Britney Spears is under investigation after she was accused by her longtime housekeeper of battery following an argument over the treatment of her dogs.

TMZ reports that the 39-year-old singer allegedly slapped a phone out of the staff member's hand during the disagreement - an incident that Spears' team deny.

The alleged incident is believed to have taken place on Monday, August 16, at Spears' home.

According to the outlet, the housekeeper told Ventura County Sheriff's deputies that she had taken one of the star's dogs to the vet as she believed there were issues with the way the animal was being treated.

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She added that when she returned, Spears made it known that she was displeased with the action taken by the staffer, which resulted in the singer knocking a phone out of the housekeeper's hand.

Following the disagreement, the housekeeper filed a report at the Sheriff's station after initially calling deputies to the house

The officers had attempted to contact Britney in order to hear her account of the alleged altercation, but she reportedly refused to speak with them.

Captain Eric Buschow of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department has since confirmed to PEOPLE, that Spears is being investigated for battery.

Confirming that there were no injuries in the alleged incident, Capt. Buschow added: "Ultimately that investigation will be forwarded to the attorney's office for review. It's a minor misdemeanor battery [investigation]."

The singer's lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, has since released a statement claiming that the accusation is merely "sensational tabloid fodder".

Rosengart said, per the Daily Mail: "This is sensational tabloid fodder. Nothing more than an overblown alleged misdemeanor involving a he-said-she-said regarding a cell phone, with no striking and obviously no injury whatsoever."

He added: "Anyone can make an accusation. This should have been closed immediately."

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Now it remains to be seen whether or not the authorities will decide to file a misdemeanor battery charge against Spears.

The new claims come as the 'Toxic' chart-topper pursues an end to the conservatorship, which has seen her father Jamie Spears control her finances and aspects of her professional and personal affairs.

Earlier this month, Jamie appeared to step down from his role as conservator, with his lawyer stating in documents reviewed by TMZ that the 69-year-old father "does not believe that a public battle with his daughter over his continuing service as her conservator would be in her best interests."

The lawyer said that Jamie will "work with the Court and his daughter's new attorney" to give up the position in favor of a new conservator.

Featured image credit: Jennifer Graylock / Alamy

Britney Spears under investigation for alleged battery