Britney Spears says Wembanyama’s safety struck her in Las Vegas, Spurs rookie says he was grabbed

LAS VEGAS — San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama stated Thursday he believes Britney Spears grabbed him from behind as he was strolling right into a restaurant at a Las Vegas on line casino, and that the safety element he was with pushed the pop star away.

Wembanyama stated he wasn’t instructed that Spears was the one that grabbed him till hours later.

Spears filed a police report saying she was struck by a safety guard whereas attempting to get the eye of Wembanyama, an individual with information of the matter stated Thursday. The individual spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the police report had but to be launched publicly.

Spears’ representatives didn’t reply to a request for remark and police officers didn’t instantly return a message looking for extra particulars. Wembanyama stated safety suggested him to not cease for anybody as he walked into the restaurant, conscious that pausing may trigger a stir and permit a crowd to construct.

“One thing did occur, a bit bit, once I was strolling with some safety from the crew to some restaurant,” Wembanyama stated. “We have been within the corridor. There was lots of people, so individuals have been calling (at) me, clearly. There was one one who was calling me however we talked earlier than with safety.

“I could not cease. That individual was calling me, ‘Sir, sir,’ and that individual grabbed me from behind,” Wembanyama stated. “I did not see what occurred as a result of I used to be strolling straight and did not cease. That individual grabbed me from behind – not on my shoulder, she grabbed me from behind. I simply know the safety pushed her away. I do not know with how a lot pressure however safety pushed her away. I did not cease to look so I may stroll in and revel in a pleasant dinner.”

TMZ first reported particulars of the occasion that occurred Wednesday evening close to a restaurant on the ARIA resort and on line casino. TMZ stated Spears was in a bunch of 4 attempting to enter a restaurant for dinner and that she “was swarmed by followers as she entered the on line casino.” TMZ stated she observed Wembanyama and tapped him on the shoulder in an effort to get his consideration; Spears, the positioning stated, wound up being struck within the face and having her glasses knocked off.

“I did not know for a pair hours, however once I got here again to the resort … I assumed it was no massive deal, after which safety of the Spurs instructed me it was Britney Spears,” Wembanyama stated. “At first, I used to be like, ‘You are joking,’ however yeah, it seems it was Britney Spears. I by no means noticed her face. I simply stored strolling straight.”

He was unaware that the state of affairs had made headlines till Thursday.

“I noticed the information clearly this morning. I woke as much as a few telephone calls,” Wembanyama stated.

Wembanyama will make his NBA Summer time League debut with the Spurs on Friday evening in Las Vegas in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets. He signed some autographs for followers on the ARIA on Wednesday evening and did the identical for a small variety of onlookers as he entered an area highschool for follow with the Spurs on Thursday morning.

___

AP Leisure Author Andrew Dalton in Los Angeles and Related Press Author Ken Ritter in Las Vegas contributed.