Britney has been used in much the same way other celebrities have been used in the past by the press/papparatzi--as object lessons or morality tales for the public, to sell papers and fill info-tainment newscasts. One day she's going to wonder where her career went--where her mind and soul went as well. She should seriously consider temporarily moving to another country to start a new life. They'll never let her be now that they've gotten her scent.

Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US

So....you've written an article disapproving of all the people writing articles about Britney and making money out of her sad decline?

Steve, London, UK

John W, Ontario, Canada. You sum it all up beautifully. Just about every rag-mag carries a weekly update on Britney's demise. She is probably more of a cash-cow for them now than when she was healthy and singing at her peak. And how many other young women have been pilloried in the same way because their "too much too soon" Hollywood sponsored lifestyles caused them to go off the rails? Maybe their breakdowns/problems have not been as spectacular as Britney's, but beware, the vultures are circling...But the really scary thing is that there is a market for this trash. People obviously seek it out to buy and read. What is that saying about our society? If we chose not to buy the magazines that promote this exploitation of a young woman's ill-health, and the others like her, then the market for such "journalism" would cease. Is there hope that this whole celebrity obsession will eventually burn itself out. But what will replace it? That's a scary thought.

Carly, Melbourne, Australia

Britney Spears has been exploited since she was a young child and appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club .When she began her solo singing career, her image was highly and inappropriately sexualized for one so young. The money she made at such a tender age gave her access to a lifestyle far beyond her level of maturity. An abnormal childhood would also contribute to her psychological difficulties and problems in making appropriate decisions. No wonder she has problems being a mother-look at the mothering she got. How many hangers-on made money out of Britney on her way up and when she was at her peak? And how many of those are now making money out of her very public and pathetic melt down - like a pack of vultures. I feel a great sadness for Britney and what has happened to her, as I don't think she's really had much say in what's gone on in her short life. And to lose custody of her 2 children... I hope she is able to mend herself, get rid of the parasites and regain access to her 2 boys

Carly, Melbourne, Australia

I feel sorry for Britney but more sorry for Americans who get no response from police when being robbed then 6 police cars turn up for a celeb domestic row.

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

I truely feel sorry for Britney! She fell hard for Kevin ! He made a foul out of her and that is a pretty hard hit. Now the public looks at Kevin as a wonderful father. Its amazing how the public forgotten what he has done in the pass. Kevin was voted as one of the weathy men in Hollywood. Shame on him! He is only know because of Britney and her money. Anyways it does not excuse her behavior . I hope she open her eyes and gets some help!

America, san diego , ca

Question John W

In what way is "Dr" Phil actually helping by speaking to the nation on a televisied show about what he thinks are her problems after such brief spell with her, during which i am sure she just wanted to leave, go home and keep out of sight.

If he actually wanted and cared to help her in the way you believe, surely he should be visiting HER, Talking to HER, advising HER privately and confidentially, i do not believe for a second that the network or he himself are not aware of the fact they exploiting the situation to attain ratings.

In my opinion there is no difference between his show or the entertainment shows in this situation, this just happens to be in an area which can now be exploited in a new way.

Drop the "Dr" perhaps, as no real doctor who seeks respect would ever go so low.

David, Melbourne,

She is just one more person who needs help. We need to spend less time judging and more time helping one another

Jory, Naperville, IL

The sad thing is that when this Dr Phil guy finally steps in and tries to help this clearly troubled young woman out of her obviously desperate emotional situation there are actually people confused enough to criticize him for "exploiting" her. Exactly how upside down is this?... very. It's the "entertainment news" outlets who've continued to dog and exploit Britney Spears, almost to her death... not this Dr. Phil. Lord knows she needs a psychologist... even a TV psychologist is better than her current course of self-medication treatments. ET, Star, and The Enquirer have no interest in seeing her get better because there's no gossip (or ca$h) in a healthy stable Britney Spears. It's boring. It doesn't get ratings or sell magazines. God forbid the pond scum who make their living off the dramas and traumas of this girl's life should have to find a new mascara stained starlet face for their pathetic info-porn.

John W., Toronto, Ontario

so what. boo hoo!!

George, Austin, Texas

Its absolutely discusting the way Britney spears is treated. She is after all only a human, blood and bones the same as the rest of us. If shes cracked up its because the whole world is watching her every move, I would crack under that pressure. My heart goes out to her.

Alix Mcguigan, norwich, united kingdom

Dr.Phil cashes in on the misery.
Next it might be Nancy Grace.

Where is the compasion the Americans think they have?
It is only about money

None of your Business, poco,