Britney Spears Says Hit in Face by Wembanyama's Security

French basketball player Victor Wembanyama was caught up in an incident involving his security and pop star Britney Spears. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama was caught up in an incident involving his security and pop star Britney Spears. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
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Britney Spears Says Hit in Face by Wembanyama's Security

French basketball player Victor Wembanyama was caught up in an incident involving his security and pop star Britney Spears. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP
French basketball player Victor Wembanyama was caught up in an incident involving his security and pop star Britney Spears. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP

Las Vegas police said Thursday they had investigated an incident between French NBA top draft pick Victor Wembanyama's security and pop star Britney Spears, who said she had been hit in the face.

Wembanyama is in Las Vegas ahead of his first game in the NBA Summer League against Charlotte on Friday and was heading to a restaurant when he was spotted by fans -- and Spears.

Media reports said that Spears was pushed away by Wembanyama's security, which the singer's husband Sam Asghari said was "violent" and "out of control."

Wembanyama told reporters after practice that he only heard of Spears' involvement some hours after his dinner, AFP said.

"There was one person who was calling me but we talked before with the security (to not) stop because it's gonna make a crowd," said the Frenchman.

"That person was calling me 'sir sir' and that person grabbed me from behind, so I didn't see what happened because I was walking straight.

"I don't know with how much force but security pushed her away and I didn't stop to look so I kept walking and enjoyed a nice dinner."

Spears said she had simply wanted to greet the player and questioned Wembanyama's account.

"I recognized an athlete in my hotel lobby as I was heading to 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," she said on Instagram.

"I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. I am aware of the players statement where he mentions 'I grabbed him from behind' but I simply tapped him on the shoulder," she said.

"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."

The Las Vegas Police Department investigated the incident but did not take any action.

"On July 5, 2023, at approximately 11 p.m., LVMPD officers responded to a property in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard regarding a battery investigation," the police said in a statement.

"The incident has been documented on a police report and no arrest or citations have been issued. No further details will be provided at this time."

Asghari posted on social media that Spears had been "assaulted."

"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 @wemby," he wrote.

"I can't imagine a scenario where an unarmed female fan, showing any kind of excitement or appreciation for a celebrity would cause her to be physically assaulted, much less being hit in the face for tapping someone on the shoulder."



Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London
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Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

Saudi Film Commission to Showcase Cultural Power of Cinema at 1st European Edition of SXSW in London

The Saudi Film Commission is participating in the inaugural European edition of the SXSW Festival, taking place in London from June 2 to 7.

SXSW is a prestigious global platform that brings together a select group of professionals and experts from various creative sectors through a variety of events, including panel discussions, musical and comedy performances, film and television screenings, exhibitions, technical competitions, and opportunities for professional development and partnership building.

The Commission’s participation includes screening a selection of short Saudi films under the “Saudi Film Nights” initiative, with the aim of showcasing Saudi storytelling and empowering national talent for international audiences.

The Commission is also organizing a panel session titled “Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality,” which will explore the role of cinema in shaping national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local content as a tool of soft power.

Within the Saudi pavilion, the Commission is showcasing the Kingdom’s cinematic achievements through an exhibition featuring films that have sold over 250,000 tickets at the box office, participated in prestigious international festivals, or won global awards. This underscores the growth of the Saudi film industry and its rising prominence on the international stage.

The Saudi Film Commission is part of the joint Saudi pavilion, which includes other creative sector entities such as the Music Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Fashion Commission, and MOCX. Together, they present a comprehensive view of the Kingdom’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.

This participation underscores the Film Commission’s commitment to expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence, empowering creative talent, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in the cinema industry.