Cousin: 'Britney not ready for comeback'

Britney Spears is not ready to make a comeback, according to her cousin and ousted assistant Alli Sims.

Sims, who was replaced as Spears's assistant in February, told In Touch that she was used as a "scapegoat" following the popstar's public breakdown.

"This isn't any old job. How can they say Britney is sick and then shove her out on the road, with all that pressure?"

Her warning comes just days after Britney released her new album Circus to coincide with her 27th birthday. Sims said she fears that Spears is being exploited, adding that her name has been marred through association with the star.

"I have been accused of so many things I didn't do. My reputation has been dragged through the mud," she added.