Britney Spears changes her name

After decades in the global spotlight and a rollercoaster of personal and public turmoil, Britney Spears has reportedly left the United States and now calls Mexico home. At least on social media, the legendary “Princess of Pop” is no longer going by the name Britney Spears. Spears changed her name to Xila Maria River Red.

Fans across the world were stunned by the double announcement. But for those who’ve followed her turbulent journey, it’s not just a surprise. After years of intense media scrutiny, legal battles, and deeply personal struggles, Spears is trading in tabloid headlines for tranquility and a brand-new identity.

From Britney to Xila: Why the Name Change?

Britney Spears, one of the best-selling artists in music history, has deliberately chosen to reinvent herself geographically, spiritually, emotionally, and legally. On Friday, June 6, 2025, Spears announced she would no longer go by her birth name. From now on, she is Xila Maria River Red. The name change stunned her fanbase, but Britney clarified that this was about liberation, not an explanation. According to the Association of Academies of the Spanish Language, “Xila” means “flower of the quilinchuche” in Nahuatl, but per other outlets, her new name could be derived from “Xilatl,” which means fire or heat.

She didn’t give a detailed reason behind the new moniker. After a lifetime of being analyzed, dissected, and misrepresented, her focus is inward. Like she did at the beginning of her career, she’s reclaiming the right to define herself on her terms.

Spears has long had a soft spot for Mexico. Since 2023, she’d made multiple visits, often sharing snapshots of beaches, sunshine, and moments of peace far from the chaos of L.A. glitz and paparazzi frenzy. Over time, those vacations turned into something more profound.

© Evan Agostini

In a heartfelt message to fans, she said: “It really hurts me that the paparazzi make my face look like I’m wearing a white Jason mask from Friday the 13th… It doesn’t even look like me. They have always been incredibly cruel to me, and the way they have always portrayed me. I know I’m not perfect in any way, but some of their behavior is extremely cruel, and that’s why I moved to Mexico.” For Spears, Mexico represents something America hasn’t offered her in decades, which is peace of mind. 

There is no confirmed news yet on whether she will return to music or if she plans to stay under the radar. 

Ben Affleck relates to Britney Spears

Ben Affleck has spent the majority of his adult life in the spotlight, with his personal life, including his relationship struggles and family life, making headlines. The actor reflected on the compassion he feels towards other celebrities, including Britney Spears. During an appearance on the This Past Weekend with Theo Von podcast, the actor opened up about his empathy for the singer.

© Backgrid/The Grosby Group

“A long time ago, years and years ago, I really had a lot of empathy for Britney Spears because I remember it seemed like — I mean, [she’s] not someone I knew or hung out with — but just like everybody else, you see all this s— that comes through,” he said during the conversation. While the two were not friends, Affleck related to the harassment that came with being a public figure: “But having had my own experiences myself, I knew these are people who are following her around at a time where she may or may not have been having difficulty.”