Taylor Swift’s camp hits back at claims her dad, Scott, assaulted photographer in Australia

Taylor Swift’s camp has hit back at claims her dad, Scott, assaulted a photographer on Sydney’s north shore on Tuesday.

Taylor Swift’s camp has spoken out after the singer’s father was accused of assaulting a photographer while the pair were out in Sydney on Tuesday.

The megastar’s dad, Scott Swift, allegedly slugged paparazzi photographer Ben McDonald at Sydney’s ferry wharves as the “Cruel Summer” hitmaker was exiting a yacht.

Local police did not confirm that it was the singer’s father but said a 71-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old man at Neutral Bay Wharf at about 2.30am, a New South Wales police spokesperson said.

However, a spokesperson for Swift has hit back in a statement to celebrity website, Page Six.

“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 singer’s camp said.

Matrix Media photographer Ben McDonald (pictured) was allegedly struck in the face by Taylor Swift's father, Scott Swift. Picture: Supplied

Mr McDonald, who owns photo agency Matrix, told NCA NewsWire the “crazy” incident unfolded after she disembarked the boat at Neutral Bay wharf, flanked by security.

“As she got closer, the security shoved his umbrella in my face and camera, then as she got in the car her dad decides to charge me and punch me in the chops” he alleged.

Mr McDonald quipped while one security guard was quick to say “that wasn’t me”, he didn’t realise who it was until later on.

“I didn’t realise it was her dad to start with,” he said.

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

While the photographer has a “sore chop” from the incident, he said it was “just a bruised ego more than anything”.

Mr McDonald did not require any medical treatment, police confirmed.

Taylor Swift and her father Scott Swift have a close relationship. Picture: Supplied

Paparazzi snaps at the time of the alleged altercation showed the 14-time Grammy winner, 34, and Scott holding onto each other while leaving the dock as Taylor covered herself with a black umbrella.

They were joined by two security guards, who flashed a light at the paps.

Footage obtained by Daily Mail also showed the alleged attack play out. The pap’s video camera jolted as two people seemingly ran into each other while Taylor and Scott got into the car.

A man can be heard stumbling as a voice is heard saying, “Who was that dude?”

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Nicole Kidman was granted a restraining order against freelance photographer Ben McDonald and won a court battle against him. 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. There was no court battle between Ben McDonald and Nicole Kidman. We apologise to Mr McDonald for the error.

Originally published as Taylor Swift’s camp hits back at claims her dad, Scott, assaulted photographer in Australia