Spears fires publicist

Showbiz

13:30 02 October 2006

Britney Spears has fired her publicist, it has been reported.

The 'Toxic' singer is said to have sacked her long-time press aide Leslie Sloane-Zelnick and taken charge of her own publicity.

The 24-year-old singer first put Leslie's services on hold at the beginning on September, when Britney personally decided to handle the publicity for her second son Sutton Pierce.

According to entertainment website Radar Online, the pop star has successfully managed to negotiate a lucrative deal for the exclusive rights of Sutton Pierce's first photos.

She reportedly turned down a $2 million offer by OK! magazine and decided to go with People magazine instead for an undisclosed sum.

Britney has been previously criticised for managing her own publicity.

In June the heavily pregnant singer - who is married to fledgling rapper Kevin Federline - appeared for an interview with Today Show host Matt Lauer, wearing a revealing top and chewing gum throughout the appearance.

(C) BANG Media International