Why Britney Spears’ DUI Arrest Mugshot Won’t Be Released!
When a star as famous and scrutinized as Britney Spears has a run-in with the law, the public usually expects the full spectacle to follow: the headlines, the sources, the speculation, and, yes, the mugshot. But in this case, that image the internet is usually so used to dissecting will not be seeing the light of day.
According to officials in Ventura County on Wednesday, Britney’s booking photo from her recent DUI arrest will remain private. The decision is not about protecting a celebrity, they say, but about a broader sheriff’s office policy.
Related: Director Who Helped Movement To Get Britney Out Of Conservatorship Speaks After DUI Arrest
According to both Us Weekly and TMZ this week, a Ventura County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said this when it came to denying the release of Spears’ mugshot:
“[The photo] does not fall within the requirements and is considered discretionary.”
That short statement says a lot, especially in an era when celebrity missteps often become viral moments within seconds. For Britney, whose life has played out in public for decades, the absence of a mugshot almost feels unusual.
Authorities later clarified further that the nature of the charges against Spears simply does not meet the standard for a public mugshot photo release:
“It is our practice to release booking photos for violent crimes or when an individual is an immediate threat to the public. The charges being brought against Brittany Spears does not warrant release in accordance with our policy.”
Honestly, that’s probably a good policy. There’s really no need to go sharing mugshots — and thus, potentially embarrassing — people after they commit non-violent crimes, and aren’t a danger to the public and all that. Whether the accused person is famous or not!
As we’ve reported, the 44-year-old pop icon was taken into custody last week after a DUI arrest by the California Highway Patrol. News of the incident surfaced the following day, sending fans and observers into a familiar mix of concern, curiosity, and debate about the singer’s wellbeing.
Shortly after the arrest, Britney also deactivated her Instagram account, removing one of the only windows the public had into her daily life. She is scheduled to appear in court again on May 4. Until then, the image many expected to circulate everywhere simply will not exist for the public.
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[Image via MEGA/WENN]
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