Britney Spears
Britney Spears Britney Spears/Instagram

Britney Spears is facing renewed scrutiny after disturbing allegations surfaced claiming she once stood in her sons' bedroom doorway watching them sleep while holding a knife.

The claims, made by her ex-husband Kevin Federline, have reignited public concern over the pop icon's mental health and raised new questions about her life following the end of her 13-year conservatorship.

The allegations appear in excerpts from Federline's upcoming memoir, You Thought You Knew, set for release on 21 October 2025.

The Knife Allegation: What Kevin Federline Claims

In leaked excerpts reported by Entertainment Weekly, Federline recalls what he describes as a 'terrifying' incident involving the couple's two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James.

He alleges that Spears stood silently in the doorway of their bedroom while holding a knife — an act he says reflected her emotional instability at the time.

Federline reportedly writes that he has long feared for Spears' wellbeing, warning that 'something bad is going to happen' if she does not seek help.

He frames the memoir as his opportunity to share 'the truth' about their relationship and to explain how their family dynamic deteriorated after the conservatorship ended in 2021.

So far, no official records or witnesses have corroborated the account. Critics note that the claims remain unverified and based solely on Federline's recollection.

Britney Spears' Response and Denial

A representative for Britney Spears told People that Federline and others are 'profiting off her' following the end of his child-support payments, adding that 'all she cares about are her kids' amid ongoing sensationalism.

Her team described the memoir's timing as opportunistic, accusing Federline of exploiting public curiosity about her mental health.

Spears herself has not directly addressed the allegations but recently shared a cryptic Instagram post, which fans believe subtly referenced the controversy.

A Memoir Shrouded in Controversy

Federline's book is being marketed as a raw and unfiltered account of his years with Spears and his experiences as a single father. The publisher describes You Thought You Knew as a story of 'truth, regret, and redemption'.

However, entertainment analysts say the leaked excerpts have already overshadowed the memoir's intended themes, drawing focus to the disturbing claims involving Spears instead.

Federline also revisits his perspective on the #FreeBritney movement, claiming it unintentionally harmed her recovery. According to him, while fans believed they were liberating Spears, the termination of her conservatorship left her without 'a safety net'.

Britney's Mental Health Back in the Spotlight

The explosive allegations have once again thrust Britney Spears' mental health into public debate. Since the conservatorship's end, her social-media posts and erratic public appearances have continued to spark speculation about her wellbeing.

In her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me, Spears detailed years of emotional trauma and the strict control imposed on her personal and professional life. She said she was 'finally free' and focused on rebuilding her independence.

Federline's new claims, however, have reopened public concern over her stability, prompting widespread discussion among fans, critics, and mental-health advocates.

The renewed attention underscores the enduring tension between public fascination with Spears' private struggles and her fundamental right to privacy — a balance the singer continues to navigate nearly two decades after her first public breakdown.