A member of Victor Wembanyama’s security team will not face charges over an alleged Wednesday night altercation with pop star Britney Spears.
The Las Vegas Police Department told USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt on Friday that, “no charges will be filed against the person involved in the Victor Wembanyama-Britney Spears security guard incident.”
Spears filed a police report for battery after allegedly being slapped by Damian Smith, who backhanded her in the face, resulting in her falling to the ground and her glasses being knocked off. The incident took place when Spears tried to get the player’s attention at Catch restaurant in the ARIA Hotel in Las Vegas, TMZ reported.
No charges will be filed against the person involved in the Victor Wembanyama-Britney Spears security guard incident, per Las Vegas Police Department.
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) July 7, 2023
Smith reportedly later approached her and apologized, noting the swarm of fans had startled him. She reportedly accepted his apology, the outlet noted.
Later, the “Toxic” hitmaker wrote on Instagram about how she was “not prepared for what happened to me last night” and demanded an apology.
“I recognized an athlete in my hotel lobby as I was heading to dinner,” the pop singer wrote. “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,” she added. “I am aware of the players 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 off my face.”
“Physical violence is happening too much in this world,” Spears continued. “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.”
She closed out her post thanking the Vegas PD for their support and made it clear she didn’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. I am 5’3 and he’s 7’4. ”
Moments ago,#Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama addresses the incident last night with Britney Spears in Las Vegas: pic.twitter.com/T33s7R4yUl
— Nate Ryan (@nateryansports) July 6, 2023
The pop star’s comments about a “laughing matter” were in response to the San Antonio Spurs player’s comments to reporters, in which near the end he smiles and laughs about “enjoying a nice dinner.”
“So people calling me obviously, there was one person, one person who was was calling me, but we talked before with the security, don’t stop because it’s going to make a crowd,” Wembanyama said.
“So I couldn’t stop,” he added. “And that person grabbed me from behind. So I didn’t see, I didn’t see what happened, because I was walking straight … but that person grabbed me from behind. Not on my shoulder. She grabbed me from behind. So I just know that the security push her away, I don’t know with how much force though.”