Mental Health Charity Slams Media Treatment Of Britney Spears

A leading mental health charity has hit out at the media for victimising and exploiting fallen pop star Britney Spears.

The constant media coverage of the singer’s breakdown satisfies the insatiable appetite of the public who increasing enjoy watching famous people falling from grace, claims Sane’s chief executive Marjorie Wallace.

She says: “However sad this latest incident may be for Britney Spears herself, the fact that it is exploited as part of the 'must have' breakdown of any record-breaking singer serves only to belittle her genuine suffering - let alone the suffering of countless others who do not have the consolation of fame and fortune.

“She is a victim of an exploitative industry, a sensationalist media, and a public who seem to enjoy voyeuristically the troubles of superstars and celebrities.”

Speaking to the BBC, psychologist David Giles says that not only do the public relish celebrity breakdowns; the effect goes further and brings them together.

"Increasingly the spectacle of this kind of emotional turmoil brings us together. Britney, Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty. We can all say - ha! If you take drugs, get mixed up in dodgy dealings, or indulge in too much too soon, you'll get your comeuppance. It's like a modern morality play which we can all understand - and all enjoy," he said.