Spears 'had nothing to do with' paparazzi shooting

LOS ANGELES - Pop star Britney Spears and her security staff have denied knowledge of the pellet-gun shooting of a photographer who was staking out a private baby shower for the singer in Malibu.

Paparazzi photographer Brad Diaz said he was struck in the thigh by a pellet on Saturday outside the mansion where the pregnant star was visiting and enjoying a party thrown for her.

Police are investigating his complaint of misdemeanour battery.

"Britney didn't know anything about it. She had nothing to do with it," said Spears' publicist, Nicole King. Asked whether the singer's security was involved, King said "Oh no!"

Spears, 23, whose first baby is due in October, has remained as much a subject of tabloid fascination since her marriage to dancer Kevin Federline and her pregnancy as in her days as a teen pop phenomenon.

Police said Diaz was treated with an adhesive bandage at the scene and described his injury as insignificant. But they said they would reconstruct the incident and talk to everyone involved.

"We will conduct a thorough investigation just as we would with any other complaint," said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore.
Video taken by other media outside the Malibu house showed Diaz with a bloody thigh and guests entering the well-screened villa carrying gifts and packages.

- REUTERS