Australian authorities are looking into claims made by a paparazzo, Ben McDonald, who alleges that he was assaulted by Taylor Swift’s father, Scott Swift. The incident reportedly occurred on a Sydney wharf after the Swifts disembarked from a yacht on Tuesday. McDonald, 51, claims that the 71-year-old Swift struck his face, but he did not require medical assistance.
A video circulating in Australian media shows Taylor Swift, concealed under an umbrella, walking along Neutral Bay Wharf with her father and security guards around 02:30 local time. While the footage captures a verbal exchange, it remains unclear if it includes the alleged assault.
The singer’s spokesperson did not directly address the assault accusation but stated that two individuals had behaved aggressively toward Taylor Swift and her father. According to McDonald, the altercation occurred after Taylor Swift had already entered a car, and Mr. Swift allegedly charged in and attacked him.
Altercation Involving Taylor Swift’s Father Under Investigation by Australian Police
Ben McDonald, a paparazzo with 23 years of experience, claims to have been assaulted by Taylor Swift’s father, Scott Swift, in Sydney. McDonald alleges that the incident occurred on a wharf after Taylor Swift and her father disembarked from a yacht. He emphasizes that he did not provoke the assault.
According to the singer’s representative, two individuals aggressively approached Taylor Swift, grabbing at her security personnel and making threats. The incident reportedly unfolded after Taylor Swift’s final concert in Australia as part of her highly successful Eras tour.
New South Wales Police have confirmed that the younger man involved has reported the incident, and inquiries are underway by officers from the North Shore Police Area Command.