singer britney spears saying on social networks that a security guard for NBA player Victor Wembanyama “hit” her.
The incident occurred Wednesday night in Las Vegas, when Spears said she wanted to introduce herself to Wembanyama, the celebrated new draft pick for the San Antonio Spurs.
“I recognized an athlete in my hotel lobby on my way to dinner,” Spears wrote Thursday. “I decided to go up to him and congratulate him on his success. He was very strong, so I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.”
“His security then punched me in the face without looking back, in front of a crowd. He almost knocked me over and knocked my glasses off my face,” he wrote.
TMZ first reported the iincident.
Spears’ husband, Sam Asghari, criticized the security guard eithernorth Instagram.
“The violent behavior of an out-of-control security guard should not overshadow the achievement of a great young man on the rise,” Asghari wrote in a since-deleted story on Thursday.
“I cannot imagine a scenario where an unarmed fan showing any kind of emotion or appreciation for a celebrity could cause her to be physically assaulted, let alone punched in the face for touching someone’s shoulder,” Asghari continued.
wembanyama told reporters that “something happened” while walking with Spurs security to a restaurant. “We spoke to security earlier and we told security ‘Don’t stop,’ because there’s going to be a crowd,” he said.
“That person grabbed me from behind, not by the shoulder,” he said. “I only know that security pushed her. I don’t know how hard.
“Turns out it was Britney Spears. I didn’t know, because I never saw his face. I kept walking straight,” she added.
Spears denied grabbing him from behind in her post.
Las Vegas police told NBC News that officers responded to a property in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard for an assault investigation. TMZ reported that the incident occurred at the Catch Hotel, which is located at 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
No arrests or citations were issued. Police said Friday that the investigation into the incident concluded that no charges would be filed.
Asghari said she blamed security personnel for the incident and criticized “a systemic culture of contempt for women in sports and entertainment.” She wrote that she hopes that the necessary changes will come from above.
Spears said: “I have yet to receive a public apology from the player, his security or his organization. Neither do I appreciate nor do I think this is a laughing matter. Seeing the player smile and laugh was cruel and demoralizing with the situation that took place.”
“It is important to share this story and urge people in the public eye to lead by example and treat all people with respect.”
Andres Blankstein contributed.
