Music

The Victor Wembanyama security guard accused of slapping Britney Spears during a wild incident in Las Vegas on Wednesday night will NOT be charged with a crime, cops say.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept. ... an investigation into the allegations concluded on Friday morning -- and "no charges will be filed."

No further details regarding the police probe were revealed.

TMZ broke the story ... Spears had attempted to get Wembanyama's attention while outside of Catch restaurant in the ARIA Hotel -- but in an effort to keep the singer away from the San Antonio Spurs star, Wembanyama's security guard struck her in the face.

Spears claimed she was hit with such force, it rocked the glasses off her head ... and nearly knocked her to the ground.

She demanded an apology ... while her husband, Sam Asghari, said he wanted to see the guard punished.

For Wembanyama's part, he said he had no idea it was Spears who wanted his attention until several hours later.

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft also told reporters Thursday that the whole incident with the guard was kicked off because Spears "grabbed" him from behind.

Spears, though, refuted that claim ... and said she simply "tapped him on the shoulder."

Photos we obtained from inside Catch later in the evening show Spears was visibly agitated at her table -- and according to one eyewitness, she seemed to be in shock ... and, at one point, made a beeline for the bathroom.

Spears has yet to publicly comment on the results of of the police findings.

Originally Published -- 9:32 AM PT

Drake found a unique way to show love to Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" re-release -- taking a pic with a look-alike of the pop star he met in Chicago.

The "For All The Dogs" rapper posted the random photo-op on Thursday ahead of his 2nd Windy City show that kicked off his "It's All a Blur" Tour effectively putting the woman, Jaime Kitt Carson, into the internet spotlight ... causing bad blood amongst Taylor's "Swiftie" fan base. 😅

Jaime goes by the name "Trailer Swift" on IG as she's told she favors the "Midnights" singer ... which was her talking point with Drake when he showed up at her job.

She says her encounter with Drake was pleasant but she quickly learned the consequences of newfound fame ... as the Swiftie fanbase is currently accusing her of clout chasing.

It doesn't appear she seems to mind ... the coveted Drake IG pic is better than revenge in this situation.

Britney Spears was extremely agitated after getting slapped by a security guard protecting NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama ... according to an eyewitness and photos obtained by TMZ.

TMZ broke the story ... Britney was outside Catch restaurant at the Aria Hotel Wednesday night when she saw Victor and made her way to him for a selfie. She says she tapped him on the back -- he says she grabbed him -- and Victor's security guy backhanded her across the face. Metro police are now conducting a criminal battery investigation.

An eyewitness who was dining at Catch when Britney walked in tells TMZ ... as she walked in she said in a "very animated voice" that the security guard "punched" her in the face, as she pointed at the guy who was sitting at another table.

The eyewitness says Britney's security guy went over to Victor's security and asked the guy to come over to her table and apologize. The eyewitness says the guy walked over and said "I'm sorry," and said something to the effect he didn't know it was her when he made contact.

Britney seemed in shock, according to the eyewitness, and angry. She said she couldn't believe it happened and beelined it for the bathroom.

We've learned so far ... neither Victor nor anyone else from the San Antonio Spurs has reached out to Britney, and she is not pleased.

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

If it wasn't already apparent, here's some more evidence as to why rapper Blueface won't win "Father of The Year" anytime soon -- bringing strippers into his home with his 6-year-old son present -- and then questioning his child's sexuality.

Blueface posted a series of videos Thursday showcasing multiple mostly-naked dancers twerking in his living room … with his son, Javaughn's mother Jaidyn Alexis, also dancing in the background.

Blueface then leaves the living room for the kitchen to show Javaughn digging through the pantry, teasing, “It's booty cheeks out here, you over here looking for chips and Slim Jim's and s***" … he then proceeded to grill his son, asking if he was gay.

After convincing Javaughn the correct answer was "no," Blueface gave the boy multiple high-fives.

Of course, many who witnessed the encounter online were pissed -- some saying Child Protective Services needed to get involved.

Taylor Swift's homes keep bringing out the most odd behavior -- a woman was just nabbed for allegedly trespassing on her Rhode Island property.

Westerly Police Department Chief Paul Gingerella tells TMZ ... cops were dispatched to the singer's estate Monday afternoon for a report of a trespasser, and when officers arrived they arrested a woman who they say had previously been warned to stay off Taylor's property.

TMZ obtained photos showing the suspect being handcuffed outside the front gate to Taylor's home ... smack in the middle of three "NO TRESPASSING" signs.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, the woman is 54-year-old Kimberly Meyer and she was arrested and charged with one misdemeanor count of trespassing. She was released from custody, but she's due back in court July 14.

It's not clear who called police ... but folks who were there say Taylor's private security told the woman to leave, but she refused to budge.

