Pop singer Britney Spears opened up about an incident involving NBA star Victor Wembanyama's security team during a visit to Las Vegas.
Spears described the incident as both frightening and embarrassing, emphasizing the need for respect and setting an example "in the public eye."
Wembanyama's security team reportedly reacted after a person put their hand on his back from behind, but Spears denied the accounts of both the NBA rookie's security and her own security team.
She expressed disappointment at the lack of a public apology. The incident, which took place outside a restaurant in the Aria Hotel, drew attention to the issue of the treatment of high-profile individuals
In a lengthy social media post, Spears revealed she had approached the San Antonio Spurs draft pick to congratulate him on his success but was met with a "backhanded" blow to her face. The incident caused her glasses to be knocked off, leaving her feeling both "traumatized" and "embarrassed."
You can see Spears' tweet below.
Spears wrote:
“Traumatic experiences are not new to me and I have had my fair share of them. I was not prepared for what happened to me last night. I recognized an athlete in my hotel lobby as I was heading for dinner."
"I later went to a restaurant at a different hotel and saw him again. 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."
"I am aware of the player's statement where he mentions "I grabbed him from behind" but I simply tapped him on the shoulder. His security then back handed me in the face without looking back, in front of a crowd. Nearly knocking me down and causing my glasses [to fall] off my face."
"I get swarmed by people all the time. In fact, that night. I was swarmed by a group of at least 20 fans. My security team didn't hit any of them."
Spears described the incident as “super embarrassing" but said it was important for her to “share this story and to urge people in the public eye to set an example and treat all people with respect.”
She concluded:
“Physical violence is happening too much in this world. Often behind closed doors. I stand with all the victims and my heart goes out to all of you!!! I have yet to get a public apology from the player, his security or their organization. I hope they will.”
"I cherish the tremendous amounts of love and support I am receiving at the moment. Thank you to the Las Vegas PD and their detectives for their support."
An investigation reviewing the interaction from security foitage from multiple angles showed Spears rushing up behind the player and putting her hand on Wembanyama's back and his security pushing her hand away, causing Spears to hit herself in the face. Wembanyama nor his security turn to see whose hand it was.
Both security teams stated this is standard security protocol.
Later, after finding out who it was, the Spurs' security team member found Spears in the restaurant and apologized, according to both security teams.
Many fans sent Spears support.
On Thursday, authorities in Las Vegas confirmed an incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday outside of Catch restaurant at the Aria Hotel.
The city's Department of Public Information informed Rolling Stone the incident was officially recorded in a police report, but no arrests or citations were issued.