Britney Spears allegedly slapped by Wembanyama’s Security after she asked for a Photo with the player
Britney Spears has reportedly filed a police report for battery, pending investigation, after NBA player, Victor Wembanyama’s Security backhanded her in the face after she tapped the player on the shoulder for a photo.
Britney Spears says she was “not prepared for what happened” on Wednesday night after she approached San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama while at a restaurant to “congratulate him on his success.”
Speaking to a number of press members including ESPN NBA reporter Cassidy Hubbarth, Wembanyama on the other described his experience, stating that Spears had “grabbed him from behind — not on my shoulder” and as far as he knew, security pushed the individual away. He was unclear on “how much force” was used.
He also shared he did not know it was Spears who had been reaching out to him as he “kept walking” as they were in a busy hallway and “there was a lot of people” including those who were calling him, but he had spoken with his security team about not stopping for anyone to avoid a security risk.
Hours after the story made headlines, Britney Spears took to social media to tell her side of the story in order to urge “people in the public eye to set an example and treat all people with respect.”
“Traumatic experiences are not new to me and I have had my fair share of them. I was not prepared for what happened to me last night. I recognized an athlete in my hotel lobby as I was heading to dinner. I later went to a restaurant at a different hotel and saw him again. I decided to approach him and congratulate him on his success. It was really loud, so I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. I am aware of the players statement where he mentions ‘I grabbed him from behind’ but I simply tapped him on the shoulder. His security then backhanded me in the face without looking back, in front of a crowd. Nearly knocking me down and causing my glasses off my face.
“I get swarmed by people all the time. In fact that night, I was swarmed by a group of at least 20 fans. My security team didn’t hit any of them.
“This story is super embarrassing to share with the world but it’s out there already. However, I think it’s important to share this story and to urge people in the public eye to set an example and treat all people with respect.
“Physical violence is happening too much in this world. Often behind close doors. I stand with al the victims and my heart goes out to all of you!!! I have yet to get a public apology from the player, his security or their organization. I hope they will…
“I cherish the tremendous amount of love and support I am receiving at the moment. Thank you to the Las Vegas PD and the detectives for their support.
The Las Vegas Police Department confirmed they responded regarding a battery investigation around 11 p.m. at a property in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard. No police report and no arrest or citations have been issued as of Thursday.
It has also been confirmed that Spears filed a police report after the confrontation, which apparently identifies Spurs director of team security Damian Smith as the person who allegedly backhanded the singer.
Wembanyama, 19, was the No. 1 pick in the N.B.A. draft last month. He is expected to play in the N.B.A.’s summer league starting Friday in Las Vegas.
