*t.
Sam Lufti got exactly what he deserved…NOTHING. What a total user and useless waste of oxygen this guy his. I am extremely glad this con artist got bitch-slapped by the legal system. Buh-bye, Sam. You’ve had way more than your 15 minutes, now SHOO.
I had a coworker who named their child Antoine D’Andre. Not bad, right? Except they spelled it: Antijuane Deaundrae.
I mean really. When you give a name to a human being, at least look up the original spelling and make an informed choice. :S
Sorry to go off topic.
Too bad I hoped we will get some juicy shit and find out what really went wrong back in 2006/07.
Damn me too 🙁
Thing is, we already got all we were going to get – Lufti had rested his case.
I’m thinking we probably already knew it all (and then some). She was pretty public with most of it, and did all kinds of embarrassing things around multiple witnesses. Remember all the aimless drives to Starbucks and around the neighborhood, followed by a battalion of pap cars?
I personally am really glad they threw this crap out of court. Giving Lutfi a podium to spew more of his delusional, scamming BS is a huge mistake.
She needs to be able to move on with her life and not relive the horrible parts gone years ago.
I do think Sam was correct when he said that Britney was doing meth at the time of her breakdown, and that she shaved her head to avoid drug testing. Don’t forget that her judge called her a habitual abuser of drugs and alcohol during that time. I think her mental problems right now might have to do with the lingering effects of the abuse of such a sketchy drug.
Sam never really had a strong libel case because in the US you have to prove not only that what was said was wrong, but that the person knew it was false AND they tried to do financial harm to you. Very hard to prove.
Ughh! That guy is shameless. Absolutely disgusting. Thank God her family decided to interfered with her life. She’s clearly in a better shape now than when she’s with that leech.
He’s a cancer – one I hope we never hear from again.
I just hope Amanda Bynes family has the same good sense. That girl his headed downhil fast.
I just hope Amanda Bynes family has the same good sense. That girl his headed downhil fast.
Everytime I see a article on Britney I just want to give he a hug. Mental illness is so underfunded in this county. A great tragedy imho
From what we’ve heard so far from Papa Bynes, I’d say this isn’t the case. He seems as delusional as Dina Lohan.
So, summary judgment then? Awesome. Attorneys’ fees aren’t likely if dismissed on this basis. Then again, I’m not familiar with California law. Usually though, fees are rarely granted absent a contract or cause of action allowing for statutory fee awards. If the case got this far, it’s unlikely the judge will find it’s a frivolous case since that means the judge should have been able to discern the frivolous nature of the claim earlier.
Now go get a real job, Lutfi.
He’s going after Lohan now, that should keep him busy.
Ha! 🙂
I read he’s working with Courtney Love!!!
Anybody that willingly hires this known huckster is an idiot.
Lowlife bum. The Spears need to sue him and get a claim on every illgotten dollar he ever makes for the rest of his life.
Second time in a day i Clamor For Bras, WTF man!, a Bra!!
LMAO Luckily I hadn’t even noticed that. Thanks a lot. 😉 My mind was stuck on her gooey hair in the first pic.
I mean they are like droopy beacons so Really Really I cant Look anywhere else, But thanks for bringing my eyes back up to the weave clumpy hair thing
what is UP with her boobs in the brown shirt pic?! GAH!
I think you mean what is DOWN with them? Seriously, how is she even comfortable? I’d feel naked in public without a bra.
Poor thing still has hair and undergarment issues. Not crazy about her clothing on X Factor either.
Gg You mean the imcessant parade of sausage casing herve Leger shit?! Yeah No
But at least they keep them things in place!!!
That’s all I could think of when reading this article… Victoria’s Secret should send her bras! Or some other company please save the chi chis
Her boobs are looking for change on the sidewalk.
“Her boobs are looking for change on the sidewalk”
OMG I died
Good. The case was nothing but an attempted shakedown.
For godssake, Lutfi, you were in Britney’s life once and now you’re not. She gets to stop being friends with you. Stop acting like you’re somehow entitled to hound this woman for all eternity.
Finally, a California judge in a celebrity case who got a ruling right…
Thanks Izzy! My thoughts exactly, finally a judge who called major bull!
Well done.
yes, thank goodness. It makes me sad to think of all the unhappiness in Britney’s life. Why didn’t her family help her at the time she was going through it?
…Have you ever tried to control someone with BiPolar Disorder?? Impossible. In todays world where you CANT force someone into an institution there is literally NOTHING you can do except let them run wild. As she did. And yet noone ever discuss the idea of bringing back involuntary commitment. Ridiculous!
Great news! Thank you Judge Brugera. The Spears family has been through enough without being further dragged through the mud by this maggot Lufti and his co-maggot Ghalib. I doubt think that he’ll get anywhere with an appeal either.
Any opinions on that from lawyers in CB land?
