Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Global pop singer Britney Spears is back in the public spotlight after reportedly being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on Wednesday night, March 5, 2026.
The incident happened in Ventura County, California, United States, adding to the long list of legal troubles the star has faced.
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California Highway Patrol officers apprehended Spears around 9:30 p.m. local time after receiving a report of erratic driving.
After being handcuffed and processed at the local sheriff's office early Thursday morning, she was released Thursday morning.
The case is scheduled to proceed to trial in early May 2026.
Britney Spears' representatives have expressed regret for the incident and hope it marks a turning point for positive change in her life.
Britney Spears' Arrest Details
Britney Spears was arrested by California Highway Patrol officers on Wednesday evening, March 5, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM local time in Ventura County, California.
Police stopped Spears' black BMW 430i after receiving reports of the vehicle driving erratically, swerving, and without taillights on Highway 101 South near Westlake Village.
Spears reportedly exhibited signs of impairment when stopped by officers.
After being detained, Britney Spears was immediately handcuffed and taken to the local sheriff's office for further legal proceedings.
This detention lasted until around 3:00 AM Thursday morning, where she underwent an intensive examination by authorities.
To determine her blood alcohol level, Spears was also taken to the hospital for a blood sample.
According to police records, Britney Spears was released on Thursday morning at approximately 6:00 AM or 6:07 AM local time, after undergoing all necessary procedures.
Reaction and Support for Britney Spears
Britney Spears' official representatives immediately issued a statement regarding the arrest, calling it an "unfortunate and completely inexcusable incident."
They emphasized that Britney will take the appropriate steps and comply with all applicable legal processes.
"She's very emotional and regretful this morning," a source tells PEOPLE.
"This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable," a representative for Spears tells PEOPLE in a statement.
"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."
Britney Spears' DUI case is not her first run-in with the law related to driving.
Background to the Britney Spears Case
In 2007, she faced misdemeanor charges for an alleged hit-and-run and driving without a valid California driver's license.
Britney Spears' arrest also comes just days after a court granted a permanent restraining order against a 51-year-old man from Louisiana.
The man has been harassing Spears since 2013, suggesting external pressures may be affecting the star's mental state.
Before the arrest, Britney Spears had recently closed a major deal to sell her song catalog and music rights to Primary Wave by the end of 2025.
The deal is reportedly worth around $200 million, marking a new chapter in her financial career.
The court hearing for this DUI case itself is scheduled for May 4, 2026.