Taylor Swift's Dad Accused of Punching Photographer in Australia

Taylor Swift's father reportedly slapped a member of the paparazzi while the two were out in Australia early on Tuesday morning. The incident apparently took place while the two were out.

It was alleged by News.com.au that the "All Too Well" singer was exiting a yacht when the megastar's father, Scott Swift, is accused of punching a photographer at the ferry wharves in Sydney just as the singer was leaving the vessel.

Taylor Swift's Dad Scott Swift Accused of Assaulting Photographer

(Photo : VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - US singer Taylor Swift arrives for the "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" concert movie world premiere at AMC The Grove in Los Angeles, California on October 11, 2023.

An alleged assault occurred at Neutral Bay Wharf in Sydney at approximately 2:30 a.m., involving a 71-year-old man and a 51-year-old man, as reported by a spokesperson from the New South Wales police. Although not officially confirmed, it is suggested that the older individual involved may be the father of pop sensation Taylor Swift.

The reported victim, a 51-year-old photographer identified as Ben McDonald of Matrix Media Group, claimed to have been assaulted while on the job chasing Taylor Swift. McDonald mentioned sustaining a "sore left chop" but clarified that he did not require serious medical attention.

The incident took place as Taylor Swift, who was escorted by security officers, disembarked from a super-yacht that was docked in Neutral Bay. According to McDonald, security officers who were carrying umbrellas made an attempt to regulate the paparazzi, and it was at that moment that Swift's father reportedly made the decision to punch those individuals.

The photographer expressed bewilderment at the unexpected violent encounter, stating, "There was no need for it; the security had it under control." He affirmed leaving the matter to the police for resolution.

In the meanwhile, it has been claimed that Taylor Swift departed Australia on her private plane after the confrontation. It was seen that the jet was leaving Sydney Airport a few hours after the incident that occurred, as per to New York Post.

Photographer Disputes Aggression Claims

Footage leading up to the alleged assault showed Taylor Swift's father, Scott, walking up the wharf while gesturing with the middle finger towards photographers. A spokesperson for Swift claimed the photographers were acting aggressively, threatening security personnel, and attempting to throw a female staff member into the water.

Ben McDonald countered these assertions, labeling them as "utter rubbish." He stated that the only female present was Taylor Swift and that the altercation, captured on camera, did not depict aggressive behavior from the photographers.

An investigation into the alleged incident has been initiated by the North Shore Police Command. McDonald, recounting his 23 years in photography, expressed astonishment, saying, "In 23 years of taking pictures, I have never seen anything like it."

Despite the altercation, Taylor Swift and her entourage were seen leaving The Crown Hotel at Barangaroo in black SUVs before 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Her next scheduled performance is in Singapore on March 2.

Scott, Taylor's father, has been a supportive presence during her Eras tour, gaining attention for distributing sandwiches to fans and offering VIP passes to enhance their concert experience, according to Daily Mail.