A new documentary has exposed the shocking sexual scrutiny a young Britney Spears faced during her rise to superstardom.
Fans are reeling after reliving some of Spears interviews from the peak of her fame in the 1990s, which even saw one interviewer ask about her virginity while she was dating Justin Timberlake.
The Framing Britney Spears documentary sees The New York Times delve into her career, mental health struggles and her near-impossible legal battle to end her dad Jamies 12-year conservatorship so she can regain control of her life decisions.
But its the sexualision of a young rising star that had many viewers furious as the treatment of the now 39-year-old.
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Britney Spears poses for fans last year. Credit: Instagram/Instagram
Aged just 10 years old, Spears had her first taste of misogyny after performing on Star Search. At the time, presenter Ed McMahon, then aged 69, asked if she has a boyfriend.
When Spears replied no, he responded with how about me, Im not mean?
A clip from Spears 2001 interview with Nines A Current Affairs Mike Munro resurfaced during the documentary which saw the broadcaster accuse the singer of being a sexual contradiction.
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Britney Spears, pictured in 2000. Credit: PAUL CHIASSON/AP
On the one hand youre a sweet, innocent virginal type. On the other hand youre a sexy vamp in underwear, Munro said, leaving Spears stunned.
I wouldnt say in underwear. On the cover of Rolling Stone, that was the only time. But not when I perform, no, she responded.
Her former flame Timberlake has also come under fire after a radio interview in 2002 in which he revealed Spears was no longer a virgin.
He was asked if he had f….. her to which he replied: Okay, yeah I did it.
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Britney and Justin Timberlake, pictured in 2001. Credit: MARK J. TERRILL/AP
Many fans are calling for an apology from journalist Diane Sawyer who played Spears a recording of a statement made a by a US politicians wife made at the time saying if she had the opportunity to shoot her she thinks she would.
Sawyer justified the statement by telling Spears: It’s because of the example for kids and how hard it is to be a parent.
The pop-princess has quickly garnered worldwide support around through the fan-created movement #FreeBritney including stars like Khloe Kardashian, Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler, who have since publicly tweeted out their support with the hashtag.
Kardashian added she was praying for Britney, while Miley Cyrus gave a shout-out to the star on stage during her pre-Super Bowl performance yesterday.

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