The Toxic star is currently battling to end her long-running conservatorship, having likened her father Jamie's treatment of her to "abuse", and took to Instagram on Friday to express her frustration when people who have voiced their public support of her have been less than supportive in private.

Alongside an image of a quote, which read, "Never forget who ignored you when you needed them and who helped you before you even had to ask,” Britney wrote: "There’s nothing worse than when the people closest to you who never showed up for you post things in regard to your situation whatever it may be and speak righteously for support … there’s nothing worse than that !!!!

“How dare the people you love the most say anything at all … did they even put a hand out to even lift me up at the TIME !!!??? How dare you make it public that NOW you CARE … did you put your hand out when I was drowning ???? Again … NO …"

Making the decision not to call anyone out by name, Britney continued her post to urge the people she aimed the message at to take heed of her words.

“So if you’re reading this and you know who you are … and you actually have the nerve to say anything about my situation just to save face for yourself publicly !!! If you’re gonna post something …. Please stop with the righteous approach when you’re so far from righteous it’s not even funny …. and have a good day !!!!!" the 39-year-old wrote.

Concluding her post, Britney added: "PS if you’re reading this today and you can relate …. I’m sorry because I know what it’s like … and I send you my love!!!"

While Britney didn't name those she had aimed the post at, her mum Lynne and sister Jamie Lynn Spears are among those who have spoken out publicly about the singer's legal woes in recent weeks.