Britney Spears' Ex-Manager Breaks Down in Court

By ABC News October 24, 2012

Sam Lutfi, left, and Britney Spears. Credit: Toby Canham/Getty Images.

Sam Lutfi, the man who claims to have been Britney Spears' manager in 2007 and 2008, broke down in a Los Angeles courtroom today talking about the death threats he received after Spears' mom published a book that called him a "gatekeeper" who preyed on the pop star's insecurities.

"After the book came out, there was a huge spike in death threats," he said. He described Britney's fans assaulting him in public, and seeing numerous negative posts about him online. "There were people wishing that I was dead," Lutfi told jurors, through tears. "People wishing to harm my family".

Lutfi said the threats and negative reaction made him "depressed, anxious, and suicidal."

He also described a scene of domestic warfare with the singer's father chasing him around a kitchen, punching him and threatening his life. This text message allegedly sent by Jamie Spears to Lutfi was read in court: "If and when I meet you I am going to jail and you are going to the hospital."

Lutfi is suing Spears' parents, Lynne and Jamie Spears, for defamation, libel, and breach of contract, among other claims. The suit stems from how Lynne Spears depicted Lutfi in her 2008 book about Britney's breakdown. She wrote that Lutfi secretly drugged her daughter and refused to let her speak freely to family and friends.

Lutfi also claims he was Spears' personal manager during 2007-2008 and deserves millions as his share of her income during that period.

ABC News affiliate KABC and the Associated Press contributed to this report.