A source familiar with the situation tells TMZ ... Taylor was staying at the house during the holiday weekend, though it's unclear if she was actually home at the time of the arrest.

Hit-Boy and his dad Big Hit are on a mission to make the most impactful hip hop possible ... even if it means exercising their freedom of speech to a point some will call controversial or even offensive.

We caught the Hollis family out at Dash Radio while they were promoting their critically acclaimed joint album, "Surf or Drown 2."

The project has birthed multiple videos directed by ThirdEyeRaz ... but none more controversial than the visual for "Police," which depicts a role reversal of America's color lines.

Team Hit and their crew portray police officers who arrest white citizens who mouth off the song's lyrics for the camera, n-words included -- which they tell us was a very intentional creative choice.

Big Hit even says a few actors declined to star in the video -- because it required using that word -- but they coached their assembled crew through the scenes ... as they felt the video was important to reflect the current social climate.

It's a topic that Big Hit can relate to ... having been released from prison a few months ago after serving 9 years for an L.A. hit-and-run.

He tells us he's already landed a collab with Snoop Dogg and recorded multiple albums worth of music with his Diamond-certified son.

Michael Grimm, famous for winning "America's Got Talent" season 5, is showing big signs of improvement after being hospitalized with a serious, and mysterious, health issue.

Michael's wife, Lucie, tells TMZ ... he recently had a breakthrough in his recovery, and he's now able to speak and even walk under his own power.

It's big news for Michael, who has been in the hospital since Memorial Day, when he was rushed to an intensive care unit and put on a ventilator.

Michael's wife says he's still in the hospital and doctors have so far been unable to diagnose a specific disease or syndrome behind his hospitalization.

We're told Michael had an adverse reaction to being on the ventilator ... his wife says his brain stopped communicating with the rest of his body.

So, now he needs to relearn movement and speech, which is why walking is such a milestone for his recovery.

While Michael no longer needs a cane and is able to speak, his wife tells us he still can't sing or play guitar ... but he's working on different exercises to get back his musical talents.

The breakthroughs are nice, but there are still some issues ... Michael's wife says he has PTSD from being on the ventilator and some past personal trauma has been resurfacing during rehab.

Britney Spears says NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama is simply wrong when he says she "grabbed" him from behind ... she insists it was simply a friendly tap.

Britney is responding to the story TMZ broke early Thursday ... that the head of Victor's security backhanded her in the face outside Catch restaurant in Vegas. The account she just posted on social media aligns with what she told the police.

Britney says, "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." That hotel is Aria.

She goes on to describe the encounter ... "I decided to approach him and congratulate him on his success.  It was really loud, so I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention."

Now the dispute ... "I am aware the players statement where he mentions 'I grabbed him from behind' but I simply tapped him on the shoulder."

As for the slap, she says "His security then back handed me in the face without looking back, in front of the crowd. Nearly knocking me down and causing my glasses off my face."

Britney adds she herself was "swarmed" by around 20 fans on her way into Aria, noting, "My security team didn't hit any of them."

As we reported, Victor spoke with reporters -- including KENS 5 reporter Nate Ryan -- after practice Thursday to detail his side of how things went down.

Britney says, "“I also don’t appreciate nor do I thin this is a laughing matter. Watching the player smile and laugh was cruel and demoralizing with the situation that took place. I am 5’3 and he’s 7’4…”

Sources close to Britney tell us she hasn't yet heard from Victor's team and she's pissed about it ... thinking someone would've at least reached out to apologize.

TMZ spoke to an eyewitness who says he not only saw the head of security slap Britney, he heard the impact.  He also says Britney was furious, screaming "This is f****** America."

As we reported, Metro PD has launched a criminal investigation and interviewed Britney this morning at her hotel. We're told the case will "likely" be referred to the D.A. for review.

Drake took a shot at Childish Gambino during the opening night of his "It's All a Blur" tour, which, for all intents and purposes could be considered a long-delayed clap back!!!

CG previously admitted his Grammy Award-winning track "This Is America" was originally framed as a Drake diss before he turned it into a protest anthem, and Drizzy didn't let that slide.

Fans combing through Wednesday night's concert footage from inside Chicago's United Center discovered Drake emblazoned the side of the stage with the message ... "The overrated and over-awarded hit song ‘This Is America’ was originally a Drake diss record."

Drake's sub was definitely intentional, the CG-targeting caption went up as he performed his 2011 hit "Headlines" ... a track that outlines how he's always the center of news.

Night one was definitely one Drake Stans will remember for ages. 21 Savage also took the stage and the Canadian rapper debuted holograms of himself and the late Virgil Abloh ... and also got pelted by a cell phone.

Victor Wembanyama says Britney Spears didn't just tap him on the shoulder before a security guard put his hand on her on Wednesday night ... the NBA star says she full-on "grabbed me from behind" -- sparking the intense scene.

