Britney Spears was spotted out and about for the first time since her recent DUI arrest.
According to a photo obtained by social media fan page BritneysVault, the pop star, 44, was seen at the Malibu Country Mart shopping center on Sunday, March 22. In the pic, she is shown ordering a beverage from Starbucks.
Spears wore black sunglasses and a long brown coat while waiting in line. She also held an orange purse.
Earlier this month, Spears was arrested near her home in Ventura County, California, “on suspicion of driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs,” per a press release from the California Highway Patrol. The singer was taken into custody late in the evening on March 4 and sent to a hospital to test her blood alcohol content. She was subsequently booked and released the following morning.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” Spears’ rep told Us Weekly at the time. “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 help and support she needs during this difficult time.”
Spears’ rep added that the “Toxic” singer will be surrounded by her friends and family — including sons Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19, — following the incident. (Spears shares Preston and Jayden with ex Kevin Federline.)
“Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue, needed plan to set her up for success for well-being,” the statement concluded.
Spears is scheduled to appear in court on May 4.
After news broke of Spears’ run-in with the law, a source exclusively told Us that the Grammy winner’s inner circle wants her to take the necessary steps that will allow her to prioritize her well-being.
“Her team wants her in rehab or a program to help her get to a better place,” an insider said. “Everyone around her hopes this will be a wake-up call for her.”
The source claimed that Spears’ behavior “has been worse recently.”
“She has a lot of alone time at home which leads her to make bad choices like drinking,” the insider alleged. “She’s at home now and [her son] Jayden is going to spend time with her to keep her company. Britney’s very upset but doesn’t truly understand the implications yet.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
