Spears Says She Did Not Grab NBA Player in Vegas: Singer Slapped by Security

First it was that infamous Zsa Zsa Gabor and the Beverly Hills cop during the 1980's commonly referred to as ‘the slap heard ‘round the world’.

More recently, comedian Chris Rock was slapped by actor Will Smith while on stage at the Oscars.

Now it's Britney Bitch!

What stays in Vegas, does not always stay in Vegas these days.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, the man listed on the police report as the one who slapped Britney Spears is Damian Smith, the Director of Team Security for the Spurs.

"Our sources say it is not being handled as a criminal matter, because cops determined Smith was not trying to hurt Britney but rather defend Victor Wembanyama."

"Britney and co. walked over to Catch, and as they were entering the restaurant, Britney spotted Victor. We're told she's a fan and went over to him to ask if they could take a photo together. She tapped him on his back, right shoulder and, we're told the Director of Team Security for the San Antonio Spurs -- the team that drafted Victor last month -- instantly backhanded her, causing her to fall to the ground ... knocking her glasses off."

The security guard apparently went over to Britney's table later on to apologize and admitted he did not know who she was at the time she approached and he was attempting to protect Victor.

Victor Wembanyama said he believes Britney Spears grabbed him from behind as he was walking into a restaurant at a Las Vegas casino Wednesday, and that the security detail he was with pushed the pop star away. https://t.co/yp0cPGUlhH pic.twitter.com/bjVO800GIt

— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) July 6, 2023

By Thursday evening, Spears offered her side of the story.  She claims to have just tapped him after it was alleged the "Slave For You" singer grabbed him.

"I have yet to get a public apology from the player, his security or their organization," Spears said in her statement. "I hope they will ..."

Wembanyama says he was advised by his security not to speak to anyone and to continue walking.

mindful that pausing could cause a stir and allow a crowd to build.

"Something did happen, a little bit, when I was walking with some security from the team to some restaurant," Wembanyama said. "We were in the hall. There was a lot of people, so people were calling (at) me, obviously. There was one person who was calling me but we talked before with security.

"I couldn't stop. That person was calling me, 'Sir, sir,' and that person grabbed me from behind," Wembanyama said. "I didn't see what happened because I was walking straight and didn't stop. That person grabbed me from behind -- not on my shoulder, she grabbed me from behind. I just know the security pushed her away. I don't know with how much force but security pushed her away. I didn't stop to look so I could walk in and enjoy a nice dinner."

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department issued a statement to the Los Angeles Times saying officers responded to a "battery investigation" at that address without specifying any individual names. The statement went on to say that "no arrest or citations have been issued" and that "no further details will be provided at this time."

- Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com