Wednesday, 23 January 2008

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Britney's pap pal: Our relationship is 'far from over'

Paparazzo sets record straight

The same day that is wife filed for separation, photogapher Adnan Ghalib took to the airways Tuesday to discuss his relationship with Britney Spears.

Despite reports of a split – and seemingly false claims that Spears had taken out a restraining order against him – Ghalib told Entertainment Tonight and The Insider that the relationship is "far from over." (Indeed, the two were spotted together that night.)

He also insisted that he wasn't paid for the two-part interview and that he didn't get involved with Spears as a way to sell pictures. "No, never," he said. "In time I think people will understand that."

Asked if he wants to marry Spears, the paparazzo, 35, responded, "I'd be lying if I said no."

Ghalib – who said their relationship "turned romantic" before Christmas – also took the opportunity to weigh in on the series of scandals that have plagued the pop star, 26, in recent weeks.

On her hospitalization following a Jan. 3 standoff with police: "She didn't understand why she was taken to the hospital," he said. "She didn't feel the need to be there." As for the photographs of Spears laughing as she was wheeled out on a gurney, "I think she was just afraid of what was going to happen. It doesn't mean you are crazy."

On Spears being photographed buying a pregnancy test: "She has a very maternal instinct," Ghalib said of their recent Rite Aid run. (Photos of the trip were sold by his own photo agency, FinalPixx.) "She was feeling a lot of things she said she felt when she was pregnant. I think she was hoping she was pregnant with my child."

On losing visitation rights with her kids Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1: "Her primary focus is on re-establishing a relationship with [them]," he said. "She doesn't talk about a strategy to get them back. That's something that's very private to her. She loves those kids – it pains her a lot "

On Britney's mental state: "She is not crazy at all," he said, despite reports claiming that she is bipolar and has suffered from postpartum depression. (Some have even suggested she may have multiple personalities.) He also dismissed talk that Spears wrote a suicide note before her January meltdown. "She never has suicidal tendencies," he said. "You've got to understand the love she has for her kids outweighs anything else."

By Kate Stroup