(UPDATE 7/7/23 AT 1:18 P.M. ET): Las Vegas Police shared a statement revealing that charges would not be filed against the security guard in the incident. “The LVMPD has concluded its investigation of the alleged battery that occurred on July 5, 2023, at 11 p.m., in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard. No charges will be filed against the person involved,” they said.
(UPDATE: 7/6/23 AT 6:48 P.M. ET): Britney Spears shared two lengthy posts about the July 5 altercation in which she got slapped by NBA player Victor Wembanyama’s security guard in Las Vegas on her Instagram Story. “Traumatic experiences are not new to me and I have had my fair share of them,” she began. “I was not prepared for what happened to me last night. I recognized an athlete in my 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,” she continued. “His security then back handed me in the face without looking back, in front of a crowd. Nearly knocking me down and causing [sic] 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,” the global superstar added, proving her point.
In a second Instagram Story slide, Britney wrote, “This story is super embarrassing to share with the world but its 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.” She also frowned upon physical violence, saying it happens “often behind closed doors.” She concluded her note by asking for an apology from Victor and his security team, and thanked her fans and the Las Vegas police department for their support.
(ORIGINAL STORY): Britney Spears was allegedly hit by a member of Victor Wembanyama’s security team while she was in Las Vegas on Wednesday, July 5. TMZ reported that Britney filed a police report following the incident with the San Antonio Spurs player. The security guard reportedly apologized to the “Toxic” singer after the incident, and he spoke to her security team after the fact.
The incident happened while at Catch restaurant at the ARIA Hotel. Britney was joined by her husband Sam Asghari and two more friends. Fans gathered around her as she entered the casino, and she reportedly went up to Victor to request a photo and tell her she was a fan. After she tapped him on the shoulder, a member of the security team reportedly immediately backhanded her, knocking her to the ground. Her glasses also reportedly fell off.
After the singer went back to her table, the security guard went over to apologize. “You understand how it is when you’re being swarmed by fans,” the outlet said that the member of the security team told her.
Las Vegas Police confirmed to HollywoodLife that they responded to a battery investigation at 11 p.m. on Las Vegas Boulevard. They said that the incident was documented in a police report, but no arrest nor citations had been made.
HollywoodLife has reached out to a rep for Britney and a media relations contact for the Spurs. Neither the singer nor Victor has made a public statement on their social media.
The incident occurred just weeks after Britney took a vacation with Sam to Cabo. The In The Zone singer shared a few photos and videos of the two of them enjoying drinks and a beautiful getaway to Mexico on her Instagram. She’s also regularly posted tons of videos and photos, showing off her outfits and dance moves on the social media platform. In a recent clip, she was interrupted when Sam dipped into the shot and gave her a quick kiss. After the short second of him pecking her on the lips, Britney kept showing off one of her many amazing outfits.