Britney Spears reportedly arrested, freed on DUI charge

Pop star Britney Spears has been arrested for driving under the influence which her representatives say could spark a "long overdue" change in the troubled singer's life.

The Toxic singer was arrested in California on March 5 according to Ventura County Sheriff's Office records, with US gossip site TMZ reporting that the 44-year-old was held for drink driving.

"This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable," a representative for the star said.

"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."

TMZ reported she was arrested at 9.30pm local time and she was detained by the Sheriff's department about 3am.

She was released from jail about 6am.

Spears has a May 4 court date scheduled.

In 2007, the Mississippi-born singer avoided a criminal hit-and-run trial by paying for damages after photographers pictured Spears steering her car into another vehicle as she tried to park in a California car park, and walking away after assessing the damage to her own car.

Her arrest comes after she sold part of her rights to her back catalogue in February to music publisher Primary Wave for an unknown fee.

The purchase came after Spears' 13-year conservatorship, set up in 2008, which had control of her career decisions and finances, ended in 2021.

After regaining control of her career, Spears released a collaboration with Elton John in 2022, and later collaborated with Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am on a track titled Mind Your Business in 2023.

In 2024, the singer said she would "never return to the music industry" and shut down speculation that a new album was on the way in a post on Instagram.

Spears released her memoir, The Woman In Me, in 2023, which is reportedly being adapted for a film.

with AP