Police say no charges filed in Britney Spears assault allegation against Victor Wembanyama’s security
Las Vegas police confirmed Friday (7 July) that no charges will be filed following a brief investigation into the report filed Thursday by Britney Spears against NBA star Victor Wembanyama’s security.
Spears, 41, filed a police report alleging battery, saying she was struck in the face by the San Antonio Spurs player’s security in the ARIA Resort & Casino’s Catch restaurant.
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department told The Associated Press on Friday that its investigation is over and “no charges will be filed against the person involved”.
The Independent has contacted Spears’s representatives for comment.
In a statement shared to her social media accounts on Thursday, Spears said she “decided to approach [Wembanyama] and congratulate him on his success” and so “tapped him on the shoulder”.
The 19-year-old French phenom was signed as the Spurs’ first-round draft pick last month and is due to make his debut for the side on Friday.
Spears alleges that the basketballer’s security then “backhanded me in the face without looking back, in front of a crowd. Nearly knocking me down and causing my glasses 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 to urge people in the public eye to set an example and treat all people with respect.”
Wembanyama also addressed the incident, saying (via The Associated Press): “Something did happen, a little bit, when I was walking with some security from the team to some restaurant.
“We were in the hall. There was a lot of people, so people were calling (at) me, obviously. There was one person who was calling me but we talked before with security.
“I couldn’t stop. That person was calling me, ‘Sir, sir,’ and that person grabbed me from behind,” he said. “I didn’t see what happened because I was walking straight and didn’t stop. That person grabbed me from behind – not on my shoulder, she grabbed me from behind. I just know the security pushed her away. I don’t know with how much force but security pushed her away. I didn’t stop to look so I could walk in and enjoy a nice dinner.”
Spears denied “grabbing” the athlete in her statement.
“I didn’t know for a couple hours, but when I came back to the hotel… I thought it was no big deal, and then security of the Spurs told me it was Britney Spears,” Wembanyama said. “At first, I was like, ‘You’re joking,’ but yeah, it turns out it was Britney Spears. I never saw her face. I just kept walking straight.”
He was unaware that the situation had made headlines until Thursday.
“I saw the news obviously this morning. I woke up to a couple of phone calls,” Wembanyama said.
Wembanyama is among the most exciting prospects in the NBA due to his towering 7ft 5in frame, his youth, his technical skill and his long-range shooting ability.
