Britney Asks Photog, 'What Day Is It?'

The media circus surrounding Britney Spears continued last night as the troubled pop star appeared to court photographers outside a Malibu restaurant.

After finishing dinner at Mexican hot spot Casa Escobar, she marched up to a group of waiting paparazzi.

“What date is today?” she demanded, to which a photog responded, “Thursday.”

But that wasn't good enough for Britney. She screamed, “October what?” before marching back to her car with a pack of cigarettes in her hand. Reports say the troubled star then appeared to sob uncontrollably.

Britney also reportedly led the paparazzi on a wild goose chase around Los Angeles this week.

She's checked into yet another hotel, making this her third hotel stop this week alone. She's now reportedly staying at Santa Monica's Viceroy Hotel.

Today, Britney's close friend and collaborator J.R. Rotem is speaking out in Britney's defense.

He told “Extra” that Britney's troubles are unimaginable to the average person.

“I can't imagine what it would be like to have that level of paparazzi attention on you literally 24-7,” he said. "I mean a lot of people say that's the price of fame, but she gets it to a degree that's much crazier than anyone else.”

He continued, "She's really an incredible artist. Considering she's arguably the biggest pop star in the world, I found her to be incredibly humble and when she gets in the booth she's able to really turn it on.”

J.R. revealed he collaborated with Britney on seven songs on her new album, except for “Gimme More.”

“I think at the end of the day it's a great song,” he insisted.

“Regardless of all the stuff happening in her personal life, she still has a very, very solid fan base and I think people are rooting for her," he said.

Ultimately, J.R. believes Britney will pull through.