Singer Britney Spears said on social media that she was “backhanded” by a security guard for NBA player Victor Wembanyama.
The incident happened Wednesday night in Las Vegas, when Spears said she wanted to introduce herself to Wembanyama, the celebrated new draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs.
“I recognized an athlete in my hotel lobby as I was heading to dinner,” Spears wrote Thursday. “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.”
“His 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 wrote.
TMZ first reported the incident.
Spears’ husband, Sam Asghari, blasted the security guard on Instagram.
“The violent behavior of an out-of-control security guard should not cast a shadow on the accomplishment of a great young man on the rise,” Asghari wrote in a since-deleted story Thursday.
“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,” Asghari continued.
Wembanyama told reporters that “something did happen” as he walked with Spurs security to a restaurant. “We talked before with the security and told the security ‘Don’t stop,’ because it’s going to make a crowd,” he said.
“That person grabbed me from behind, not on my shoulder,” he said. “I just know that the security pushed her away. I don’t know with how much force.
“Turns out it was Britney Spears. I didn’t know, because I never saw her face. I kept on walking straight,” he added.
Spears denied grabbing him from behind in her post.
Las Vegas police told NBC News officers responded to a property in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard for a battery investigation. TMZ reported that the incident occurred at the Catch Hotel, which is at 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
No arrests or citations were issued, officials said.
Asghari said he blames security personnel for the incident and criticized “a systemic culture of disregard for women within sports and entertainment.” He wrote that he looks forward to needed changes’ coming from the top.
Spears said: “I have yet to get a public apology from the player, his security, or their organization. I also don’t appreciate nor do I think this is a laughing matter. Watching the player smile and laugh was cruel and demoralizing with the situation that took place.”
“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.”
Source: | This article originally belongs to Nbcnews.com