The San Antonio Spurs' top pick explained his side of the situation to KENS 5 reporter Nate Ryan shortly after a workout on Thursday afternoon ... saying it all went down as he was walking into Catch restaurant in the ARIA Hotel in Las Vegas.

Wembanyama -- the most touted basketball prospect since LeBron James -- said there were a lot of people in the hallway near the eatery calling for him ... but he was instructed not to stop in order to avoid creating a chaotic scene.

One woman, though, kept asking for him ... before she ran up to him and put her arms around him.

He later learned that person was Spears.

"I didn't see what happened, because I was walking straight and we were told, 'Don't stop,'" Wembanyama said. "But that person grabbed me from behind -- not on my shoulder, she grabbed me from behind -- and so I just know the security pushed her away."

"I don't know with how much force, though. But security pushed her away. I didn't stop to look so I could walk in and enjoy the nice dinner."

Wembanyama said he didn't know the woman was Spears until "a couple hours later" because he never saw her face.

"At first I was like, 'No, you're joking,'" he said. "But, yeah, it turns out it was Britney Spears."

Spears' husband, Sam Asghari, also addressed his side of the incident in a pair of Instagram posts Thursday afternoon ... chastising Wembanyama's security guard for getting physical with the singer during the incident.

"The violent behavior of an out-of-control security guard should not cast a shadow on the accomplishment of a great young man on the rise @wemby," he said. "The blame should fall on the coward who did this, the people who hired him without proper vetting, and a systemic culture of disregard for women within sports and entertainment."

Sam went on to say he believed Spears was "physically assaulted," and he demanded to see changes "come from the top."

"And I look forward to those changes," he said.

50 Cent's 'Power Book II' and "BMF" cast members have been enjoying a healthy rivalry, but to hear Gianni Paolo tell it ... Lil Meech needs the back-and-forth way more than he does.

TMZ Hip Hop recently linked up with the real-life Brayden Weston rocking his G-G-G-Unit gear out in West Hollywood ... and he assures us he enjoys the constant mudslinging between sets but says it really only benefits 'BMF's juice.

Last week, Meech and the "BMF" crew stunted on Gianni and the rest of the 'Power' cast by posting in a private jet they say 50 got exclusively for their travels.

As you know, "BMF" is the autobiographical tale of ex-drug kingpins Demetrius and Terry Flenory ... and Gianni thinks the show is staring its expiration date in the face, despite 50's wish for both shows to go for at least 6 seasons each!!!

Gianni tells us he's proud Meech was able to escape the nepo-baby tag but thinks 'Power II' will go the distance on-air.

Switching gears to his love life, Gianni says he'll only enter a relationship if it's with one Coi Leray ... which might be a one-sided dream for now.

Gianni says he slid into Coi's DMs -- instantly jumping to the topic of marriage, and was left on read for his troubles.

An eyewitness to the Britney Spears slap at the hands of security for NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama tells TMZ ... he clearly struck her and she was furious.

Brian Grajales, a Canadian who was outside Catch restaurant Wednesday night says he saw Britney approach Victor's entourage, clearly wanting to take a photo with him.

Brian says she "infiltrated" her way into his circle, leaned in, and in a British accent, said, "Excuse me, sir ... excuse me, sir." She then touched Victor's back, and that's when he says the head of Victor's security backhanded her right in the face.

One law enforcement source told TMZ, the security guy hit Britney's hand and her hand then hit her face, but Brian squarely disputes that. He says the security guy struck her.

Brian says Britney's sunglasses flew off, but he doesn't recall if she fell, but there was a lot of commotion.

He says Victor walked into the restaurant, and, in a British accent, Britney screamed, "This is f**king America!!!"

As we reported, the Metro PD is conducting a criminal investigation, they went to interview Britney this morning, and we're told the case will "likely" be sent to the D.A. for review.

We've now gotten photos showing Britney Spears and Victor Wembanyama headed toward the restaurant's entrance.

You can see Spears come up from behind the young NBA star -- and from there, a witness said she tried to tap him on the shoulder, which led to things getting physical with security.

We just received contrary information about the police investigation from a source high up in the Metro PD. Our source says this is indeed a criminal investigation and they are taking the incident "as serious as a heart attack." The source adds the case will "likely" be referred to the D.A., although that does not mean criminal charges will be filed.

We're told Vegas police brass will be meeting face-to-face with Britney this morning to discuss the incident.

Our law enforcement sources tell us the cops who responded to ARIA reviewed security camera footage showing Smith push Britney's hand away ... and then her hand, not Smith's, struck her face. Cops did not address the velocity of the force of the swing.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, the man listed on the police report as the one who slapped Britney 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 Spears was allegedly assaulted Wednesday night in Vegas, after a member of NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama's security backhanded her in the face, and she has filed a police report.

