Three days ago, FX and Hulu released the highly anticipated documentary Framing Britney Spears, which offers a detailed look into Britney's career and decades-long conservatorship.
The doc has opened up a huge conversation around how Britney's been treated and ultimately failed by the media, from being stalked by paparazzi to completely villainized in her breakup with Justin Timberlake.
But one part of the documentary that's particularly heartbreaking — and, IMHO, disgusting — is a 2003 "no holds barred" interview with Diane Sawyer.
The clip begins with Diane telling Britney, "I have to ask a couple of things about Justin." And Britney, clearly tired of talking about it, graciously agrees.
Diane then goes on to perpetuate the narrative Justin's been telling about her breakup, insinuating that it's all her fault, before asking what it is that she did?
Britney, again, is clearly in pain herself and doesn't want to discuss it any further, but she gives a pretty kindhearted response.
But here's where things really take a turn for the what-the-actual-fuck: Diane talks about how Britney has "disappointed a lot of mothers in this country" and shows Britney a quote from the then–first lady of Maryland, who says that if she "had an opportunity to shoot Britney Spears," she would do it.
Britney is UNDERSTANDABLY shocked and disgusted, considering someone she's never even met — a fellow woman, I might add — just publicly said they'd be willing to harm and possibly kill her. But even still, she tries to maintain her composure.
And then Ms. Diane Sawyer, a supposed brilliant journalist of our generation, actually DEFENDS the fucked up statement instead of sympathizing with Britney!
I'M SORRY. Are these Britney's kids? No. Is it her job to modify her behavior in order to make this woman and her kids feel more comfortable? No. And she tells Diane just that.
People on Twitter were rightfully upset over the interview, and many called on Diane to apologize to Britney after all these years:
There’s lots to discuss in this Britney Spears doc, but feels like much more time needs to be devoted to the part where a politician’s wife says Britney should be SHOT for the way she dresses and respected journalist Diane Sawyer is like “well, she’s a concerned mother” 😐
Diane Sawyer owes Britney Spears a sincere apology. #FramingBritneySpears
Watching Framing Britney Spears and I just want to say I wonder how Diane Sawyer sleeps at night 🥴
Diane Sawyer made it sound reasonable that the First Lady of Maryland wanted to shoot Britney Spears because being a parent is hard.
I’m sorry, why is Diane Sawyer defending someone who threatened to shoot Britney Spears?
“So like you’re a really bad mom though and probably should be shot right?” - Diane Sawyer to Britney Spears
Finally watched the Britney Spears doc and now I want to fight everyone, most of all Diane Sawyer???????
Obviously disgusted by Justin after watching Framing Britney Spears but when is Diane Sawyer going to apologize for that interview?
It was Britney Spears telling Diane Sawyer that shes not here to baby sit anyones kids. Yes, thats the energy
I just wanna say real quick that Britney didn't deserve that kind of treatment back then, and she doesn't deserve it now. If you're a parent, and you feel threatened by the way a woman is carrying herself — in a way that's completely separate from your life and your kid's life — maybe use a little introspection to think about WHY you feel that way instead of attacking her. Or at the very least, keep those damn opinions to yourself.
Sending you lots of love and light, Britney. On behalf of Diane Sawyer, we are so sorry. 💕
You can watch the full interview below:
