Melissa Joan Hart Reveals Guilt Over Introducing Britney Spears to Nightlife

Britney Spears’ penchant for dancing and partying might be traced back to an unexpected source. According to TMZ, actress Melissa Joan Hart recently revealed that she took a then 17-year-old Britney to her first nightclub, a decision she now feels guilty about.

The connection between Spears and Hart dates back to 1999 when Britney guest-starred on Hart’s ABC show, and Hart appeared in Spears’ “(You Drive Me) Crazy” music video. Despite their six-year age difference, Hart describes their relationship as being close, almost like siblings.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hart explained that she invited Britney to a nightclub after observing how the young star was constantly surrounded by people and unable to enjoy herself freely. “She was underage and young, but I was just like, ‘Let’s go out. We’re just gonna go out and have some fun,'” Hart stated.

Britney’s nightlife escapades became legendary in the early 2000s, often seen partying with Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. This intense partying and public scrutiny eventually contributed to Britney’s personal struggles.

Hart now reflects on that night with regret. “I feel really guilty about that still to this day because I should have known better, being a big sister,” she confessed. While Britney continued to achieve professional success, her personal life spiraled, leading to a highly publicized conservatorship under her father, Jamie Spears, which lasted 13 years before ending in 2021 due in part to the Free Britney movement.