Britney Spears conspiracy theories as fans are convinced star has been replaced
Britney Spears has been living in the limelight for decades, having become one of the most famous people on the planet when she was just 16 years old.
The Princess of Pop, 41, has taken a step back from fame in recent years, with her taking to Instagram to tell fans she has quit showbusiness. While Britney continues to share snippets of her life on social media, her followers have become convinced she's been replaced - some say with a body double, while others blame AI.
And that's not the only conspiracy to come out about the singer. Some fans are convinced Britney has been sending subtle messages to them for years, crying out for help. Here, we've taken a look at the most bizarre conspiracy theories surrounding Britney.
Fans think she's really dead
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While there is absolutely no evidence to prove Britney Spears is dead, fans have continued to spread the vile rumour around on TikTok. Conspiracy theorists have been using the hashtag #WhereIsBritney to share their claims with others. In December 2022, gossip blogger Perez Hilton added to the speculation as he openly discussed Britney's absence from the public eye.
Alyssa Milano 'apologises to Britney' as she's called out for 'bullying' tweetOne theory alleges that Britney and her then-boyfriend Justin Timberlake were in a tragic car accident shortly before the release of her debut album in 1999. The cruel rumours claim Britney was killed instantly in the wreck and that she's been replaced ever since.
According to the theory, Justin was left with severe burns in the accident but is still alive and in a coma, having also been replaced. The theory was created by two US DJs who were fired from their jobs after starting the rumours.
Britney herself has spoken out on the rumours she's dead as she took to Instagram to assure fans she is safe and well. "Psss this is not a memoir I am not dead people !!! This is a flashback to remind me to get my a** on the dance floor and shake my a** !!! PSSS I'm an equal American citizen now !!! I can go to spas now too," she wrote as she also discussed her time living under a conservatorship.
Britney 'replaced by AI'
One fan became convinced that Britney Spears has been replaced by artificial intelligence and used pictures from her wedding to Sam Asghari to try and prove their claim. Sam and Britney tied the knot at their home in June 2022, however, he filed for divorce just 14 months later.
The Instagram account BritneyIsNotFree, which appears to be a reference to the #FreeBritney movement, shared a video using AI to "enhance" a blurry picture of the singer from her wedding day. In the clip, the poster said: "Nothing can convince me that’s her at this point."
They used a picture of Britney smiling while wearing her wedding dress, but the original was somewhat pixelated. They then ran the picture through an AI photo generator, which adapts the image to make it clearer.
The post left fans divided, with some people convinced they could spot several signs the picture was of someone other than Britney. "The eye colour is wrong. [It] has Jessica Simpson's nose. Teeth don't match. No way," one person said. Another suggested: "Explains the gloves so it covers the tattoo on her hand."
However, others hit out at the baseless theory. "AI isn't reliable lol. These conspiracy theories are dumb. Let Britney live!!" one fan encouraged, while another person agreed: "Using AI doesn't prove anything."
Or a body double
While some fans think she's been replaced by AI, others are convinced Britney has been swapped for a body double. One TikTok video has claimed her Instagram clips are made with a body double as they believe her body shape changes between posts. They also claimed the tattoo Britney has on her wrist changed in each clip.
Other fans believe Britney was replaced in December last year. The singer deactivated her Instagram account as she spoke out about the "traumatising" effects of social media, but she subsequently reactivated the account.
Britney Spears 'mortified' after accidentally posting vid of see-through dressPeople on TikTok are convinced she was replaced with a body double during this time. Some fans also suggested she wasn't in control of her social media after the captions on her posts became shorter.
Sending fans a plea for help
Britney's loyal fans have long been convinced she sends them messages through her video, by wearing specific clothes or moving in a certain way. In one post, fans swarmed the comments with their claims Britney was trapped in her house.
The singer shared an outfit transition video which saw her film in several different rooms in her home. She captioned the post: "I found my catsuit… No luck finding my mask but at least I found my body!!!! Stay joyful my friends and do what makes you happy!!!!"
Britney changed between a leopard-print catsuit, white shorts and a floral top, and a pink floral dress. Taking to the comments, fans questioned why her videos seem to all take place at home.
"Why is she just trapped in the house all the time now," one person asked. Another conspiracy theorist shared: "Guys, 'no luck finding my mask' meaning she doesn't go outside so there’s no need for a mask, that’s why it's hard for her to find it.. Omg.. FREE U."
Paris Hilton even weighed in
Britney's close friend Paris Hilton was forced to speak out and shut down "ridiculous" rumours that the Toxic hitmaker has been replaced. The American socialite had shared several snaps from friend Cade Hudson’s birthday party.
One picture saw Paris cosy up to Britney and the birthday boy himself. While they seemed very happy smiling for the camera, fans weren't convinced.
People quickly flocked to the comments to share their theories, with one person simply writing: "That is not Britney." Another said: "It’s really strange how half the necklace chains are missing in the photo with Britney. And what’s wrong with her fingers?"
"Is that an AI Britney?? Look at her fingers!!! WTF Paris? You’re becoming more and more shady to me and I used to love you dude. How dare you participate in whatever is going on with Brit?" a third person accused.
Paris then took to the comments to set the record straight. "To all of those asking. Some of these photos were taken on an iPhone so they ended up being blurry. So they used this app called Remini to make it look unblurry and sometimes the Ai distorts images," she said.
Paris continued: "Didn’t want to even dignify this with a response. But some of these conspiracy theories are absolutely ridiculous."