NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama’s bodyguard, suspected of slapping pop star Britney Spears, will not be prosecuted, Las Vegas police said Friday.
“No charge will be brought against the person involved,” the police said in a statement, announcing the conclusion of their open investigation for assault and battery.
Apologies demanded
Britney Spears had filed a handrail because of an incident that occurred Wednesday evening in front of a restaurant in Las Vegas. She explained on Instagram on Thursday that she had been slapped by a member of San Antonio Spurs security, after having “tapped the shoulder” of Victor Wembanyama, whom she wanted to “congratulate on his success”.
The blow “almost made me fall and ripped off my glasses,” she was indignant, demanding an apology from the team and the player.
“I didn’t watch,” says Wembanyama
Currently in Las Vegas to play his first match with the Spurs against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday evening, the French basketball player confirmed the incident, but assured that he only learned after the fact of the singer’s involvement.
“I felt that security had removed this person, but I do not know with what degree of force,” said the player Thursday after his training. “I didn’t watch, I just kept walking to get dinner and have a good night out,” he added, adding that San Antonio Spurs security “briefed him” to he does not stop in order to avoid “provoking a crowd”.
Aged 19, Victor Wembanyama is considered the biggest potential in world basketball since LeBron James, and was welcomed as a rockstar in Texas in June.