Taylor Swift’s Father Sparks Controversy: Allegedly Punches Photographer After Conclusion of Australian Leg of Eras Tour.

Taylor Swift’s Father reportedly engaged in a scuffle. Allegedly hits photographer after wrapping up Australian leg of Eras Tour.

Ben McDonald reported to authorities that he was struck in the face by Taylor Swift’s father at the Sydney waterfront, following the conclusion of the pop star’s tour in Australia. McDonald claimed that Scott Swift assaulted him at the Neutral Bay Wharf, shortly after the father and daughter disembarked from a yacht.

According to Agence France-Presse, McDonald claimed that he had been capturing photographs of the famous singer and her group on a luxurious superyacht in Sydney Harbor following a late-night celebration after the Australian segment of her Eras Tour came to an end.

Despite not sustaining any major injuries, the experienced paparazzo chose to inform the authorities about the assault.

“It was merely a blow to the face. It’s slightly sore, but there are no visible bruises, and it didn’t necessitate any medical attention,” McDonald stated.

Taylor Swift’s representative did not respond immediately to a request for comment sent by The Associated Press. However, a spokesperson for the singer informed Rolling Stone magazine that during the incident, two individuals were forcefully trying to reach Taylor Swift, grabbed security, and threatened a member of her team.

The New South Wales Police Force media office confirmed that they were investigating an alleged assault on a 51-year-old man by a 71-year-old man at 2:30 a.m. Names were not disclosed by the police, following their policy for such cases. The AFP mentioned that, apart from McDonald, a source from law enforcement identified the accused man as Scott Swift. According to Australian police, Scott Swift “has left the country,” but investigations are ongoing.

Taylor Swift departed Australia on a private jet on Tuesday, following a successful leg of her tour where over 600,000 fans attended her seven stadium concerts. The next destination on her tour is Singapore. According to AFP, more than 300,000 fans eagerly purchased tickets for her six sold-out shows at the National Stadium.

During her departure, media personnel were present, eagerly waiting to capture photographs of the star as she made her way from the jetty to two awaiting cars. McDonald, a photographer, recounted his experience, stating that there were approximately four or five security personnel present. At one point, an American security member aggressively pushed his umbrella towards McDonald and his camera. Shortly after, Taylor Swift entered her car.

McDonald further explained that another individual suddenly approached him and punched him on the left side of his face. Initially, he believed it was an Australian security personnel attempting to assert authority in front of the Americans. However, upon reviewing photos from the evening, McDonald discovered that the person who assaulted him was, in fact, Taylor Swift’s father. He recognized Scott Swift from an online picture, realizing that he was not part of the security team.

McDonald stated that there was no reason for violence.

“We didn’t rush down the jetty or to the back of the boat. We waited for her to come up. We kept it very civil,” he explained.

“However, they decided to be disrespectful and put up umbrellas, then push them into our faces, and then act as if we were the ones initiating contact,” he continued.

According to AFP, Taylor Swift’s fans quickly came to the defense of her father on social media. One user, @Soyytv, posted “Free Scott Swift.”

AFP reports that “Papa Swift,” as he is affectionately called, has gained popularity among fans by distributing sandwiches, fruit, guitar picks, and VIP passes to young members of his daughter’s audience.

Following a career as a financial adviser, Scott Swift now regularly attends Taylor Swift’s concerts and public appearances.

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