What did Victor Wembanyama say about the incident involving Britney Spears in Las Vegas?
In an unfortunate scenario that played out in Las Vegas earlier this week, the pop star was struck in the face by the French star’s security. He’s now broken his silence.
As our earlier report covered, pop star Britney Spears was allegedly slapped by the director of security for the San Antonio Spurs’ as she attempted to get an autograph from rookie Victor Wembanyama. During a media appearance for the NBA Summer League, Wembanyama spoke about the incident.
What did Victor Wembanyama say about the Britney Spears incident?
By his statements, it would appear that Victor Wembanyama was completely unaware of what played out between his security team and Britney Spears who attempted to stop him. Indeed, speaking with the press Wembanyama explained that he was told by the team not to stop for anybody so as to avoid allowing a crowd to build around him. As per reports, this was at the ARIA Resort and Casino where it is understood that Spears was also dining at the time. To that end, when she spotted the league’s No. 1 overall pick making his way through a crowd of fans she approached him. For his part, Wembanyama explained that he heard someone calling him and did in fact feel a person grabbing him from behind, however, in keeping with the instructions given, he didn’t stop or look to see who it was.
“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 the 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.” The French prodigy went on to state that all he knew of the altercation at the time was that the security team had pushed a person away but he was unaware of how much force had been used. If you’re wondering, reports confirmed on Friday that no charges would be filed after surveillance video appeared to show Spears inadvertently hitting herself in the face after her hand was pushed off Wembanyama’s shoulder.
Britney Spears weighs in as well
It wasn’t long before Spears herself released a statement in which she disclosed that she had seen Wembanyama earlier in the day and as such decided to approach him to congratulate him when she saw him for a second time that Thursday evening. Citing how loud it was due to fans, Spears said she “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 [to fall] off my face,” she wrote. “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. 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.”
Britney Spears’ husband doesn’t blame Victor Wembanyama
In an Instagram story, Spears’ husband, Sam Asghari who was dining with her that night made it clear that he is opposed to violence of any kind, however, he did not feel that Wembanyama was to blame. “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. Wembanyama will make his highly anticipated NBA Summer League debut on Friday when the Spurs face the Charlotte Hornets at the Thomas & Mack Center.