A DJ touring with Britney Spears has hit out at the Australian media for criticizing the star's lip-synced performances - branding local press reaction to the Circus tour "sad".

Spears has come under fire since she took her shows Down Under, with many media outlets slamming her decision to mime. She was subsequently forced to dismiss rumors of a mass walkout at her gig in Perth on Friday when the Australian press reported hordes of fans had left in disgust after realizing her vocals were not live.

DJ Havana Brown, who has been opening the shows for Spears in Europe and Australia, admits the furor has been hard on the star - and she's urging the press to leave Spears alone.

She says, "I think it's quite well known that she has lip-synced in the past. I don't think it's any surprise to anybody. There was nothing like that (media reaction) in Europe. I think everyone knew what they were in for, and I think everyone should know here as well. I'm not quite sure what the fuss is about. It's sad. I want everyone to make their own opinion, rather than be persuaded by what's been in the media."

Spears released her own statement this week addressing the drama, insisting she is putting the show on for her fans - not the critics.

She said, "I hear there is a lot of controversy in the media about my show. Some reporters have said they love it and some don't. I came to Australia for my fans!"

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)