Britney Spears dumped by manager

LOS ANGELES - Britney Spearshas been dumped by her managers as the troubled pop princess struggles to rebuild her career after a heavily criticized public performance earlier this month.

Britney Spears, seen here in 2004, has been dumped by her managers. [AFP]

A statement from Spears's manager Jeff Kwatinetz said his company had severed its links with the singer, who has been the subject of frenzied tabloid attention following her concert at the MTV Video Music Awards.

"It saddens us to confirm media reports that we have terminated our professional relationship with Britney Spears," Kwatinetz said in a statement released late Monday.

"We believe Britney is enormously talented, and has made a terrific record, but current circumstances have prevented us from properly doing our job."

Kwatinetz was hired by Spears a month ago as the singer prepares to release her long-awaited new album in November.

After receiving a critical mauling following her performance in Las Vegaslast month, several tabloid reports have said Spears's handlers grew frustrated at the singer's wild lifestyle and refusal to meet with them.

Meanwhile, Spears's lawyer Laura Wasser confirmed after a closed doors court hearing on Monday that she was no longer representing the star.

Wasser insisted however that the decision should not be perceived "that we're dumping Britney."