Pop legend Britney Spears has once again opened up about the toll of online criticism, revealing that she struggles with “severe sadness” stemming from harsh comments about her Instagram dance videos.
In a candid Instagram post on Friday, Spears addressed her followers, stating, “I took the video of myself dancing down because so many people said so many mean things… if they only knew how severe my sadness is.” Alongside her heartfelt message, she shared a carousel of images, including memes, a beach photo, and a picture of herself in black lace.
Britney Spears makes weird dance moves during Mexico vacation
Spears, 42, defended her unique style of self-expression, adding, “I’m so damn sick of people saying they are concerned. If you don’t like the way I move, f-k off and don’t watch it!”
Finding joy amidst the storm
Despite her emotional struggles, Spears shared a glimpse of happiness during a recent beach getaway. Initially hesitant to go because of her sadness, the singer described how the trip helped her reconnect with moments of joy.
“The small little hotel that looks like an apartment, the ocean, and the breakfast table inside the pool those things helped,” she wrote. Spears added that listening to dark music and Amy Winehouse also offered some solace during her stay.
However, the negativity resurfaced when she scrolled through her phone, seeing comments that saddened her. Reflecting on the backlash, Spears lamented, “[I] was like Damn, there’s so much I haven’t even shown, but it saddens me people say mean things about me.”
A history of clapping back
This isn’t the first time Spears has addressed critics of her dance videos. Over the summer, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne commented on her repetitive moves, prompting her to call his family “the most boring family known to mankind.” Dance coach Abby Lee Miller and comedian Kathy Griffin have also criticized her performances in the past, with Spears defending herself fiercely on social media.
For Spears, her dancing remains a form of personal freedom and expression. In 2021, she wrote, “If you don’t want to see my precious ass dancing in my living room… go read a f-king book!”
As the Princess of Pop continues to navigate the pressures of fame, her candid honesty reminds fans of her humanity, vulnerability, and determination to stay true to herself.