What happened between Taylor Swift's dad Scott and the Australian photographer that filed a report a
Photographer Ben McDonald is alleging the "Evermore" singer's dad punched him while in Sydney, Australia
Taylor Swift may be one of the most powerful and famous women in the world, but to her dad Scott Swift, she'll always be his little girl, and he'll go to great lengths to keep her protected.
Scott, 71, made headlines this week after an Australian photographer, Ben McDonald, 51, filed a police complaint against him for an alleged altercation in Sydney, Australia, where Taylor just wrapped up a slew of Eras Tour concerts.
The "Is It Over Now?" singer's reps have since spoken out about the claims, maintaining she as well as her team were being threatened.
In a statement to CNN, they said: "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."
The incident took place at Neutral Bay Wharf at 2:30am local time, where the Grammy-winner, 34, was aboard a yacht celebrating her final show Down Under.
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In his own claims to the outlet, Ben, who is chief executive of Matrix Media Group, described Taylor's entourage as "aggressive and unprofessional," and explained that as Taylor was getting off the yacht, a security guard forced an umbrella into his face and camera, before he was allegedly punched by Scott.
He also told the Daily Mail: "He probably decided he needed to defend his daughter, for some reason," adding: "In 23 years I have never seen anything like it."
MORE: Heartwarming moment Taylor Swift gifts signed 22 hat to five-year-old little girl
In her two decades of fame, Taylor has faced a series of disturbing incidents and security risks, from sexual assault to stalking. In 2017, she was awarded a symbolic $1 in her counter-suit against former DJ David Mueller (for battery and sexual assault), after he reached under her skirt and grabbed her butt while posing for a photo together at a 2013 event.
More recently, a 33-year-old man was arrested twice within three days after repeatedly attempting to break into her Manhattan home, and acting erratically in the area.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Ben McDonald had a history of hostile situations with celebrities and that Nicole Kidman was granted a restraining order against him, which was inaccurate. A check of court documents revealed an application for an Apprehended Personal Violence Order against Mr McDonald was formally withdrawn by Police in March 2005. We apologise to Mr McDonald for the error.
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