Prince Harry issues statement after Spike Lee video sparks controversy

Prince Harry's spokesman has dismissed as nonsense the claim that filmmaker and actor Spike Lee snubbed him during Saturday's NBA Finals clash in San Antonio.

A video of the encounter between King Charles's younger son and Lee went viral after the clip was shared with captions that it appeared to show the Duke of Sussex being snubbed by the American.

The Oscar-winning director saw Harry 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, 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 Lee's chest before eventually managing to grasp the filmmaker's hand for a brief shake.

The light-hearted moment quickly became topic of speculation, with some linking it 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.

Lee has previously acknowledged awareness of this, revealing he raised the matter directly with Prince William at a Bafta ceremony in London.

"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?'" Lee recounted.

William, during a period when the brothers remained on cordial terms, responded: "I'll pass on your message."

Some users think Lee was jokingly mentioning Harry's online pseudonym.