Britney Spears has been spotted for the first time since completing her rehabilitation programme, appearing relaxed and in good spirits in Calabasas, California.
The 44-year-old pop star departed the treatment facility on Wednesday evening and was subsequently photographed sitting in the passenger seat of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, with her feet resting on the dashboard, as she was driven through Calabasas and Westlake Village.
Sources close to the singer told Page Six that she is “[doing] really well” and described her as “healthy and happy and feeling very positive and excited to start afresh”.
“Rehab was a great opportunity for her to ground herself,” the insider added.
“She’s looking forward to a bright future.”
A second source confirmed that Ms Spears will be continuing counselling remotely.
The Hit Me Baby One More Time singer’s public appearance comes as she prepares to face legal proceedings stemming from her arrest on March 4 in Ventura County, California.
Ms Spears was pulled over near her home after officers observed her driving erratically.
Ms Spears was arrested on March 4
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GETTYPolice stated that she displayed signs of impairment and underwent field sobriety tests before being taken into custody.
The Grammy winner was alone in her black BMW 430i when she was detained on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.
Officers also allegedly discovered an unknown substance in her car.
She was transported to Ventura County Main Jail, located northwest of Los Angeles, before being released.
Ms Spears with sons Jayden James Federline (L) and Sean Preston Federline (R) | GETTY
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has now formally charged the star with a misdemeanour DUI offence, with her arraignment scheduled for Monday at Ventura County Superior Court.
Prosecutors have indicated they intend to offer Ms Spears a “wet reckless” plea deal at Monday’s hearing, a standard approach for first-time offenders without a history of accidents or elevated blood alcohol levels.
Should she accept the offer, the singer would be placed on probation for 12 months, required to complete a DUI education course and obligated to pay state-mandated fines and fees.
The District Attorney’s Office noted that Ms Spears’ voluntary decision to enter rehabilitation is a significant factor in how such cases are typically handled.
Regarding her attendance at the arraignment, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly that “since it is a misdemeanour charge, she is not required to attend and her attorney can make the appearance for her.”
The decision to seek professional help came after an intervention from her two sons, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19, whom she shares with former husband Kevin Federline.
According to insiders, the brothers had grown increasingly worried about their mother’s behaviour and urged her to address her issues.
The popstar has left rehab
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GETTYTheir relationship with Ms Spears is said to be the strongest it has been in years and she was determined not to put that bond at risk.
Sources revealed that the singer was initially apprehensive about entering treatment, as she struggles to trust people outside her inner circle and finds it challenging to adhere to structured routines.
Ms Spears checked herself into the undisclosed facility on April 12, with her representative acknowledging that the incident was “completely inexcusable” and expressing hope it would mark the beginning of long-overdue changes in her life.
GB News has approached Ms Spears for comment.