Amanda Bynes.Photo: Amanda Bynes/Twitter
Amanda Bynes is breaking her silence after a judge ruled on Tuesday toterminate her nearly nine-year-long conservatorship.
In a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE viaher lawyer David A. Esquibias, the former actress-turned-fashion student expressed her gratitude while sharing insight into her future plans.
“In the last several years, I have been working hard to improve my health so that I can live and work independently, and I will continue to prioritize my well-being in this next chapter. I am excited about my upcoming endeavors —including my fragrance line— and look forward to sharing more when I can,” she concludes.
During the brief hearing, Judge Roger L. Lund congratulated “Ms. Bynes” — who was not present in court — and wished her “good luck.”
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“The conservatorship is no longer needed or required,” said the judge. “She has done everything the court has asked.”
Bynes' mother, Lynn, was granted temporary conservatorship over the star back in August 2013 following a series of concerning behavior. (Lynn gained full conservatorshipof her daughter in October 2014.)
Over the last several years, Bynes has been living out of the spotlight as she finishes her degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She previously earned her associate’s degree in 2019 andcelebrated the milestoneon social media.
Sincefiling to end her conservatorshipin February, Bynes has been taking steps towards independence, most recently locating an L.A. rental to move into with her fiancé Paul Michael. (The couple — who met in late 2019 —announced their engagementon Valentine’s Day 2020.)
“She believes her condition is improved and protection of the court is no longer necessary,” Esquibias told PEOPLE last month of Bynes, who has been largelyresiding in a sober living community.
A week later,Bynes returned to Instagramin a since-deleted post, addressing Tuesday’s conservatorship hearing.
“What’s up Instagram. Amanda Bynes here. My court date is coming up in two weeks,” she said. “I want to thank you all for your love and support. Peace out.”
source: people.com
