Fans are curious to know why Sweet Magnolias was being boycotted by fans amid the Jamie Lynn Spears controversy. She was a supporting character, Noreen Fitzgibbons, introduced in the first episode titled “Pour it Out.” She ruined Maddie and Bill’s relationship, which resulted in their divorce. Although it seemed that her character arc was completed in the first season, many are curious about her promotion to series regular in the subsequent installment.
Why did Sweet Magnolias fans want Jamie Lynn Spears’ Noreen gone?
Jamie Lynn Spears was criticized for not supporting her sister, Britney Spears, in her conservatorship battle, due to which fans wanted her to leave the show. Many were reportedly not happy with her character being brought back as a series regular in Season 2, which led to many deciding to boycott the show (via HELLO!).
Further, the Framing Britney Spears documentary, released in 2021, also gave fans a closer look at Britney’s conservatorship battle. It explores the #FreeBritney movement and her relationship with Jamie Lynn.
Jamie Lynn was often criticized for her silence over Britney’s legal struggles. However, after her conservatorship hearing, she spoke up about being quiet on the issue. She said in a series of Instagram Stories, “The only reason I haven’t before is because I felt like until my sister was able to speak for herself and say what she felt she needed to say publicly, that it wasn’t my place and it wasn’t the right thing to do” (via Deadline).
Later, Britney Spears took to Instagram to share several posts expressing her disappointment with her family’s treatment of her. “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!!!!” (via Variety). She also called out her sister on the social media platform in another post, writing, “I don’t like that my sister showed up at an awards show and performed MY SONGS to remixes !!!!!” (via Billboard).
The sisters’ strained relationship led to fans of Sweet Magnolias demanding that the character of Noreen Fitzgibbons be eliminated from Season 2. Many expressed their opinions on social media, refusing to watch the show if their demands for the character being recast aren’t met. Despite the massive backlash involving Jamie back then, she continued to remain part of the show.