The incident went down at Catch restaurant in the ARIA Hotel around 8:30 PM. Britney, along with her husband, Sam Asghari, and 2 others went to the restaurant for dinner. She was swarmed by fans as she entered the casino.

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.

Britney composed herself and went to her table. We're told the security guy came over to the table and apologized. He said, "You understand how it is when you're being swarmed by fans." He apologized and Britney accepted it. BTW, we're told he also said when he slapped her he didn't know who she was.

Britney's security team spent time with Victor's security guy, and afterward her team filed a police report with the Metropolitan Police Dept. alleging battery.

Originally Published -- 7:35 AM PT

Druski thought his Coulda Been Records label was set to get a boost after taking an IG meeting with Birdman ... but their one-on-one left him thinking otherwise.

The Cash Money Records head honcho didn't appear to be in character when he turned the tables on Druski, accusing him of toeing the copyright infringement line with his CBR imprint, which Birdman says sounds too close to the Cash Money Brothers slogan of "CMB."

The logo similarities are also too sus for the mogul's liking.

The comedian attempted to plead his case by name-dropping Lil Wayne and Drake, but didn't sound like he was sticking to a script as he stammered in Birdman's stone face.

Birdman lightened the mood a bit when he referenced his infamous Breakfast Club interview, and told Druski to put some "respek" on his name ... but also made an offer it doesn't sound like Druski has the option to refuse.

Birdman proposed for Cash Money Records to be Coulda Been's owner and financier in exchange for Druski's elevation.

The rapper also sent a stern warning to Kevin Hart for unspecified issues ... and promised to deliver him the smoke in due time.

Drake's just one show into his extensive "It's All a Blur" Tour, and he's already dealing with the flying cell phone trend -- one pelted him in the wrist mid-performance.

The Certified Lover Boy was serenading the crowd Wednesday night in Chicago with his own rendition of Ginuwine's "So Anxious" ... when he was assaulted with the phone. It hit his left wrist, but he just watched it land on the ground, and was definitely not injured.

Confused fans in the audience wondered what they had just witnessed, but Drake couldn't be sidetracked from his mission ... he never made a big deal about the phone, and simply continued crooning for the crowd.

The phone wasn't part of the plan, but Drake did have plenty of props onstage ... life-sized tributes to both Virgil Abloh and the fertilization of life!!!

Social media has inspired concertgoers to throw phones at performers in hopes of getting an exclusive video, but the movement has resulted in disaster -- ask Bebe Rexha, who's just healing from facial injuries suffered last month when a fan hurled a phone at her head.

Stars like Adele have vowed to strike back if phones fly their way, and we just got Jason Derulo's take on the subject, who'd be proud of Drake's reaction ... because he thinks artists shouldn't take pics with devices thrown onstage.

Taylor Swift's dad apparently knew there were some important happenings taking place concerning Big Machine Label Group just days before his daughter's catalog was sold to Scooter Braun.

In an email, obtained by TMZ, Scott Swift provides help into a "data room" for Ithaca -- the company that purchased BMLG (and Taylor's music) for $330 million. The timing of the email -- June 26, 2019 -- is interesting considering the company sale happened just a couple days later. DailyMail was first to break the news of the new details.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us the data room was used to include info about upcoming deals and happenings within the company -- and would have almost certainly included info about the $330M sale.

As we reported, Taylor has maintained she didn't know the sale was even happening until it was finalized and made public. Scott Swift has said he did not participate in any shareholder calls about the sale because they were under strict NDA, and he didn't want to know anything that might jeopardize his daughter's career.

We've also seen a copy of that NDA, which appeared to be standard in its guidelines.

However, Big Machine's CEO Scott Borchetta released a statement shortly after Taylor said she'd been left in the dark, calling Scott out ... "I guess it might somehow be possible that her dad Scott, 13 Management lawyer Jay Schaudies (who represented Scott Swift on the shareholder calls) ... didn't say anything to Taylor over the prior 5 days."

BTW ... Jay still works on Taylor's management team to this day.

We also reported Scott Swift cashed in to the tune of $15 million on the catalog sale as he owned a percentage of Big Machine when it was sold.

A source close to Taylor tells us, "In 2020, the ability to evaluate any opportunity for Taylor to purchase her catalog was conditioned on signing a gag order NDA prohibiting her from ever speaking the truth about Scooter and the situation. Taylor has completely moved on from this saga, and has turned what started out as an extremely painful situation into one of the most fulfilling creative endeavors of her life."

However, our Scooter sources dispute the part about the NDA and gag order ... telling such an order just doesn't exist.

The Taylor source continues, "She re-recorded 3 albums and has 3 more to go. She’s looking forward to the release of her new album tonight."