International pop sensation Taylor Swift has hastily exited Australia following accusations against her father, Scott Swift, of assaulting a local photographer. The departure occurred just hours after the alleged incident, with Taylor’s private jet seen leaving Sydney Airport. The 34-year-old global icon had recently concluded her final Eras Tour concert in the city, with her team and father believed to be onboard the aircraft.
Tour Recap and Jet Departure: The Final Show in Sydney
Swift had been in Australia for a series of seven sold-out concerts across Melbourne and Sydney as part of her Eras Tour. The Bombardier Global 6000 jet, utilized by both Taylor and her boyfriend Travis Kelce for their travels to Australia, was witnessed taxiing down the runway at midday. The departure follows the conclusion of her Sydney concert on Monday night, and she is set to return to the stage in Singapore on March 2.
Assault Allegation: Scott Swift Accused of Striking Photographer
The controversy surrounding Taylor Swift’s departure stems from accusations against her father, Scott Swift, aged 71, for allegedly assaulting Ben McDonald, a 51-year-old local photographer. The incident reportedly took place at a ferry wharf in the suburb of Neutral Bay at approximately 2:30 am on Tuesday, shortly after the conclusion of Taylor’s Australian Eras tour leg.
Team’s Explanation and Contradicting Accounts: Threats and Aggression
Taylor’s team has provided a version of events, claiming that Scott Swift punched the photographer in response to threats made towards a female staff member, with the photographers being labeled as ‘aggressive.’ According to Taylor’s spokeswoman, two individuals aggressively approached Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel and threatening harm to a female staff member. However, McDonald, the CEO of Matrix Media Group, vehemently rejected this account, denouncing it as ‘utter rubbish.’ He asserted that the only female present was Taylor herself.
Photographer’s Perspective: Counter Claims and Investigation
McDonald, who accused Scott of charging at him, dismissed Taylor’s team’s explanation and insisted that the altercation was not caught on camera. He described the photographers’ actions as non-aggressive and expressed disbelief at the alleged assault. An investigation into the incident has been initiated by the North Shore Police Command.
Details of Alleged Altercation: Umbrellas and Security Guards
Footage of the moments leading up to the purported altercation shows Scott walking up the wharf, gesturing with his middle finger at photographers. Taylor and Scott had arrived from Homebush on a luxury superyacht named Quantum before the incident. The alleged altercation took place after umbrellas were used to shield Taylor from the paparazzi. McDonald contends that he began shooting when a security guard told him not to touch the umbrella, leading to the camera jolting and capturing the movement behind the umbrella.
Photographer’s Report and Scott’s Presence at Eras Tour: Unprecedented Events
Following the incident, McDonald promptly reported it to The Rocks police station. While he did not require medical attention and expects no lasting injuries, he noted soreness on the left side of his face. Scott Swift, a constant presence during Taylor’s sold-out Eras tour, had garnered positive attention for distributing sandwiches to fans during a Sydney show. Additionally, he handed out VIP passes before Taylor’s Melbourne show to fans with limited-view tickets.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn