Britney Spears‘ husband Sam Asghari has has spoken out after the singer was allegedly hit in the face by a member of NBA star Victor Wembanyama’s security team in Las Vegas.
The 29-year-old, who wed Spears last year, took to social media to claim that his wife was hurt by a security officer while showing “appreciation” for the San Antonio Spurs’ first-round draft pick at the ARIA Resort & Casino’s Catch restaurant.
He has now called out the “violence” of the security guard on Instagram and defended his actions in response to the incident.
He wrote on his Instagram Story: “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.”
In a statement shared to her own social media accounts, Spears said she “decided to approach [Wembanyama] and congratulate him on his success” and so “tapped him on the shoulder”.
However, French basketball player Wembanyama told US broadcasters on Friday 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.”
Wembanyama added that he did not think the incident was a “big deal” and when he returned to his hotel room he found out that it was Spears.
He also said: “It turns out it was Britney Spears but I didn’t know, I never saw her face.”
Spears denied “grabbing” the athlete in her statement.
In light of the alleged incident, the music star has filed a report with the city’s Metropolitan Police Department with officials telling PA: “On July 5, 2023, at approximately 11pm, LVMPD officers responded to a property in the 3700 block of Las Vegas Boulevard regarding a battery investigation.
“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.”