A viral video captured an uncomfortable exchange between filmmaker Spike Lee and Prince Harry during Saturday's NBA Finals clash in San Antonio.
The 69-year-old Oscar-winning director noticed the Duke of Sussex, 41, embracing an acquaintance in the row ahead during the New York Knicks versus San Antonio Spurs match.
When Harry turned and extended his hand towards the renowned Knicks supporter, Mr Lee declined to take it, instead gesturing pointedly at the prince while making remarks in his direction.
The duke responded by placing his hand somewhat awkwardly against Mr Lee's chest before eventually managing to grasp the filmmaker's hand for a brief shake.
Prince Harry arriving at the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks game during the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center
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Both of Harry's security personnel appeared amused by the interaction, visibly grinning throughout. The prince departed shortly afterwards, flashing a playful smile while pointing back at Mr Lee.
Social media users quickly speculated that the encounter related to a years-old controversy involving Harry's choice of online pseudonym.
During his relationship with Chelsy Davy, before meeting Meghan Markle, the prince maintained a covert Facebook profile under the name Spike Wells.
Mr Lee has previously acknowledged awareness of this, revealing he raised the matter directly with Prince William at a Bafta ceremony in London.
Prince Harry placed his hand on Spike Lee's chest after attempting a high-five
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"I said, 'I'd like to speak to you for one second. I have a message for your brother. Your brother used my name as an alias on Facebook. Can you ask him why he did that?'" Mr Lee recounted.
William, during a period when the brothers remained on cordial terms, responded: "I'll pass on your message."
One social media user argued: "If it was a friendly interaction Spike would've first shaken Harry's hand - not point at him."
Another observer commented: "Harry went to high 5 but when Spike ignored that Harry followed through with the hand to touch his chest." A supporter of the duke countered: "That's not what I saw."
Filmmaker Spike Lee celebrates on the court after game four of the 2026 NBA Finals
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A spokesman for Prince Harry subsequently dismissed suggestions that Mr Lee had snubbed him as "nonsense."
The duke attended the match alongside NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who reportedly extended the invitation, and JP Lane, a Purple Heart recipient and Warrior Games athlete.
While celebrities including Taylor Swift, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and Ben Stiller occupied coveted courtside positions, Harry found himself seated in the eighth row.
The Knicks secured their first championship since 1973, triumphing 94-90.
Prince Harry attended the match without Meghan Markle
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The Duchess of Sussex remained in California rather than joining her husband in Texas. She instead shared promotional content for her As Ever lifestyle brand on Instagram, featuring her sauvignon blanc and Brut wines with the caption: "For gathering all summer long."
The duke's Texas trip coincided with Trooping the Colour in London, where the working Royal Family gathered to mark King Charles III's official birthday.
More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians processed through the capital's streets, with the King, Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Princess of Wales and their children watching from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Prince Louis, eight, delighted onlookers with his animated reactions to the Red Arrows flypast, while Catherine was photographed chatting warmly with Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 11, during their carriage procession.