Security Guard Not Charged After Allegedly Striking Britney Spears in the Face
Las Vegas police have announced that the member of the security detail for NBA first round draft pick Victor Wembanyama who allegedly struck Britney Spears in the face will not face charges. The incident occurred earlier this week when Wembanyama was heading to a restaurant in Las Vegas before his first game in the NBA pre-season Summer League. Fans and Spears spotted the French 19-year-old basketball player, leading to the altercation.
According to Spears, she was pushed away by Wembanyama’s entourage, and she took to Instagram to state that a security guard “backhanded me in the face… nearly knocking me down and causing my glasses to fall off my face.”
After Spears filed charges, the Las Vegas police conducted an investigation which concluded that the security guard did not willfully or unlawfully use force or violence. Surveillance footage of the incident revealed that when Spears tried to tap Wembanyama on the shoulder, he unknowingly pushed her hand away, causing her own hand to hit her face.
Both security guards for the San Antonio Spurs and Spears testified that removing the hand would be a standard procedure if someone tried to touch the person they were protecting. The security guard for the Spurs later apologized to Spears, who also apologized in return.
Victor Wembanyama, a highly-touted 19-year-old rookie from France, stands at an impressive height of 2.26 meters (just over 7 foot, 4 inches). Known for having skills typically associated with smaller players, such as ball handling and a long-range shot, he has generated much excitement in the sports world even before playing a professional game in the US. The San Antonio Spurs selected him first in this year’s rookie draft, hoping he can have a similar impact to their previous first pick, five-time champion Tim Duncan.
Regarding the incident, Wembanyama stated that his security team had advised him not to engage with anyone to avoid attracting a large crowd. Although he heard Spears speaking to him, he did not look around and continued walking without knowing who it was.
Britney Spears, once known as the “Princess of Pop,” experienced the height of her fame in the 1990s and 2000s. In recent years, she has faced struggles with drug abuse and other personal issues and fought a legal battle against her father’s extended conservatorship over her assets. She regained control of her affairs in late 2021.
Despite the incident, Victor Wembanyama remains focused on his upcoming NBA career, eager to showcase his talents and make an impact on the San Antonio Spurs.
Sources:
AFP, AP, Reuters.