Britney Spears speaks out after she says NBA star Victor Wembanyama’s security team backhanded her face
Britney Spears says she was struck in the face in Las Vegas this week by a member of NBA player Victor Wembanyama’s security team after she approached the player in a restaurant to offer congratulations. Following the incident, Spears filed a police report describing what happened and later shared her account on social media.
According to reports about security footage cited by law enforcement, the man involved is Damian Smith, identified as the Director of Team Security for the San Antonio Spurs. Investigators reviewed surveillance video and described an interaction in which Smith pushed Spears’ hand away and, they say, Spears’ hand then made contact with her own face. Spears disputes that version and has provided her own detailed account of the confrontation.
In a public message, Spears explained why she approached Wembanyama and described the moment the altercation took place. “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,” she wrote. She said she recognized Wembanyama, tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention in the noisy restaurant and intended only to congratulate him on his success.
Britney speaks out after the incident
Spears disputed the claim that she grabbed the player, insisting she only tapped his shoulder. “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,” she wrote.
She added context about the environment that night, saying she was frequently swarmed by fans and that her own security team did not strike any of them. “I get swarmed by people all the time,” Spears wrote. “In fact, that night, I was swarmed by a group of at least 20 fans. My security team didn’t hit any of them.” Her message emphasized that the physical contact she experienced was unexpected and distressing.
Spears also used the moment to call for better behavior from public figures and their teams, urging those in the spotlight to set an example and treat everyone with respect. “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!!!” she stated, underscoring her solidarity with others who have experienced similar incidents.
“I have yet to get a public apology from the player”
Spears made clear she has not yet received a public apology from the player, his security staff, or the organization involved and said she hopes one will be offered. Media reports indicate that Wembanyama’s head of security did approach Spears after the incident to apologize, and that the respective security teams spoke for a time. Spears acknowledged the support she’s received from fans and from law enforcement while the matter is being reviewed.
“This story is super embarrassing to share with the world but it’s out there already,” Spears wrote. She expressed gratitude for the “tremendous amounts of love and support” she has received and thanked the Las Vegas Police Department and detectives for their assistance.
Britney’s husband defends her
Sam Asghari, Britney Spears’ husband, was present at the restaurant and responded publicly to defend his wife. Posting on social media, Asghari condemned violence and emphasized that protecting women, including his wife, is not open to debate. “I am opposed to violence in any form, especially, without justification in the defense of yourself or someone else who is unable to defend themselves,” he wrote, describing his reaction as measured and expressing hope that the person involved will learn from the incident.
Authorities have said that no arrests or citations have been issued following the police report. Las Vegas police confirmed they are handling the matter and have taken the report from Spears while they review the available evidence. As the investigation proceeds, Spears continues to call for accountability and an apology, and she has thanked those who have expressed concern and offered support.
The episode has drawn public attention to the responsibilities of security personnel and the treatment of public figures and private citizens in crowded venues. Spears’ statement stresses respect and restraint, and her decision to make the incident public reflects a desire to highlight broader concerns about physical violence and how victims are treated when incidents occur.