Seven-foot-five French basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama has been in the headlines for quite some time, especially going after No. 1 overall to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft. But now, he and pop star Britney Spears have crossed paths, and it's not for a good reason.
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It's a mashup no one in sports saw coming.
According to TMZ, Spears has filed a police report after being "smacked" in the face by San Antonio Spurs security while approaching Wembanyama for a photo in Las Vegas.
Britney Spears Slapped in Face by NBA Star Victor Wembanyama Security https://t.co/BHNrzz3jHo
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 6, 2023
The incident occurred when Spears and Wembanyama were headed toward the Catch restaurant entrance. Spears came up behind the young phenom and, according to an eyewitness, she went to tap him on the shoulder. This reportedly resulted in security reacting and allegedly hitting her in the face.
After the incident, a security person apologized to Spears, saying, "You understand how it is when you're being swarmed by fans," according to reports.
Britney Spears was allegedly assaulted in Vegas by Victor Wembanyama’s security who backhanded her in the face after she tapped the NBA player on the back for a photo.
She has filed a police report. pic.twitter.com/yRWYa9R5ry
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 6, 2023
Spears supposedly accepted the apology.
The report was filed specifically against Damian Smith, the director of team security for the Spurs.
#UPDATE: Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, the man listed on the police report as the one who slapped Britney Spears is Damian Smith, the Director of Team Security for the Spurs. https://t.co/G26p4PnKU4
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 6, 2023
The updates have come fast and furious, as this was not initially going to be treated like a criminal investigation. Now it is, including a law enforcement source telling TMZ it's taking this "as serious as a heart attack."
Spears also reportedly met with Las Vegas police in person.
Wembanyama addressed the situation, talking with the media on Thursday afternoon. He said Spears grabbed him from behind, not on the shoulder, and confirmed she was pushed away.
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
This is an ongoing event, with updates to come. We'll continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds.
