Britney Spears Files Police Report Alleging Assault From NBA Star Victor Wembanyama's Security Team
By Kristin Myers on July 6, 2023 at 11:45 AM EDT
Updated on July 6, 2023 at 1:27 PM EDT
Singer Britney Spears filed a police report on Wednesday night after she was smacked in the face by a member of Victor Wembanyam's security team.
The 41-year-old pop star was looking to snap a photo with the NBA star when the incident occurred in Las Vegas, where Britney is currently spending time with her husband, Iranian actor Sam Asghari.
Britney Spears Smacked In Face By NBA Star Victor Wembanyama's Security Team Trying To Get A Photo!
The "Hold Me Closer" singer was reportedly "backhanded" on Wednesday night at around 8:30 PM. The pop star, Sam Asghari, and two other individuals were reportedly eating dinner at the Catch restaurant in the ARIA Hotel. Although Britney was swarmed by fans when she entered the casino, her group was able to grab a table.
When they were entering the restaurant, Britney spotted Victor along with his security team. The pop star is reportedly a fan of the NBA star and went over to ask if they could snap a photo together.
The singer reportedly tapped him on his back and right shoulder when the Director of Team Security for the San Antonio Spurs "instantly backhanded her," according to TMZ, who first reported the incident.
Britney was apparently hit hard enough that she fell to the ground. Her glasses were even knocked off her face. It was not reported if anyone helped the singer to her feet, but it was said that the "Stronger" singer "composed herself" and returned to her table.
The security guard later followed Britney to her table and allegedly said, "You understand how it is when you're being swarmed by fans." Britney is said to have accepted his apology.
Later in the night, Britney's security team was spotted talking to Victor's security team. A police report with the Metropolitan Police Department was filed, alleging battery. At this time, it is unclear if Britney ever got a photo with the San Antonio Spurs player, who was just drafted last month.
Law enforcement officials later told the outlet that the man listed on the police report is Damian Smith, who is the Director of Team Security for the Spurs. At this time, it appears that the incident is not being treated as a criminal case, as police determined that Smith was not trying to hurt Britney when he "backhanded" her. Instead, they determined that his actions were done with the motivation to protect Victor, who has yet to comment on the incident.
Update: Police are reportedly meeting face-to-face with Briteny to discuss what happened on Wednesday night. One law enforcement source told the outlet that they reviewed security camera footage regarding the incident. They claim that Smith pushed Britney's hand away, and it was her hand - not his hand - that struck her own face. Police would not comment on "the velocity of the force of the swing."
A new update published less than an hour contradicted previous reports. A source in the Metro Police Department told the outlet that it is being treated as a criminal investigation and they are taking the allegations "as serious as a heart attack." The insider said the case will "likely" be referred to the District Attorney, although it is unclear if criminal charges will be filed at this time.
The outlet has also received photos showing Britney trying to approach the NBA star from behind, but no footage of the actual "slap" has been released.
What Is Britney Doing In Las Vegas?
The incident left many fans wondering if the "Gimme More" singer was in Las Vegas for business or pleasure - or both! Ultimately, it looks like Britney is just there to have a good time with her husband and friends.
Sin City has always been a bit of a sore topic for the singer, who has been vocal in many deleted Instagram posts about her frustrations with her Las Vegas Residency. At the time she performed, she was still under a conservatorship, which lasted from February 2008 to November 2021. As a result, she alleges that she was not allowed to go to spas with her friends, drink coffee, or go to bars during her time there.
The "Slumber Party" singer has been vocal about her desire to never tour again, which likely means that she will not perform another Las Vegas Residency. However, in March 2023, a source told Page Six that Britney still plans to release new music when the inspiration strikes.
"She has talked about recording again and has gotten plenty of offers, some of which she’s turned down, but it’s all about timing and picking the right projects. She’s savvy like that,” the insider said. “The beauty of Britney being free again is that she gets to call the shots for the first time in a very long time, and she’ll do it at her own pace."
The source continued to say that “Britney has trauma from touring,” adding, “For so many years, she was handed grueling itineraries and made to perform — even before her conservatorship.” The source claimed that Britney hit her “breaking point” in 2018 “when her Las Vegas residency was finally over but then her team decided to turn it into an international tour.” At the time, Britney made over thirty concert stops across North America and Europe.
“She desperately needed a break after four years in Vegas and didn’t get one,” the source explained. “And then they had the nerve to book a second Vegas residency right after.” Unfortunately for fans, Britney’s second residency, “Britney: Dominion,” never happened, as her father, Jamie Spears, sent her to a mental health facility ahead of its 2019 start date.
The insider also noted that, in addition to singing, Britney also wants to keep dancing. Her Instagram followers are well aware of how much she loves to dance.
Fans can check out Britney dancing in a pink drawstring bikini to celebrate the Fourth of July by clicking here!