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Britney Spears' former manager's drugs claims

Oct 19, 2012, 3:28 GMT

Britney Spears

Sam Lufti claimed he tried to save Britney Spears from drugs.

The 'X Factor' judge's former manager kicked off his court battle -where he is suing her parents Jamie and Lynne Spears for libel - in Los Angeles on Thursday (18.10.12) by claiming Britney's use of the drug speed was what caused her psychiatric episode in 2008 which led to her father gaining conservatorship of her estate.

His lawyer Joseph Schleimer alleged in his opening statement: 'My client was made a scapegoat for the drug abuse and erratic behavior of Britney Spears. She liked to use amphetamines--speed or uppers. She liked to take that drug. And most of the things that went wrong were related to that drug.

'My client has never been paid for serving as her manager. He was made famous as the guy who drugged Britney Spears and put her in the hospital. The evidence will show the defendants ruined my client's reputation.'

However, the presiding judge warned Mr. Schleimer he better be able to back up all of his claims.

He said: 'Everything you say, you have to be able to back it up. You can't waste time on statements just thrown in the air. Everything has to have evidence......I'm trying to make a point and I hope you get it. '