LAS VEGAS, NV — In a bizarre interaction between the no. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama, and popstar Brittney Spears, the singer was struck by Wembanyama’s security staff. Spears allegedly approached Wembanyama for an autograph but was slapped by a member of the San Antonio Spurs security team.
TMZ originally reported that at the Catch restaurant in the Aria Hotel around 8:30 p.m., Spears and her husband entered the establishment when she saw Wembanyama and approached the rookie who is in Vegas for the NBA’s summer league. Spears said she tapped him on the shoulder before a member of the Spurs security staff slapped her.
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Spears filed a police report alleging battery. The Las Vegas Metro Police Department said Friday that its investigation is over and that "no charges will be filed against the person involved." Police reviewed surveillance footage of the incident, with the report noting that Spears' hand hit herself in the face when a security guard pushed it away.
Wembanyama said that security advised him before he entered the restaurant not to stop for anyone as pausing could cause a stir and allow a crowd to build. ESPN reported Wenbanyama’s response. "Something did happen, a little bit, when I was walking with some security from the team to some restaurant," Wembanyama said. "We were in the hall. There were a lot of people, so people were calling me, obviously. There was one person who was calling me, but we talked before with security.
Victor Wembanyama and Brittany Spears
(Credit: NBA.com and britannica.com)
"I couldn't stop. That person was calling me, 'Sir, sir,' and that person grabbed me from behind," he added. "I didn't see what happened because I was walking straight and didn't stop. That person grabbed me from behind -- not on my shoulder, she grabbed me from behind. I just know the security pushed her away. I don't know with how much force, but security pushed her away. I didn't stop to look so I could walk in and enjoy a nice dinner."
Spears addressed the incident later on her Instagram. She said that she did not grab him but merely tapped him on the shoulder. She also said that Wembanyama had not issued an apology over the incident but has hope that he will.
Wembanyama makes his debut for the Spurs in the NBA Summer League on Friday night in Las Vegas against the Charlotte Hornets. He is expected to play in front of a sold-out crowd.
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