The media have had a celebrity feeding frenzy with Ms Spears apparently happy to supply the feast. Dumping a husband by text, constant partying, questionable fashion attire, extended lavatory visits with new best friends Paris Hilton and Brandon Davis and, not least, going commando in public. The Observer charitably suggested that Britney, "looked wild and happy, [and] in charge, for the first time in ages" (3/12). Other commentators were rather less certain of Britney's new-found freedom. "Out-of-control Britney at risk of losing career", warned the Daily Mail (29/11), a sentiment apparently shared by old pal Madonna. "Madge has told Britney to stay away from Paris, chill out and get her s*** together" (virgin.net, 2/12).

Such is the alleged damage done to Britney's image recently, reports emerged that even publicists were "snubbing" the pop star because "no one wants to take on the job of trying to salvage her reputation" (Female First, 27/11). This also appeared a contentious issue, however, as US Weekly editor Janice Min asserted, "We really live in an era where there is no such thing as bad publicity for a celebrity … It is all about being the buzz of the day" (Reuters, 2/12) and no one could deny Britney's ability to achieve this status.