Taylor Swift's Father, Scott Swift Under Investigation for Allegedly Hitting a Paparazzi During Sydney Eras Concert
New South Wales police are delving into allegations of an assault involving Taylor Swift's father, Scott Swift, against an Australian paparazzi member in Sydney, according to Fox News.
The purported incident unfolded at the Neutral Bay wharf around 2:30 am on Tuesday, shortly after the conclusion of the Eras Tour in Australia.
Photographer Ben McDonald, 51, claims that the 71-year-old Swift assaulted him at the wharf.
The Australian paparazzi, McDonald, asserts that Taylor Swift and her entourage, aboard a superyacht, cruised the harbor late at night after the final Australian show.
Upon disembarking, surrounded by security, Taylor allegedly faced a chaotic scene where umbrellas were thrust into the face of McDonald and his camera.
McDonald contends that after Taylor departed in her car, a man, later identified as Scott Swift, struck him in the face before joining the car and leaving the scene.
Alleged Altercation and Disputed Accounts
Footage leading up to the alleged incident captures Scott Swift walking along the wharf, making a gesture toward photographers, Daily Mail reports.
A spokesperson for Taylor Swift responded to the accusations, stating that photographers were being 'aggressive' and cited an attempt to grab at Taylor's security personnel.
McDonald, the CEO of Matrix Media Group, rebuffed the claims, labeling them as 'utter rubbish' and asserting that the only female present was Taylor herself.
The Australian paparazzi alleges that the altercation was recorded, contradicting the assertion that photographers were acting aggressively.
An investigation into the incident has been initiated by the North Shore Police Command.
McDonald reports that Scott Swift charged at him upon leaving the superyacht with Taylor.
Initially mistaking him for a security guard, McDonald was taken aback when he realized the alleged attacker was Taylor Swift father.
The photographer expressed uncertainty about the trigger for the assault, describing it as an unprecedented event in his 23-year career.
Footage of the alleged incident shows Taylor and her father walking with large umbrellas shielding them from view.
McDonald began taking photos when a security guard warned him not to touch the umbrella, leading to a disturbance captured on camera.
McDonald, after reporting the incident to The Rocks police station, disclosed that he did not require medical attention but had 'very sore chops' on the left side of his face.
Taylor Swift's Positive Image and Subsequent Departure
Taylor Swift and her entourage were seen leaving The Crown Hotel in Barangaroo before 11 am on Tuesday.
She departed the country in her private jet, heading to her next show in Singapore on March 2.
Scott Swift, Taylor Swift father, a consistent presence throughout the Eras tour, has previously received praise for distributing sandwiches to fans during a Sydney, Australia show and providing VIP passes to enhance fans' experiences.
No injuries were reported, and the incident has prompted an investigation by the North Shore Police Area Command, per Daily Beast.
A representative for Taylor Swift, in a statement to People, reiterated claims of aggressive behavior by the photographers, emphasizing threats made towards Taylor and her staff.
NSW police spokesperson confirmed ongoing inquiries into the reported altercation between Australian paparazzi and Scott Swift.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Taylor Swift's Rep Speaks Out After Alleged Scott Swift Assault - From E! News
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