Madonna still a Britney Spears fan

Los Angeles -- U.S. pop singer Madonna said in a radio interview that she is still a supporter of Britney Spears, despite Spears's well-publicized troubles.

"They need to step off," Madonna said of the media, during an interview with the "Yo on E!" satellite radio show. "For real... Let's go save her."

Madonna said her 11-year-old daughter, Lourdes, who met Spears "back in the day," is also a big fan and is rooting for Spears.

"She knows Britney, but doesn't catch all that gossip stuff. So I think she sorta gets the drift of what's going on, and I think she's kind of protective of Britney," the elder pop star said.

Madonna and Spears infamously locked lips on a televised awards show several years ago.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.