Britney Spears files police report after being slapped by NBA star's security
Britney Spears slapped by Victor Wembanyama’s security guard. Photo: Getty Images
Britney Spears found herself in an unfortunate incident when she approached NBA star Victor Wembanyama, a player for the San Antonio Spurs, for a photo and was allegedly slapped by Wembanyama's security guard.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, July 5, at the popular celebrity spot Catch restaurant in Las Vegas. Spears was accompanied by her husband, Sam Asghari, during the incident.
What happened
According to TMZ, the 41-year-old American singer spotted Wembanyama across the restaurant and approached him to say hello and take a picture.
When she tapped his shoulder, Damian Smith, the Director of Team Security for the San Antonio Spurs, reportedly backhanded her, causing her glasses to fall off and resulting in her falling to the ground.
Following the incident, Damian Smith apologized to Britney Spears, acknowledging that he didn't recognize her in the moment. Spears accepted his apology.
Subsequently, Spears' security team filed a police report with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, alleging battery.
The NBA star's clarification
On Thursday, July 6, Wembanyama addressed the media and shared his perspective on the incident. He claimed that Spears had grabbed him from behind, not on his shoulder, and that he hadn't seen her face.
He stated that his security had pushed her away, but he wasn't aware of the force used. The 19-year-old NBA star proceeded to have dinner at the restaurant, only realizing later that night that it was Britney Spears.
Moments ago,#Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama addresses the incident last night with Britney Spears in Las Vegas: pic.twitter.com/T33s7R4yUl
— Nate Ryan (@nateryansports) July 6, 2023
Britney Spears responds
Responding to the incident, Britney Spears expressed her distress, stating, "I get swarmed by people all the time. In fact, that night, I was approached by a group of at least 20 fans, and my security team didn't harm any of them."
— Britney Spears 🌹🚀 (@britneyspears) July 6, 2023
What is the police saying?
The Las Vegas Police Department released a statement to Entertainment Tonight, confirming that they had responded to a battery investigation at the property on Las Vegas Boulevard on July 5, 2023, at approximately 11 pm.
The incident has been documented in a police report, and as of now, no arrests or citations have been made. Further details were not provided. It remains unclear whether criminal charges will be filed against security guard Damian Smith.
Sam Asghari, Britney Spears' husband, a 29-year-old Iranian-American model, expressed his frustration with the "out-of-control" security guard in an Instagram story posted on Thursday.
Britney Spears and Sam Asghari tied the knot in June 2022.
Who is Victor Wembanyama?
Victor Wembanyama is a 19-year-old professional French basketball player. Standing at an impressive 7'5'', he plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association.
Wembanyama was selected as the number one overall pick by the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, making him the tallest active NBA player and the first French player to be chosen with the first pick. He is set to make his debut at the NBA's Summer League in Las Vegas this Friday.