Cowell not convinced by Britney 'breakdown'

Simon Cowell has cast doubt on claims that Britney Spears has suffered a mental breakdown.

The music mogul recently expressed his concerns about the singer's welfare, advising her to get help from her mother.

However, Cowell has now adopted a sceptical attitude towards Britney's antics, accusing her of manipulating the media with constant "stunts".

"Everyone thinks it's breakdown this and breakdown that. From the kind of stunts she's pulling now, I think she is the puppet master and completely in control," Cowell told PageSix.com.

"I really felt for her at one point, I thought she was heading for a meltdown and everything was out of control, but, especially over the past week, I thought she was honestly in control and, more to the point, wants to be in control.

"If you don't want to get any press attention, just keep your head down, don't drive yourself anywhere and sit in the back of blacked-out limousine. But if she thinks she knows what she is doing, then good luck to her."