The photographer who claimed he was ‘punched’ in the face by Taylor Swift’s dad has slammed the popstar’s telling of the events, branding her camp’s response to the incident as ‘bulls**t’ and ‘utter rubbish.’
The singer, 34, became the center of controversy after it was revealed that an n snapper, named Ben McDonald, had accused her father, Scott Swift, of ‘assaulting him’ on Tuesday morning.
And while a spokesperson for the Cruel Summer songstress stated that the paparazzi ‘were aggressively pushing their way towards Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel, and threatening to throw a female staff member into the water,’ Ben, 51, has insisted that wasn’t the case at all.
Ben, who is the chief executive of Matrix Media Group, pointed out that the alleged altercation was caught on camera, insisting that the footage did not show the photographers acting ‘aggressively.’
The photographer who claimed he was ‘punched’ in the face by Taylor Swift ‘s dad has branded the popstar’s telling of the events as ‘bulls**t’ and ‘utter rubbish.’ Taylor is seen with her dad
The singer, 34, became the center of controversy after it was revealed that an n snapper, named Ben McDonald (seen), had accused her father, Scott Swift, of ‘assaulting him’
A spokesperson for Taylor (seen with her dad moments before the incident) stated that the paparazzi ‘were aggressively pushing,’ but Ben, 51, has insisted that wasn’t the case at all
Ben pointed out that the alleged altercation was caught on camera, and that the footage did not show the photographers acting ‘aggressively.’ Taylor is seen performing in Sydney days earlier
He also claimed that the only female at the scene was Taylor, adding, ‘This is the sort of bulls**t I might expect. Which female was that? The only one there was Taylor.’
The alleged incident occurred at a ferry wharf in the suburb of Neutral Bay in Sydney at around 2:30am local time on Tuesday, following the hitmaker’s three-show run in the n city over the weekend.
Taylor and her dad, who is affectionally known to her fans as Papa Swift, 71, travelled from Homebush on a luxury superyacht.
But when they were departing the pier, the photographer claimed that Scott ‘charged at him and punched him in the chops.’
An investigation has now been launched by the North Shore Police Command.
Footage of the moment in question showed Taylor and her father walking hand-in-hand up from the wharf accompanied by two security guards.
Her team attempted to hide her from the awaiting cameras by using large umbrellas.
The reported incident occurred at a ferry wharf in Sydney at around 2:30am on Tuesday morning. Taylor’s dad is seen at the wharf
Taylor and her entourage were seen checking out of the lavish Crown Hotel where she had been staying just before 11am on Tuesday. She then left the country via her private jet
Ben started snapping as a security guard told him not to touch the umbrella. Then, just as Taylor and her posé passed him, the camera jolted and there was movement from behind the umbrella.
A security guard could be heard saying, ‘That wasn’t me, that wasn’t me,’ to which Ben responded, ‘Who was that?’
The photographer said he didn’t know what triggered the alleged assault and that he originally thought it was a security guard who had hit him, and was shocked when he realized it was actually Taylor’s dad.
Taylor was joined by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, during part of her trip Down Under as the lovebirds were seen enjoying a romantic zoo date on Thursday (seen)
‘In 23 years of taking pictures, I have never seen anything like it,’ he said.
‘She got off the boat, she walked towards security guards who were shoving umbrellas in our faces.’
He said he did not require medical attention and does not believe he will have lasting injuries, but added that he is ‘very sore’ on the left side of his face.
Taylor and her entourage were seen checking out of the lavish Crown Hotel where she had been staying just before 11am on Tuesday.
She then left the country via her private jet; her next show is in Singapore on March 2.
Scott has fiercely been by his daughter’s side throughout much of her sold-out Eras Tour.
He has been praised for handing out free food to her supporters in the middle of her Sydney show.
He also gave fans with limited views of the stage VIP passes so they could have access to better seats at her Melbourne concert.
Taylor was joined by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, during part of her trip Down Under as the lovebirds, who started dating back in September, were seen enjoying a romantic zoo date on Thursday.
The blonde beauty was also spotted running into the athlete’s arms and planting a passionate smooch on his lips following her show on Friday.
The blonde beauty was also spotted running into the athlete’s arms and planting a passionate smooch on his lips following her show on Friday
Taylor spared no expense on her digs during the trip, as the Crown Hotel is one of Sydney’s swankiest and most extravagant hotels
It comes as no surprise that she opted for the most opulent – and priciest – room the hotel has to offer: the Crown Presidential Villa (seen), which starts at $16,300 a night
The 860-square-foot, two-story hotel room is situated on the 88th floor and features a stunning panoramic views of Sydney and Sydney Harbor through its floor-to-ceiling windows
But he left Saturday morning, as he was caught partying in a Las Vegas club that evening.
Taylor spared no expense on her digs during the trip, as the Crown Hotel – located in the harbor-side neighborhood of Barangaroo – is one of Sydney’s swankiest and most extravagant hotels.
With upscale restaurants, extravagant facilities, and high-end amenities throughout the property, the venue boasts a guaranteed luxurious experience, something Taylor is more than used to.
It comes as no surprise that she opted for the most opulent – and priciest – room the hotel has to offer: the Crown Presidential Villa, which typically starts at an eye-watering $16,300 a night.
The 860-square-foot, two-story hotel room is situated on the 88th floor, and features a stunning panoramic views of Sydney and Sydney Harbour through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The first floor boasts an expansive living area, kitchen, bar, pool table, and a media room for entertaining.
A dining room comfortably hosts up to 10 people, and there is also a fully equipped office and butler’s quarters.
Meanwhile, the second floor includes a spectacular master bedroom and a spacious bathroom complete with a marble spa bath and steam shower, as well as a second king-size bedroom with a deluxe ensuite.
There’s even a fitness room – which comes complete with infrared sauna – and an open-air terrace with its own heated, private infinity pool.