Singer Britney Spears 'accidentally hit herself in the face' during an incident with the bodyguard of NBA star Victor Wembanyama, police have said. She alleged earlier in the week that she was struck after tapping the basketball player on the shoulder.
But, after analysing a video of the incident, officers say the bodyguard "pushes her hand off of the player without looking which causes Britney's hand to hit herself in the face".
The pop star was trying to get Victor's attention at celebrity hotspot Catch inside the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, the Mirror reports. Britney claimed she "tapped him on his back, right shoulder", and the security then allegedly "backhanded her," according to TMZ.
Addressing the security footage, police said: "Detectives were able to review the surveillance footage of the event which showed Britney going to tap the Spurs player on the shoulder.
"When she touched the player (Wembanyama's bodyguard) pushes her hand off the player without looking which causes Britney's hand to hit herself in the face."
Detectives concluded: "Due to the fact that (Wembanyama's bodyguard) did not wilfully or unlawfully use any force or violence upon Britney and probable cause did not exist, an arrest was not made and citation was not given."
Earlier today, the police department confirmed no charges would be filed. A statement said: "The LVMPD has concluded its investigation of the alleged battery that occurred on July 5, 2023, at 11 p.m., in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard. No charges will be filed against the person involved."
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Wembanyama, the top pick in this year’s NBA draft, and a player for San Antonio Spurs, told US broadcasters on Thursday that a person had “grabbed” him “from behind” while he was in a crowded hall walking to a restaurant.
The 19-year-old said: “I just know the security pushed her away. I don’t know with how much force… and I didn’t stop to look, I kept walking to enjoy the nice dinner.”
He added that he did not think the incident was a “big deal” and when he returned to his hotel room he found out Spears was involved.
He also said: “It turns out it was Britney Spears but I didn’t know, I never saw her face.”
Taking to Twitter, Britney, 41, said: "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.
"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. It was really loud, so I tapped him on the should to get his attention."
Britney's husband Sam Asghari had also taken to social media to speak out in defence of the Toxic singer. Asghari said: "I am opposed to violence in any form, especially without justification in the defence of yourself or someone else who is unable to defend themselves.
"Self defence can be unavoidable, but the defence of any woman, especially my wife, is not debatable.
"I consider my reaction subdued considering what occurred, and I hope the man in question, learns a lesson and changes his disregard for women.
"Thank you for the support."
Britney's representative has been contacted for comment.
