Bodyguard Says He Worried About Spears' Kids

Sept. 18, 2007 — -- Britney Spears is facing another blow to her image as a former bodyguard said he's ready to testify against the singer about drug abuse and nudity in her custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

"Today we came to court with a key and secret witness in the Britney Spears-Kevin Federline custody battle," lawyer Gloria Allred said to a California courtroom Monday. The couple have two children.

Tony Barretto, the former bodyguard, said he worked for Spears after her stint in rehab earlier this year.

"During that time, he became very concerned about the children and their safety," said Allred, who is representing Barretto.

Allred said Barretto, 28, wrote in a statement that he is prepared to testify about "issues of nudity by Ms. Spears, drug use and safety issues involving the children."

Spears currently shares custody of the two boys, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, with Federline. He is seeking primary custody, telling a judge he fears for the boys' welfare.

Barretto's specific allegations against Spears have not been made public and Allred acknowledged Spears fired the bodyguard four months ago.

Laura Wasser, an attorney who represented Spears until Monday, said Barretto was a disgruntled employee.

Divorce lawyer Raoul Felder said that might undermine his claims.

"I think there are real questions that may erode his credibility," Felder said.

But the falling pop star is facing her own credibility problems after a disastrous performance at MTV's Video Music Awards last week and allegations of bizarre behavior for several months.

Wasser quit as Spears' attorney Monday; Spears will now be represented by Melvin Goldsman and Marci Levine, according to The Associated Press.

In another development Monday, Spears was dropped by her management company, the Firm, just a month after she hired it for the run-up to the release of her new album Nov. 13.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.