San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama claimed that he was grabbed by pop star Britney Spears in a Las Vegas restaurant on Wednesday night. The 19-year-old top draft pick claims he was walking through the restaurant when Spears approached him from behind and grabbed him, following which Webanyama’s security pushed her away. The controversy around the issue stems from the way the bodyguard treated the pop star, allegedly striking Spears with the back of his hand and nearly causing her to fall down.
After Wembanyama shared his account of the events, Britney Spears also came forward and gave her side of the story. She denies that she grabbed the basketball player, insisting instead that she tapped him on the shoulder, further stating that she simply wanted to congratulate the player on his recent successes and that she couldn’t get his attention by talking as the restaurant was very loud.
"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,” Webanyama said. "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."
For her part, the pop star described the situation as a “traumatic event I was not prepared for” as well as “super embarrassing.” The 41-year-old also urged the public to be more conscious and respectful of people. The young basketball player claims that he didn’t know it was Spears until hours later, and he and his team are yet to issue a public apology to Spears.
The 19-year-old is one of the hottest NBA prospects in recent memory. At over 7 feet tall, the French player averaged an astonishing 20 points and 10 rebounds per game at French team Metropolitans 92 last season. Webanyama will make his NBA debut in the coming 2023-24 season for the San Antonio Spurs.
