Photographer Who Accused Taylor Swift's Dad of Assault Had Previous Run-In With Nicole Kidman: Details

Taylor Swift's father, Scott Swift, was accused of attacking a freelance photographer at Neutral Bay Wharf on the North Shore of Sydney, Australia on Feb. 27.

"As she got closer, the security shoved his umbrella in my face and camera, then as she got in the car her dad decides [sic] to charge me and punch me in the chops," said Ben McDonald.

Elsehwere in his interview, the photographer claimed that he did not know the man who assaulted him was the "Love Story" hitmaker's father, Scott Swift, until he looked it up.

"I looked back at the pictures and saw he was holding hands with Taylor - it then became evident that was her father."

Swift was in Australia for the third leg of her "The Eras" tour; she had a total of seven shows in the country.

Nicole Kidman Filed Retraining Order Against Photographer

According to reports, this is not the first time McDonald had a run-in with a celebrity; in 2005, Nicole Kidman filed a restraining order against him for hiding an electronic listening device outside her home.

The courts granted the actress a restraining order against him, and he was ordered not to approach within 60 ft of her or her residence.

The "You Need to Calm Down" hitmaker's fans were horrified to hear about the alleged incident, and came to her father's defense.

"Wow, understand him being a dad and hope it will work out for Taylor Swift's father, so sad to hear this."

"I hope this doesn't turn into a massive disaster for the artist herself and the Swifties. We are ready to defend her," a fan wrote.

Taylor Swift's Rep Addresses Alleged Assault

Shortly after the allegations came to light, a representative for the singer issued a statement: "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.

Meanwhile, Swift is yet to issue a personal statement regarding the controversy.

Australian fans, in particular, felt saddened by the news, as Swift just came from a high after performing to a string of shows that drew about 288,000 fans.

"96,000 people the first night, 96,000 people the second night, 96,000 people tonight. All of that, those are all the biggest shows I've ever played on a tour and you did it three times," the "Lover" singer said.

Tags
Taylor Swift, The Eras Tour, Nicole Kidman
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