Britney Spears arrested after alleged DUI incident

Britney Spears had a brush with the law after being arrested in California for allegedly driving under the influence.

The Grammy-winning pop star, 44, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol for the DUI offense late Wednesday, March 4, in Ventura County, according to inmate records from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office reviewed by USA TODAY on Thursday.

Spears, who was taken into custody around 3 a.m. Thursday, was released shortly after 6 a.m., per inmate records.

In a statement to USA TODAY on Friday, a representative for Spears said the arrest was an "unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable."

"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," the rep said. The singer has a court hearing in the case scheduled for May 4.

"Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time," Spears' spokesperson added. "Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being."

USA TODAY has reached out to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol for comment.

Spears' arrest comes five years after her conservatorship, overseen by father Jamie Spears, was terminated by a California judge in November 2021. The singer, who was 39 at the time of the ruling, was placed under the legal arrangement at age 26 in 2008 after suffering a public breakdown the year prior that played out before the paparazzi, who captured her seemingly erratic behavior.

Britney Spears' legal troubles following conservatorship

In recent years, Spears has found herself involved in various incidents that later prompted a law enforcement response.

In July 2023, the pop star claimed she was hit while attempting to approach NBA player Victor Wembanyama for a photo at a restaurant in Las Vegas, which led to a police investigation. Spears was allegedly slapped by Wembanyama's director of team security, Damian Smith, in an effort to protect the San Antonio Spurs player when she got near him.

However, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department later confirmed it would not be filing charges against Smith following the alleged incident. Police said surveillance video showed Spears inadvertently hit herself in the face after her hand was pushed off Wembanyama.

In the fall of 2023, Spears was reportedly pulled over for speeding and a traffic violation by the California Highway Patrol in two traffic stops, according to ABC News.

According to bodycam footage obtained by the network's Los Angeles station KABC, Spears was flagged by authorities in driving incidents on Sept. 10 and Oct. 6. The singer was pulled over for speeding in the September incident and crossing double-yellow traffic lines in October.

During both traffic stops, Spears reportedly did not have her driver's license, claiming it was left with her security at home.

And in May 2024, police and paramedics were reportedly called to the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles after an alleged incident involving Spears and her boyfriend, according to CNN and TMZ.

Per the outlets, Spears later left the hotel with security without incident.

Britney Spears' arrest comes amid ongoing musical hiatus

Spears, whose hit songs and showstopping live performances helped define pop music at the turn of the millennium, has largely retreated from the musical spotlight following the termination of her conservatorship. Her most recent album, "Glory," was released in 2016.

The "Baby One More Time" singer released collaborative singles with Elton John ("Hold Me Closer") and Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am ("Mind Your Business") in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

On the touring circuit, Spears embarked on the Piece of Me Tour in 2018 following the conclusion of her Britney: Piece of Me Las Vegas residency in 2017. The tour reportedly grossed $54.3 million and visited various cities in North America and Europe.

In a January Instagram post, the "Princess of Pop" said she will "never" perform in the United States again due to "extremely sensitive reasons."

"But I hope to be sitting on a stool with a red rose in my hair, in a bun, performing with my son… in the UK and Australia very soon," Spears added, although she did not provide further details on possible concert performances. "He's a huge star, and I'm so humbled to be in his presence!!! Godspeed, little man!!!"

The following month, it was reported that Spears sold her catalog to music publisher Primary Wave.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributing: Morgan Hines and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY