If it can be proved that Spears conspired or was involved in the "vicarious liability" for the action of her bodyguard, she can be charged.

Spears' security officer, Cesar Julio Camera, was cited for misdemeanor battery after detectives from Metro's violent crimes section investigated the incident.

Spears responded by alleging that, in a second incident at the scene, a photographer battered Camera and her son, Sean, who at the time was being held by Camera.

Earlier this year, Michael Jackson faced a similar charge after a dust-up at the Monte Carlo involving a paparazzo and Jackson's children.

That case went nowhere, said Jackson's attorney, Dominic Gentile, "and in my view, I believe there would have to be very strong proof, otherwise it's just a cheap shot by a photographer who wants to be famous."

Spears' latest debacle raises a series of questions, including: How badly has she damaged her already-fragile comeback chances?

Thursday's blowup at one of the world's ritziest hotels, including a report that Steve Wynn ordered her eviction, comes simultaneously with all the ugly details of her photo shoot/interview with OK! Magazine.

Her erratic behavior heightened speculation that her rumored Sept. 9 comeback launch at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Palms may be in jeopardy. There are questions, too, about her status as celebrity host for Pure Management Group's grand opening Aug. 31 of LAX nightclub at Luxor.

Nothing's changed on that front, we hear.

A bigger question might be whether her family is preparing to step in again.

Sources indicated Spears' mother, Lynne, and Britney's little sister Jamie Lynn, were coming to Las Vegas to meet with Britney and her two sons.

Britney and her mother have reportedly undergone a bitter split over her mother's role in the singer's forced rehab earlier this year.

Meanwhile, OK! reported that Spears' bizarre behavior at the interview/photo shoot included ruining a dress by rubbing grease on it after eating chicken with her fingers.

Minutes later, her new Yorkie puppy pooped on a $6,700 Zac Posen gown and "neither Britney or her assistant bothered to clean it up until the coordinator demanded it be taken care of," the magazine reported.

Throughout the first two hours, Spears repeatedly used the restroom without bothering to close the door.

After only a few test snaps, a discombobulated Spears walked over to the stereo, removed her CD and stormed out, taking $8,500 worth of fashion items with her.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

CityLife editor Steve Sebelius had a birthday surprise July 20 for his girlfriend/PR whiz Eryn Rice during their trip to San Diego. He proposed at Humphries Half-Moon Inn on Shelter Island. They celebrated with Veuve Clicquot champagne and an intoxicating view of San Diego Bay. A Nov. 10 wedding is planned in Boulder City at the home of Bob and Linda Faiss overlooking Lake Mead. Rice works for Faiss Foley Warren public relations.

SIGHTINGS

At Pure (Caesars Palace) on Friday: Nicky Hilton and boyfriend David Katzenberg, Jaime Pressly, celebrating her 30th birthday with an '80s-themed group; USC quarterback John David Booty, ice skating star Michelle Kwan, actors Chris Tucker and Taye Diggs; director Brett Ratner, and Haylie Duff. ... Actor Ryan Gosling, at "Zumanity" (New York-New York) on Friday. ... Diggs at "Love" (Mirage) on Friday. ... Hilton, Katzenberg and Kenneth Cole at Tao (Venetian).

THE PUNCH LINE

"It seems to me that the swanky celebrity rehab doesn't work as well as the just regular rehab. Just my opinion." -- Craig Ferguson

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.