Pop icon Britney Spears found herself entangled in a shocking incident on Wednesday night in Vegas, where a member of NBA star Victor Wembanyama’s security team allegedly backhanded her in the face.
The “Princess of Pop,” accompanied by her husband, Sam Asghari, and two others, was enjoying dinner at the famed Catch restaurant in ARIA Hotel when the incident took place, according to an exclusive report by TMZ.
On her way to the restaurant, Spears spotted Wembanyama. Being a fan, she approached the basketball star to request a photo. However, this innocent act of fandom took an unfortunate turn.
Spears tapped Wembanyama on his right shoulder, a move that prompted an instant reaction from Damian Smith, the Director of Team Security for the San Antonio Spurs, the team that drafted Victor recently. Smith allegedly backhanded Spears, causing her to fall and knock her glasses off.
Britney composed herself and proceeded to her table. To his credit, Smith came over to apologize for his impulsive reaction. He claimed that, at the time of the slap, he didn’t recognize her. While Spears accepted the apology, the matter did not end there.
More from TMZ:
Britney’s security team spent time with Victor’s security guy, and afterward her team filed a police report with the Metropolitan Police Dept. alleging battery.
We’re told Vegas police brass will be meeting face-to-face with Britney Spears this morning to discuss the incident. Our law enforcement sources tell us the cops who responded to ARIA reviewed security camera footage showing Smith push Britney’s hand away … and then her hand, not Smith’s, struck her face.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, the man listed on the police report as the one who slapped Britney is Damian Smith, the Director of Team Security for the Spurs. Our sources say it is not being handled as a criminal matter, because cops determined Smith was not trying to hurt Britney but rather defend Victor Wembanyama.
However, a new update from TMZ stated, “We just received contrary information about the police investigation from a source high up in the Metro PD. Our source says this is indeed a criminal investigation and they are taking the incident “as serious as a heart attack.” The source adds the case will “likely” be referred to the D.A., although that does not mean criminal charges will be filed.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.