Perfect, now GO AWAY.
Justice is served.
What a LEECH. a Leech with a NERVE.
Disgusting man.
Good. This whole nasty thing needs to go away. And him too.
I’m glad this is going away, but as an attorney I am disappointed – the judge’s ruling basically means that ALL of the salacious testimony that Lufti already aired was crap. I was hoping, just professionally, that this guy actually had a claim that would make the airing of all this dirty laundry legit. Shame on the judge for not dismissing sooner. I hope the Spears get attorney’s fees, but nothing will erase the headlines from the past few weeks.
How soon, at what point, could the judge
have dismissed this? Do you mean refusing to hear it at all, or dismissing the motions at a much sooner time during the proceedings than she did and why?
Realize that you weren’t the one in court and don’t want to bother you, but I’m curious.
Brits got amazing legs. Obviously she’s amazing overall, but not matter her state of mind or physical shape, her legs are to die for. And yes I’m totally biased but if there is anyone that brings out my kind side it’s britbrit.
Me too! And funny my friend who is a psychiatrist also has the softest heart for her. Unlike Blohan Brit suffers from serious mental issues and had many people take advantage of it, whereas Lo takes advantage of others. I’m always rooting for Britney.
I’ve always liked her legs too! They’re chunky, but somehow in a really good way.
Not to mention she’s never been the same since. Except her wretched sense of style of course.
It is obvious he figured they would give him money to go away. So glad they stood up and called him out. A lot of celebs may not of. I have a feeling they will walk away and not sue him. Good for them for taking the high road when they do too!
🙂
He already had helped himself to Brit’s money, cars, home…everything. He was a big moocher, mind manipulator. & people say she went nuts because of Justin? No way, this guy caused it, he and that Adnad dude, they made her freak out. They either had her drugged so they could control her and steal from her, or she literally went nuts under their powers. Probably both. No, he got his already. You know he took plenty, when he had access. Her family did the right thing. She would have went broke if they hadn’t stepped in. This guy and her ex Adnad, are both thieves and scam artists. Good for the judge and I hope he gets stuck for all the court fees and attorney costs. Brit will be ok. She stays around for her kids, I think they are what she lives for. Hang in there!!! I too am glad they didn’t try to pay him off, as he clearly hoped. Good call!! They called his bluff and he got shot down. It’s awesome.
I’m glad this was thrown out of court. Now hopefully Britney can get out of the conservatorship and live her life the way she wants to.
Daaaamn! That first pic is cray-cray. I believe they were giving her meth…I believe it. That shit is poison that will rot your mind for good and unfortunately, Brit will never be the same. That said, she should NOT be on tv right now. It looks like she just wants to crawl under that desk every time I see her on xfactor. Sad sad sad.
Do you think they were “giving” her meth, or just that she was doing meth? Even her own mom said in her book that she was doing cocaine as a teenager. Britney was called a habitual abuser of drugs and alcohol by one of her judges.
I think that so many people have sympathy for Britney, and they don’t want to admit that she has had drug issues for a long time now. Perhaps part of her problem is the result of her own choices.
Her mother didn’t say that in her book. That was a rumor that was sparked by the announcement that she was releasing a “tell-all” book. As for being called a drug abuser, she (and K-Fed) both used pot and drank. I think she might have also become dependent on pain killers, as she did have a major knee surgery at the time they were married. But meth? I highly doubt. Heavy drug-use can bring on Bi-Polar disease, yes. But, people who are Bi-Polar can exhibit the same traits of a freaked out drug addict while manic, and have never touched a drug. It’s hard to say what really caused what and honestly, it’s not our place to pry. Just glad this is all over with.
I’m glad Lutfi’s case got tossed, but for all the PR and image rehab about how well Britney’s doing now, I still think her life is pretty sad. There’s something about how she’s so rigidly managed, how she expresses herself, how she dresses, her eyes, everything…is she really where to wants to be in her life right now? I don’t believe Jason is truly her fiance, I think he’s a handler. And I think she’ll always be under the conservatorship. There’s just something going on with her that they aren’t saying and I think a big part of it is because the truth will hurt their bottom line. I don’t know. Something about Britney and her life now is really depressing. To me, she just seems like she doesn’t want to do this showbiz stuff anymore at all, doesn’t want to work AT ALL, and yet they keep throwing her out there. If she needs to work to stay healthy, which is entirely possible, why does she have to do it in public?
I had read back in 2007-ish that all of Britney’s businesses generated about $750,000 per WEEK. Granted that is not all pure profit. But with lifestyle money can run out. They probably need to refill the coffers that Sam and Adnan drained. I would guess in a few years she will be able to retire without financial worries.
You just put your finger right on what I couldn’t quite…
Really well said!
