Britney Spears' meltdown revisited in Sam Lutfi libel trial

Britney Spears' very public meltdown five years ago -- beginning with her bizarre head-shaving and culminating with a judge placing her under the conservatorship of her father -- is about to be dredged up again.

Just as Spears is enjoying a career resurgence and accolades for her new role as judge on "The X Factor," testimony is expected to begin next week in the libel case brought by the pop star's former manager and confidante, Sam Lutfi.

Lutfi sued in February 2009 after her parents, Jamie and Lynne Spears, claimed he drugged and deliberately isolated their daughter. His libel and defamation suit specifically cites three chapters of Lynne Spears' 2008 book, "Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World," which he claims subjected him to "unfathomable amounts of ridicule and public scorn."

Lutfi is also suing for a portion of Spears' profits from her 2007 album "Blackout" and other earnings during the time he served as her manager.

The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.