Britney Spears’ former bodyguard and “mystery witness” in her child custody case Tony Barretto has apparently sold his story to News of the World, telling about how the singer nearly overdosed on a date with her rehab pal Howie Day, was constantly flashing the staff, made outlandish diva demands of those she’s employed by, and babbled in strange languages around her sons Sean Preston and Jayden James. “I gave evidence to the court because Britney is out of control and needs help,” Barretto explained. “I have done this for her children. She’s not a good mother. She has mental problems. With her drug and booze issues, her home is no place for kids to be raised.”

The entire story at newsoftheworld.co.uk has since been removed.

Star magazine reports friends of Britney Spears, as well as her ex-hubby Kevin Federline, aren’t happy with her latest boyfriend choice. A source says K-Fed said “you have to head to the dump to find trash” in reference to Britney meeting Day in rehab. A friend added, “I was with her when one of her most trusted girlfriends told her, ‘You cannot let this guy into your life - after he gets a little publicity he will be gone.’ But when people say stuff like that, it’s music to Britney’s ears. She likes the drama.”

The mystery man who was photographed playing tennis briefly with Britney Spears during her stint at Promises in Malibu has been identified as singer Howie Day. The New York Post heard from Day’s publicist, who revealed he is being treated at the facility. “He is promising to finish his next album when he emerges,” said the flack.