Britney Spears Trial: Sam Lutfi Says He Was Beaten, "Depressed And Suicidal"
Sam Lutfi, a former friend of Britney Spears', testified in court on Wednesday that he was assaulted by the singer's father Jamie, was wrongfully accused of drug involvement by Lynne Spears, and that "The X Factor" judge owed him hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid fees - among other claims mentioned in the lawsuit that he filed.
Lutfi stated that on Jan. 28, 2008, less than a month after Britney's forced hospitalization and reported mental breakdown, Jamie Spears, "barged into the house, lunged at me with fists balled, and chased me around the kitchen island," according to People. The publication added that the fight was over "who was [Britney's] true protector."
"He was spitting, shouting and angry, saying I'd better leave Britney alone or he'd beat the hell out of me," Lutfi added. Lutfi then went on to say that the following morning, Jamie returned to further abuse him.
"He came in, started yelling at me, accusing me that I was abusing his wife [Lynne], cornered me in the kitchen, punched me in the [chest] and threatened to kill me," Lutfi said.
Also mentioned in his Wednesday testimony was Britney's mother Lynne. According to Lutfi, Lynne's 2008 memoir said he drugged Britney, which spiraled into death threats from many of the singer's fans. He said the threats on his life left his "depressed, anxious and suicidal."
"There were threats to kill me, people wishing I was dead. People wishing harm to my family," Lutfi said.
Lynne's book is titled "Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World." In one chapter, the writer accused Lutfi of trying to manipulate Britney, according to E! News. One passage in specific brought up in court was Lynne's accusation that Lutfi would crush pills and add them to Britney's food without her knowledge.
However, when Lutfi's attorney asked him in court if he every stole Britney's money, if he ever sexually exploited her or if her ever took any of her property, Lutfi replied "No,sir" to them all, the news report added.
People magazine noted that in court, Britney's attorney, Joel Boxer, mentioned "inconsistencies in Lutfi's statements" about the time that he was Britney's manager.
The singer has not publically addressed the lawsuit involving her and her family, however, both Jamie and Lynne are expected to testify in court in the next few days, according to the publication.
