An incident on a dock in Sydney Harbour has sparked controversy, involving Scott Swift, father of singer Taylor Swift, and Australian paparazzi photographer Ben McDonald. The altercation reportedly occurred following Taylor’s final concert in Sydney. Police are investigating the matter after McDonald reported being assaulted by a 71-year-old man believed to be Scott Swift.
McDonald, identified as the chief executive of Matrix Media Group, alleges that Scott Swift punched him during the encounter. According to McDonald’s account, he was covering Taylor’s movements as she disembarked from a superyacht at Neutral Bay. Security personnel accompanying Taylor reportedly pushed paparazzi photographers, including McDonald, as they tried to capture images of the singer. Scott Swift then allegedly joined in and physically assaulted McDonald.
The altercation took place around 2:30 a.m. following a late-night celebration involving Taylor and her father, who had been partying onboard their superyacht. McDonald claims Scott Swift struck him on the left side of his face, causing visible injuries. However, he did not require medical attention, as per police reports.
A representative for Taylor Swift provided context to the incident, stating that aggressive individuals were attempting to approach Taylor and her security team, even threatening a female staff member. Photographs from the scene depict Taylor walking under an umbrella with an unidentified individual, followed closely by paparazzi.
Authorities are now conducting inquiries into the matter, with attention focused on the events leading up to the altercation between Scott Swift and Ben McDonald.