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Victor Wembanyama addresses incident with Britney Spears

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•07/06/23•

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Photo by Aurelien Meunier | Getty Images

Victor Wembanyama is once again making headlines. However, this time it has nothing to do with basketball.

On Wednesday night, Wembanyama had plans to eat at the same restaurant as Britney Spears, unbeknownst to him. While entering, Wembanayama was swarmed by fans, including Spears. The 41-year-old pop star slipped through the crowd in an attempt to speak with Wembanyama. The kind-hearted idea didn’t go according to plan.

Damian Smith, the San Antonio Spurs’ director of team security, reportedly smacked Spears in the face, believing she was a fan overstepping her bounds. Spears allegedly fell to the floor as her glasses flew off her face.

On Thursday, the 2023 NBA Draft No. 1 pick recounted the incident.

“Obviously, this morning I woke up to a couple of phone calls,” Wembanyama said. “[Spears] grabbed me from behind, so I didn’t see what happened I was walking straight and stuff… So, I just see the security push her away, I don’t know with how much force though.”

Per TMZ, Spears filed a police report against the security guard. Smith reportedly attempted to make amends after the incident, approaching Spears in the restaurant later and saying, “You understand how it is when you’re being swarmed by fans.”

The excuse seemingly failed to satisfy Spears. As for Wembanyama, the 19-year-old NBA rookie claims he was unaware Spears was the victim until hours after the incident.

“I didn’t know for a couple of hours,” Wembanyama said. “I thought it was no big deal. And the security person told me it was Britney Spears. At first, I was like, ‘No, you’re joking.’ But, turns out it was Britney Spears. I didn’t know because I never saw her face. I just kept walking straight.”

It’s difficult to blame the budding star. Standing at 7-foot-5, Wembanyama stands out in any crowd. The Frenchman likely has learned to simply keep his head down and avoid crazed fans. Unfortunately, for him, Spears happened to be that fan on Wednesday night.

Wembanyama is set to make his official NBA Summer League debut Friday evening at 7 p.m. as he takes on the Charlotte Hornets and No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller.