Britney Spears has broke her silence after reportedly being "hit" by the bodyguard of NBA star Victor Wembanyama.
The pop princess took to social media to release a lengthy statement, calling the incident embarrassing.
It comes after Britney had attempted to get Victor's attention at celebrity hotspot Catch inside the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas. It's reported the popstar, who is a "fan" of the player went up to him to ask for a photo together. She allegedly “tapped him on his back, right shoulder”, and the security then allegedly “backhanded her," according to TMZ.
Taking to Twitter, Britney, 41, said: "Traumatic experiences are not new to me and I have had my fair share of them. I was not prepared for what happened to me last night.
"I recognized an athlete in my hotel lobby as I was heading to dinner. I later went to a restaurant at a different hotel and saw him again. I decided to approach him and congratulate him on his success. It was really loud, so I tapped him on the should to get his attention."
Britney Spears 'selling $12million home' she bought with husband only months agoShe went on to explain she was "aware" Victor has said she grabbed him, but she reiterated this was not the case. Britney said his team "back handed me in the face without looking back" explaining how the blow almost knocked her over.
Britney then said her security has to deal with fans all the time who swarm her and they don't lash out.
She continued: "I think it's important to share this story and urge people in the public eye to set an example and treat all people with respect. Physical violence is happening too much in this world. Often behind closed doors. I stand with all the victims and my heart goes out to all of you."
The Toxic singer claimed she is yet to receive an apology from those involved in the incident but admitted she hoped they would reach out. To conclude, Britney praised the police department dealing with the incident.
An eye witness said Britney had been approaching Victor and using a British accent. The witness told TMZ the star "infiltrated" her way into the basketball player's circle before leaning in and saying in a British accent: "Excuse me, sir ... excuse me, sir." As she went one further and touched Victor's back, the bodyguard is said to have backhanded her in the face.