Poor Britney

NEW YORK (AP) -- Still smarting from the shot seen 'round the world, Britney Spears says she rarely takes her baby son, Sean Preston, outside because she fears pushy paparazzi.

"I don't really go out with him," Spears told People magazine. "And it's kind of sad because I can't walk down the street with a stroller. I'm not expecting people to pity me. I'm just telling the truth."

"I've pulled over and asked the cops, 'Could you please help me? They've been driving recklessly back there.' And they say, 'Sorry ma'am, I can't help you. This is how it is.' I mean, Princess Diana got killed by one of these people. They're crossing the line."

Last week, photos were published of Spears driving with her 4-month-old son sitting in her lap rather than strapped to a car seat in the back seat. She blamed aggressive behavior by the paparazzi, but conceded later it was a "mistake." (Read story.)

"I sound bitter," she told People in its February 27 issue. "I'm not bitter. I'm doing great. I really am. I'm happy."

Still, the 24-year-old pop princess said she craves the spotlight and is eager to get back onstage after a year-and-a-half marriage-and-maternity leave.

"This may sound weird, but I miss traveling," she said. "I miss the road, seeing different places and being with the dancers and having fun. That feeling of being on the stage, knowing it's your best -- I love that. I needed a break. I needed to be hungry again."

cnn