A police investigation has been launched in Australia after Taylor Swift's father, Scott Swift, 72, was accused of assaulting a photographer in the early hours of Feb. 27. The incident allegedly occurred as the singer, 34, and her father disembarked from a yacht in Sydney's North Shore following her final Eras tour show in the city.
According to veteran photographer Ben McDonald, 51, who filed the police complaint, Scott Swift punched him in the face at the Neutral Bay Wharf on Tuesday. McDonald claimed that a security guard forced an umbrella into his face and camera when Swift disembarked the yacht, and he also accused the superstar's entourage of being "aggressive and unprofessional," as reported by LA Times.
However, a spokesperson for Taylor Swift has denied McDonald's characterization of the incident, stating, "Two individuals were aggressively pushing their way towards Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel, and threatening to throw a female staff member into the water." The spokesperson did not provide further comment on Scott Swift's alleged actions.
New South Wales Police confirmed that they are investigating the alleged assault, with a media officer stating, "Police have been told a 71-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old man at Neutral Bay Wharf about 2.30am (Tuesday 27 February 2024), before leaving the location. The younger man reported the incident and inquiries are now underway by officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command." The photographer did not require medical treatment, according to the officer.
This incident is not the only recent challenge faced by Taylor Swift. In January, a 33-year-old man from Seattle was arrested outside her NYC home on three separate occasions for stalking and was later admitted to a state hospital for mental health treatment. The cumulative effect of these incidents has left the pop star feeling vulnerable and "at her breaking point," according to an insider.
"Taylor can handle a lot of things, but she's currently at her breaking point," the insider frets, as reported by Life & Style. "It's just all too much." Fortunately, Swift has found support in her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, 34. "Taylor called Travis about her father, and he was so supportive," the insider reveals. "He told her not to pay attention to the negative press and that her dad was only being protective."
The Grammy winner reportedly feels safest when she's with Kelce and has already begun counting down the days until they're reunited. "Taylor has a break coming up in May," the insider notes. "She's made plans to see Travis and, of course, rest and recharge."
As the police investigation into the alleged assault by Scott Swift continues, TMZ has obtained footage of the incident, which shows Taylor Swift being accompanied to her vehicle by her father while concealed by a large black umbrella. A scuffle ensues, but it is unclear where her father is during the crush.
The Eras tour, which has been making history and generating billions in revenue, is set to continue with six concerts in Singapore in early March before heading to Europe in May. The tour will then return to the United States in October and conclude with a three-night stint in Toronto in early December.
As Taylor Swift navigates the challenges posed by her father's alleged assault and the ongoing security concerns, her fans and supporters are undoubtedly hoping that she finds the strength and support needed to overcome these trying times. The pop star's resilience and determination have been a hallmark of her career, and her ability to lean on loved ones like Travis Kelce during difficult moments will likely play a crucial role in helping her maintain her mental and emotional well-being as she continues her record-breaking tour.
