Britney Spears' former manager weeps in court while recollecting alleged abuse by star's father

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Pop singer Britney Spears

Britney Spears' ex-manager described from the witness stand Wednesday a scene of domestic warfare, saying the superstar's father chased him around a kitchen, punched him and threatened his life.

Sam Lutfi, who is suing Spears' parents for defamation, testified while they watched from across the courtroom.

He denied accusations made in a book by Lynne Spears that he was a Svengali who became the gatekeeper of her daughter's world, locking her parents out of her life.

He contends he was a benevolent caretaker who protected Britney during her highly publicized meltdown.

Lutfi's direct testimony concluded in dramatic fashion as he was overcome by tears while describing the aftermath of the publication of the book.

"After the book came out, there was a huge spike of death threats that were pretty bad," he testified. "People I know were shunning me. Websites were created to kill me. People wished I was dead. People wished my family ... "

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