Taylor Swift's Dad Under Criminal Investigation Following Paparazzi Incident
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on February 26, 2024 at 8:48 PM EST
Taylor Swift's dad, Scott, has been accused of attacking paparazzi following one of his daughter's shows in Australia -- and is now being investigated by police.
The pop icon recently resumed her International Eras Tour, having just wrapped her Sydney leg Monday night. As she prepares to begin her shows in Singapore, her father is seemingly getting into some legal trouble after allegedly assaulting the paps in Sydney.
Taylor Swift's Dad Allegedly Assaults Paparazzi In Sydney
New South Wales Police Media Unit is investigating the alleged assault between photographer Ben McDonald and Swift's dad, Scott.
The incident was first reported to police on Sydney's North Shore very early Tuesday morning local time after a 71-year-old man, who is believed to be Scott, reportedly got into a physical confrontation with a 51-year-old man -- McDonald -- at Neutral Bay Wharf. The incident allegedly took place at about 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.
NSWPMU says it is investigating to determine if a crime was committed, but they did note that the alleged victim did not need medical attention.
A rep for Taylor Swift spoke out following the incident, saying, "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."
Taylor Swift Thanks Sydney Crowd As She Wraps Tour Leg
On Monday, the 'Karma' singer thanked her fans in Australia as she took the stage for her fourth and final time down under.
“You’re out here making me feel like I’m the first artist to play four shows at Accor Stadium!” she told the crowd after taking the stage. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that you make me feel like the man," she said just before performing her hit, 'The Man'.
"Well, I am absolutely delighted to say these words to you. Sydney: welcome to the Eras Tour! This is our final night of four. And we have had the most wonderful time, I’ve got to tell you that,” Swift said, per news.com.au. “You are here in one of the most exciting cities in the world, and you chose to hang out with us. Thanks guys!"
A few nights earlier, Swift thanked Sydney for making her and her band feel at home, telling her fans "Me, my band, the dancers, you make us feel like we're at home here, you really do. It's very rare." She then went on to rave about their accents.
"The more time we spend around you, the more favorite things that we find about you, but obviously you know we love your accents. But I have a very specific word that is my favorite word that you say in an Australian accent and that word is the word 'No'," Swift said.
Adding, "It is the most glorious sound. The more you chew on that no [said in an Australian accent], the more you just ... I really think you say it better than I say it, so this song incorporates the word no several times. The choice is yours. You can sing it American like me if you want, or you can just be yourselves and you can say, 'You should've said no [said in an Australian accent].' "
Taylor Swift is about to head to Singapore. It is unclear if her father will be joining her.