After Security Guard for Spurs Rookie Accused of Slapping Briteny Spears in Las Vegas, Both Parties Speak
After Security Guard for Spurs Rookie Accused of Slapping Briteny Spears in Las Vegas, Both Parties Speak
Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s newest first overall pick, has already encountered his first issue, and it includes Briteny Spears.
The San Antonio Spurs superstar said Wednesday that he was involved in the incident that allegedly involved a member of his security team slapping the pop legend at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, as reported by the Associated Press.
According to the Associated Press, the Las Vegas Police Department conducted an investigation but did not pursue any charges as a result.
TMZ reported that Spears filed a police report in which she named Spurs director of team security Damian Smith as the person who backhanded her; however, there is contradictory information as to whether or not the incident will be investigated criminally.
Another photo shows a man named Spears approaching from behind Wembanyama and Smith.
Spears allegedly slapped Wembanyama after tapping him on the shoulder to ask for a photo as they entered a restaurant. When Spears returned to her seat, Smith came over to apologize, and she graciously accepted.
Briteny Spears Incident, Recounted by Victor Wembanyama
Though he claimed Spears touched him rather than touching him on the shoulder and that his security “pushed her away” rather than hitting her, Wembanyama’s comments to reporters on Thursday lent some credence to the story:
When I was walking to a restaurant with some team security, something did happen. We entered the hallway. People were calling me because there were so many of them. One individual was trying to reach me, but we already had a conversation with the guards.
I was unable to stop. Wembanyama stated, “Whoever it was was calling me’sir, sir,’ and grabbing me from behind. I was going straight and didn’t stop, so I missed it. The individual who grabbed me did not grip me on the shoulder but rather from behind. What I do know is that the guards shoved her away. Security shoved her away, though I can’t say how hard. I didn’t bother to look because I was eager to get inside and start eating.
Wembanyama stated.
The other person wasn’t identified as Spears until hours afterwards, he said.
I didn’t find out for a few hours, but when I got back to the hotel, I didn’t forget about it, but I didn’t think much of it, either. Then the Spurs’ security informed me that it was Briteny Spears. Initially, I thought, “You’re joking.” However, the truth was revealed to be Briteny Spears. For some reason, I was never able to see her face. I just kept going in the same direction.
Spears Speaks.
The next morning was apparently the first time he saw the story in the paper.
Statement from Briteny Spears.
Later, Spears made a statement on Twitter in which she denied grabbing Wembanyama and underlined the severity of the blow she received.
As for me, traumatic situations are nothing new, and I’ve had my share. What happened to me last night caught me off-guard. I was on my way to dinner when I spotted a famous athlete in the hotel foyer. I ran with him again at another hotel’s restaurant later on. I went up to him to offer my congrats on his achievement. I tapped his shoulder to grab his attention because the noise level was through the roof. The player’s accusation that “I grabbed him from behind” is false; all I did was tap him on the shoulder. His bodyguard then turned around and punched me in the face in front of everyone. Almost knocked me over and smacked my spectacles clean off my face.
Briteny Spears.
Spears also mentioned that on the same night, she and her security crew were mobbed by twenty fans. She demanded that Wembanyama, the Spurs, and their security team publicly apologize:
The story has previously been told, but it is extremely embarrassing to do so. However, I believe it is necessary to tell this tale and encourage those in the spotlight to set a good example by treating everyone with dignity.
There is too much bloodshed in the world. Usually behind the scenes. My sympathies are with the victims, and I am with you. player, his security, or their organization has not issued a public apology as of yet. My sincere wish is that…
The Spurs have not issued a statement regarding this matter as of now. After being selected by the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama is currently in Las Vegas for NBA Summer League.
His gigantic 7-foot-4 stature, defensive prowess, and guard-like skills on offense have made him the subject of much anticipation in the league for months, if not years.
On Friday, he’ll face the Charlotte Hornets, who have the No. 2 pick in the draft, Brandon Miller, in his Summer League debut.
