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The pop star's former manager, 34, who was slapped with a three-year restraining order Tuesday after a judge ruled he was a threat to her, has notified a Los Angeles court of his intention to appeal.
His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, argues that Lutfi was only responding to the singer's "cries for help" to buck her father's legal control. "Sam's only crime was trying to help out a friend," says Freedman, who has argued there is no evidence that Spears suffered substantial emotional abuse.
The restraining order was requested by Jamie Spears, who has indefinite legal control over his daughter after her two forced hospitalizations in early 2008.
Should the restraining order against Sam Lutfi remain in place? Share your comments here
JOSH & FERGIE: ROCKED BY SCANDAL
Did he cheat with a stripper?
Married less than a year, the couple denies an Atlanta woman’s claims that she and Josh had a fling
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