Framing Britney Spears Viewers Horrified By 'Sick' 2003 Diane Sawyer Interview

The Framing Britney Spears documentary has sent shockwaves around social media since it finally aired in the US this week.

The one-off special, which explores the controversial conservatorship pop sensation Britney has been tied to since 2008, also explored the 39-year-old's treatment in the media - with many now lambasting the sexist culture she was forced to endure in the early aughts.

Take this 2003 interview with Diane Sawyer, which saw Britney break down on air:

While many male interviewers regularly questioned Britney on her virginity, her relationships and even whether her breasts were real, it was Diane Sawyer's now infamous 2003 interview with Britney for Primetime that has left viewers reeling.

Framing Britney Spears - which has yet to announce a UK air date - replayed a clip from the interview, which saw Diane, now 75, show Britney an excerpt from the wife of the governor of Maryland, Kendall Ehrlich.

ABC)

"Really, if I had an opportunity to shoot Britney Spears, I think I would," Kendall was recorded saying at the time - which left Britney visibly upset.

Britney also found herself breaking down in tears when Diane seemingly accused her of setting a bad and oversexualised example for young children, as well as put the blame solely on her shoulders for her well-publicised break-up with Justin Timberlake.

Fans were left reeling, with many flocking to Twitter to slam the vicious interview.

"Every Britney interviewer from the old clips in Framing Britney Spears who is still alive owes Britney a public apology," said one viewer. "You can go first, Diane Sawyer."

"Still sickened by Diane Sawyer's bull*** interview that made Britney cry," a second said.

ABC)

"The paparazzi, misogyny, the media, and sl*t shaming all broke Britney Spears. Everyone involved, from Diane Sawyer, to Justin Timberlake, to late night hosts should feel ashamed of themselves," a third added.

"So the governor of Maryland's wife said 'if I had an opportunity to shoot Britney, I think I would' and they actually allowed that to be aired and was played to Britney, justified it by saying it's because she's too sexual for their kids? Are they sick?" a fourth wondered.

Twitter)

"I think we collectively need to ask @DianeSawyer why was she so mean to @britneyspears in that interview. It's so hard to watch," another wrote.

Framing Britney Spears has now seen a number of celebrities speak out for their support for Britney, with Sarah Jessica Parker and Miley Cyrus among the famous faces now urging for Britney to be released from her conservatorship.

While Britney herself is yet to comment on the contents of the documentary, her boyfriend of five years, Sam Asghari, has thanked fans for their support.

Twitter)

"I have always wanted nothing but the best for my better half, and will continue to support her following her dreams and creating the future she wants and deserves," he told People.

"I am thankful for all of the love and support she is receiving from her fans all over the world, and I am looking forward to a normal, amazing future together."

Topics: Music, Celebrity News, TV & Film, Britney Spears

Kimberley Bond

Kim is a journalist at Tyla, and has previously worked at the Evening Standard, Radio Times as well as several national newspapers. A showbiz obsessive and a television fanatic, Kim is particularly interested in celebrity gossip, A-list events and the latest releases on either the big or small screen. Contact her at [email protected]

@0xKimberley