By Greta Stonehouse, ABC
Taylor Swift hugs Scott Swift at Gillette Stadium on 17 December 2023 in Massachusetts. Photo: AFP
A Sydney paparazzo says Taylor Swift's 71-year-old father "punched" him in the face causing him to file a police report about the alleged attack.
Ben McDonald had been following the megastar while she has been in Australia for The Eras Tour, when he said Scott Swift assaulted him.
The pop star had performed her final show in Sydney and was celebrating with a cruise on Sydney's harbour, before disembarking with her entourage at Neutral Bay Wharf in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to McDonald.
He said her security personnel pushed umbrellas into his camera and face, and at some point [Scott Swift] "has entered the fray".
"He's charged in and punched me in the face," he said.
McDonald from Matrix Media, said Scott Swift's famous daughter was already inside a car by this point.
"In 23 years of doing this I've never been assaulted, let alone been punched in the face by a father".
At the time, he assumed it was a "poorly trained and unprofessional" local security guard.
Scott Swift did not say anything to McDonald during the alleged altercation.
NSW Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.
"Police have been told a 71-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old man at Neutral Bay Wharf about 2.30am, before leaving the location," they said in a statement.
"The younger man reported the incident and inquiries are now underway by officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command.
"The man did not require medical treatment."
McDonald said the injuries were not too serious.
Taylor Swift ended the Australian leg of her worldwide tour in Sydney on Monday night, after performing to sell-out crowds, including 81,000 fans on Friday at Accor Stadium.
ABC has contacted Swift's Australian promoters for comment.
- This story was first published by the ABC.