Britney Spears Reportedly Slapped By NBA Rookie's Security Guard

Britney Spears was trying to meet NBA rookie Victor Wembanyama at Catch restaurant at the ARIA Hotel on Wednesday (5 July) with her husband, Sam Asghari, when she reportedly tapped the basketball player on the back and was allegedly slapped across the face by Wembanyama’s security guard, knocking her to the ground, per TMZ.

“You understand how it is when you’re being swarmed by fans,” the Director of Team Security for the San Antonio Spurs reportedly told Spears. She has since filed a police report alleging battery.

According to a TMZ eyewitness, Spears said, “Excuse me” in a British accent when approaching Wembanyama. After the security guard allegedly slapped her, she yelled, “This is America!” still speaking with a British accent.

Spears has issued a statement following the incident, writing on Instagram, “Traumatic experiences are not new to me, and I have had my fair share of them. I was not prepared for what happened to me last night.

“I recognized [sic] an athlete in my hotel lobby as I was heading to dinner. I later went to a restaurant at a different 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 player's statement where he mentions ‘I grabbed him from behind’, but I simply tapped him on the shoulder. His security then backhanded me in the face without looking back, in front of a crowd. Nearly knocking me down and causing my glasses [to fall] off my face.”

She added, “This story is super embarrassing to share with the world, but it’s out there already. However, I think it’s important to share this story and urge people in the public eye to set an example and treat all people with respect.”

Praising the efforts of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, she wrote, “Physical violence is happening too much in this world. Often behind closed doors. I stand with all the victims, and my heart goes out to all of you!!! I have get to get a public apology from the player, his security or their organization. I hope they will…” You can read her full statement here.