Las Vegas police said on Thursday they had investigated an incident between French NBA top draft pick Victor Wembanyama's security and pop star Britney Spears.
Wembanyama is in Las Vegas ahead of his first game in the NBA Summer League against Charlotte on Friday and was heading to a restaurant when he was spotted by fans – and Spears.
Media reports said that Spears was pushed away by Wembanyama's security team, whom the singer's husband Sam Asghari called “violent” and “out of control”.
Celebrity news website TMZ said that Spears was in a crowd of people entering the restaurant close to Wembanyama and was struck in the face, with her glasses flying off.
Wembanyama told reporters after practice that he only heard of Spears's involvement some hours after his dinner.
“There was one person who was calling me but we talked before with the security [to not] stop because it's going to make a crowd,” said the Frenchman.
“That person was calling me 'sir, sir' and that person grabbed me from behind, so I didn't see what happened because I was walking straight.
“I don't know with how much force but security pushed her away and I didn't stop to look so I kept walking and enjoyed a nice dinner.”
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Victor Wembanyama during introductions before the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, June 22, 2023, in New York. AP Photo -
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama looks on before being picked by the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Draft at Barclays Center in New York city, on June 22, 2023. AFP -
Victor Wembanyama speaks to the media after being drafted first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. AFP -
Fans of French basketball player Victor Wembanyama in the stands before the start of the 2023 NBA Draft. EPA -
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being picked by the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Draft. AFP -
A fan displays a French basketball player Victor Wembanyama jersey after his selection as San Antonio Spurs's No 1 pick during an NBA Draft Watch Party at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. AFP -
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich speaks after the Spurs picked Victor Wembanyama. EPA -
A fan holds a photo of Victor Wembanyama during an NBA basketball draft watch party at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. AP Photo -
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama celebrates after being picked by the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Draft at Barclays Center in New York city. AFP -
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. EPA -
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama claps after being picked by the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Draft. AFP
The Las Vegas Police Department investigated the incident but did not take any action.
“On July 5, 2023, at approximately 11pm, LVMPD officers responded to a property in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard regarding a battery investigation,” the police said in a statement.
“The incident has been documented on a police report and no arrest or citations have been issued. No further details will be provided at this time.”
Asghari posted on social media saying that Spears had been “assaulted”.
“The violent behaviour of an out-of-control security guard should not cast a shadow on the accomplishment of a great young man on the rise @wemby,” he wrote.
“I can't imagine a scenario where an unarmed female fan, showing any kind of excitement or appreciation for a celebrity would cause her to be physically assaulted, much less being hit in the face for tapping someone on the shoulder.”