I think what they are hiding is that her condition is due in large part to the effects of drug abuse. When they keep her on tour and working, they can control who she is around (there are no drinking or drugs policies for all of her tours, dancers and crew members are drug tested as well).
I think they worry that if they leave her on her own, she will go back to doing drugs. While that is a good intention on their part, it is sad to see someone locked into a lifestyle they do not want.
Yes, this is what I think too actually.
It’s also the tragic part of it all. The people who make sure she’s still alive are also in effect her jailers (and/or this is how she sees it, which may contribute to her unhappiness,without being able to see how to improve her situation on her own). It’s like she’s caught between a rock and a hard place and for whatever reason, doesn’t have the wherewithall to take care of herself without being taken advantage of by all the crap people in LA (assuming the conservatorship judge is above board and truly does have her best interests at heart and not those of her business people). Maybe she’s working towards it and maybe she’s getting proper help and is surrounded by truly good people…I just hope that one day, she can just live well, take care of her kids, and just get out of showbiz and away from all the sleeze and bloodsuckers of LA.
couldn’t have said it better. She is a shell of what she used to be. If this is the result of long-term drug abuse and/or being made to work when she doesn’t want to, it’s just sad.
So glad the case got thrown out. Now Lutfi, just go away, back to the hole you crawled out of.
I agree with many on here re Sam. I have nver liked Britney, but everything about Lutfi is bad news. Can’t believe he wasn’t the one on trial. Glad the judge threw out the case. Only wish they would put this creap in jail and throw away the key. I also really like Britney’s hair with bangs. The only time I have ever thought she looked good and I want that sweater she is wearing.
I have always loved b.spears and I think she looks so sad. What a creep
I remember when all that went down…. he took advantage of her and her fragile state like the parasite that he has shown himself to be. Anyone could see he had no merit or claim to anything except being a scab. Now back to Courtney Love, who he now claims to “manage”….
I always liked Britney, even when I didn’t like how she handled herself (getting together with Kevin, for example). There’s something very sweet about her. However, her life now seems depressing. It has always seemed that once she and Justin broke up, she could not get it together and was looking for stability anywhere she could. This lowlife was thrilled that he finally found someone really rich and famous to manipulate and I’m glad he got kicked to the curb and that his case was thrown out of court. He’s not really a player; he just thinks he is. Now, if Britney could just get that spark back she used to have…. And no more long, blond extensions. She’s pretty and can wear a cute A-length brown bob with highlights. Blond isn’t working.
DisClaimer; not licensed in Cal! But the judge granted a directed verdict-in otherwords, Lufti couldn’t put forth enough faCtual evvidence to support the claim. Most states do allow for sanCtions under these circumstances. Hope the estate squeezes him.
I’m glad Sam is appealing. I want the white trash Spears family to have to deal with him for the rest of their lives.
I also hope talentless Britney goes insane again….it was the only time she has ever been entertaining.
….oh, look, a troll.
How is what I posted trolling? This is not some Britney Spears fansite. I stated my personal opinion. Just because you like TRASHney and I don’t doesn’t make me a troll.
Get a clue.
We think you are a troll troll troll because non-trolls do not delight in con-artists and rip-off artists leeching money and luxury lifestyle perks that they did not earn and do not deserve. It goes against basic fairness
Ok this might be a really stupid question, but was that a wig in the first picture?
Dude was obviously her dealer, who got “promoted” to “manager”. And now he has a new client in Courtney Love – another addict wanting to keep her dealer close.
I don’t blame Lufti. Everyone else got a pay out: Jamie, K-Fed, Alexander, Trawick so why not him? Make no mistake her parents actions were not motivated by concern for their daughter, but her bank account. Remember these are the people who sided with Kevin over Britney. They are Micahael and Dina Lohan with a twang.
I blame Lutfi! He gleefully aired Britney’s dirty laundry throughout this case even when it wasn’t germane. Clearly he thought concerns about what else he’d spill would force her to pay up. I’m not a fan & never liked her music, but it’s sad to me that she’s had such untrustworthy friends. Lutfi’s nothing but a sleazy extortionist.
He took advantage of a mentally ill person. He’s repugnant. I hope they sue him for something – anything.
I hope that his lawyer for this trial cost him fortune. And he would have to pay those thousands of dollars from his pockets.
Well done Britney’s lawyers. Happy that her team would not go to settle and pay that a-hole free money.
i am glad to see this lawsuit tossed out. it’s a waste of taxpayer money. also Lufti has always clearly been trying to squeeze whatever $ he could from Spears. i am glad he was blocked here.
as for Britney’s “problem” a few years back, is that really a mystery ? woman had a drug problem.
“and there have been other reports of roaming gangs of criminals posing as officials from FEMA or Con Edison and then robbing families at gunpoint once they have gained entrance into their homes.”
heater, sometimes on demand or perhaps a normal fish tank product. Silently doing work not noticed for many years within the