Britney Spears was reportedly slapped in the face by Victor Wembanyama’s security team on Wednesday night. And now the incident is being heavily looked at by police.
The security guard allegedly assaulted pop star Britney Spears at the celebrity hotspot Catch inside the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
An insider told TMZ that Spears was a “fan” of pro baller Victor Wembanyama and went up to the 19-year-old basketball player at the resort. The “Toxic” singer allegedly asked for a photo with the young French star who was signed to the Spurs during the 2023 NBA Draft on June 22nd.
The player was seen signing autographs for other fans the night of the incident, and allegedly Spears approached him the same way others did. What’s Trending can confirm, the singer “tapped him on his back, right shoulder” and the security guard then allegedly slapped or “backhanded her.” From there, Spears apparently fell to the floor and her glasses were knocked off.
The “Circus” songstress reportedly went back to her table from there where she composed herself after the slap and the security later apologized.
The guard allegedly made the statement “You understand how it is when you’re being swarmed by fans,” which Spears apparently accepted.
Spears was seen in video obtained by TMZ walking out of the restaurant later that evening with a hoodie and sunglasses to conceal her identity.
ADVERTISEMENT
The singer was accompanied by her husband Sam Asghari and longtime manager Cade Hudson. Representatives for Spears and the NBA star did not return any requests for comment to the media, while Catch also declined to comment.
Later that night, the Grammy winning musician filed a police report for battery. The Las Vegas Police Department stated that they responded to an incident on Las Vegas Boulevard at roughly 11:00 PM at night regarding the battery investigation.
The public information officer also notes, “No arrest or citations have been issued.” Law enforcement also told TMZ early Thursday morning after the incident that it was not being handled as a criminal matter as the security guard did not intentionally “hurt” Spears but was instead trying to “defend” Wembanyama.
However, What’s Trending confirms that later went on to report that it was being treated as a criminal investigation per a source in the Metro Police Department. The source said that the team is taking the incident “as a serious as a heart attack.” The source also added that the case will “likely” be referred to by the D.A. although that does not mean criminal charges will be filed.
Police also went on to state in the report that the security guard who slapped Britney happened to be Damian Smith, the Director of Team Security for the Spurs. The police who responded to the Aria also reviewed security footage showing Smith push away Britney’s hand and then struck her face. The police did not address the force of the swing used in the situation.
This all comes after Britney reunited with sister Jamie and mother Lynn Spears as of late. No source has identified why the singer was in Vegas whether it be for personal or for work matters.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wembanyama, who has a very lofty goal for himself heading into his first season, is viewed by many as the most promising NBA prospect since LeBron James. The incident with Britney as some would say shows how quickly the young basketball player is becoming a household name and any interaction is taken seriously by security.
