Popstar Britney Spears says she was "backhanded in the face" by a security guard protecting French basketballer Victor Wembanyama in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The alleged incident, which both Spears and Wembanyama have separately spoken about, occurred at the Catch restaurant at the Aria Hotel at around 8.30 pm.
In a statement on social media, Spears said she recognised the 19-year-old French player and “decided to approach him and congratulate him on his success”. She alleged that she approached Wembanyama to ask for a photo and tapped him on his shoulder because it was “really loud”.
A security guard protecting Wembanyama is then said to have struck her in the face with the back of his hand, causing her glasses to fall off as she nearly fell to the ground, Spears alleged.
She further added that the incident was a "traumatic experience" she was unprepared for.
Speaking to media earlier on Thursday, Wembanyama alleged that Spears “grabbed him from behind – not on my shoulder” and he did not see her face, only knowing that his security detail had pushed an individual away.
Read Britney Spears' statement here
According to reports, the security personnel responsible for the incident later approached her and apologised, explaining that the situation became overwhelming due to the swarm of fans. He stated that he did not recognise Britney at the time he struck her.
Last year, Spears, 41, married her long-time partner Sam Asghari.
Asghari, 29, came to her defence on social media writing: "I hope the man in question learns a lesson and changes his disregard for women."
However, Spears has demanded a public apology from the sportsman.
“I have yet to get a public apology from the player, his security or their organisation. I hope they will. I also don’t appreciate nor do I think this is a laughing matter. Watching the player smile and laugh was cruel and demoralising with the situation that took place. I am 5’3 and he’s 7’4…I cherish the tremendous amounts of love and support I am receiving at the moment. Thank you to the Las Vegas PD and the detectives for their support.” Spears concluded.
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