Taylor Swift’s father Scott, 71, is accused of attacking paparazzi on a Sydney wharf as megastar lets her hair down until 3am after wrapping up her Aussie Eras tour
Taylor Swift’s father Scott is accused of assaulting an Australian photographer on a Sydney dock as the pop star let down her hair after wrapping up her Eras tour.
NSW Police confirmed they were investigating claims that Scott Swift, 71, attacked Ben McDonald, 51, at a ferry terminal in the suburb of Neutral Bay about 2.30am on Tuesday.
It’s understood Taylor and her dad – affectionately known as ‘Papa Swift’ – were partying to celebrate her final show in Sydney when he allegedly punched Mr McDonald on the left side of his face.
The North Shore Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged incident.
Mr McDonald, the CEO of Matrix Media Group, told Daily Mail Australia that Taylor and Scott traveled from Homebush on a luxury superyacht called Quantum after her performance.
Taylor Swift was pictured during her Eras tour in Sydney on Friday evening. She has now completed her tour of Australia
Police confirmed they were investigating claims that Scott Swift, 71, attacked a photographer. Taylor was pictured under the umbrella last night, next to her father Scott (right).
When they got out, Scott “attacked” him, he claimed.
Mr McDonald initially thought it was a security guard and was shocked to realize the alleged attacker was Taylor’s father.
“In 23 years of taking pictures, I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said.
Mr McDonald said he did not know what prompted the alleged attack.
“He probably decided he had to defend his daughter for some reason,” he said.
“She got off the boat, walked towards the guards who were pushing umbrellas in our faces, and then he attacked.”
Footage of the alleged incident showed Taylor and her father leaving the dock with large umbrellas blocking the view.
Mr McDonald started shooting and a security guard could be heard telling him not to touch the umbrella.
Scott Swift is pictured holding Taylor’s hand at Neutral Bay wharf, on Sydney’s North Shore, about 3am on Tuesday
Matrix Media photographer Ben McDonald (pictured) was reportedly punched in the face by Taylor Swift’s father, Scott
The camera shook and there was movement from behind the umbrella.
A security guard could be heard saying: “That wasn’t me, that wasn’t me.”
Mr. McDonald asked, “Who was that?”
He then went to The Rocks Police Station and reported the alleged incident.
Mr McDonald did not require medical attention and does not believe he will suffer permanent injuries, but has “very painful chops” on the left side of his face.
Scott was a fixture at his daughter’s side during her sold-out Eras tour.
He has been praised for handing out sandwiches to fans in the middle of a show in Sydney and saying ‘help yourself’.
Additional tickets were released the day before Taylor’s first show in Melbourne earlier this month, but most had limited views of the stage.
Scott walked around handing out VIP passes so that excited fans would have access to better seats.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Taylor’s representatives for comment.
Scott was a fixture at his daughter’s side during her sold-out Eras tour Down Under (pictured together)