Spears: 'I don't need help'

HOLLYWOOD - Troubled pop star Britney Spears reportedly blames her manager for "pushing" her into rehab, which she claims has stalled her career comeback.

The 25-year-old singer ended up in a California clinic after a number of headline-grabbing antics, including shaving off her blonde locks and arriving at Hollywood parties without underwear.

But the star is blaming the bizarre series of events on manager Larry Rudolph and is reportedly "miffed" at him for forcing her to seek professional help, according to The Scoop.

A source says, "There is tension. He's been trying to get her to get help, and she doesn't feel she needs it.

"She only wants people around her whom she trusts as she works towards her comeback."

The "Toxic" singer has already started working on her new album with hitmakers Pharrell Williams and Ne-Yo.

Spears left Promises Rehab Center in Malibu last month after a month-long stay for unspecified problems.