Britney Spears sparked headlines after admitting she lit a cigarette during a flight on May 22. The pop star shared her side of the story in a candid Instagram post the next day, explaining that she thought it was a plane where smoking was allowed.

According to Spears, a friend lit the cigarette for her, and she assumed it was permitted due to the unique layout of the aircraft. She also revealed it was her first time drinking vodka, claiming it made her feel clear-minded and confident.

Flight attendants quickly asked her to extinguish the cigarette, and authorities were later contacted. Spears felt this response was unnecessary and “kinda much,” especially since she complied and put the cigarette out.

She also alleged that one flight attendant treated her strangely and invaded her personal space by fastening her seatbelt in an uncomfortable way.

The incident occurred during a charter flight from Cabo San Lucas to Los Angeles.

Upon landing, Spears was met by officials and issued an official warning for violating federal regulations. Despite the backlash, she said she initially believed the authorities were there to support her and even felt “special.”

A source claimed this wasn’t Britney’s first warning about breaking rules, suggesting a pattern of behavior.

Spears, who was under a conservatorship for 13 years until 2021, has been open about her personal struggles and recently released a memoir titled *The Woman in Me*. She ended her post with an apology to anyone offended, but stood by her view that the reaction was excessive.