MUSIC
Revealed: person behind Taylor Swift’s London escort and the threat to cancel
The music of the superstar singer-songwriter, along with her NFL boyfriend, usually make up all the headlines, but now there’s another story going around.
This past summer saw London welcome some high-profile stars to its huge stadiums and arguably the biggest of the lot was Taylor Swift. The American singer-songwriter’s sold-out Eras Tour at Wembley was a massive event and fans couldn’t get enough. However, once the music died down, Travis was back on the field and the glitter was cleaned away, the story that is now capturing much attention surrounds the drama over her security detail in the English capital. Specifically, the UK tax-payer-funded police escort for her.
As it turns out, the ‘mastermind’ behind this wasn’t a shadowy political figure or a senior member of Scotland Yard. No, it appears it was none other than Andrea Swift, Taylor’s mother and manager, who allegedly pulled the right strings.
Controversy over Taylor Swift’s escort
Swift senior was reportedly determined to get her daughter a motorbike escort as she travelled through London to her Wembley shows. After a string of cancellations in Vienna due to a credible terror threat, security was understandably top of mind for the Swift camp. Yet the Metropolitan Police weren’t exactly keen on rolling out the blue-light carpet typically reserved for royals and politicians. Enter Andrea, who, according to insiders, threatened to cancel Taylor’s highly anticipated capital shows if her security demands weren’t met.
At first glance, the Met’s refusal to grant a VIP escort seemed to hold firm, rooted in protocols they rarely breach, even for A-listers. But as talks progressed – and with some alleged involvement from figures like Mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper – police resistance seemed to melt away. The final nudge? Legal cover provided by Attorney General Richard Hermer. Though Hermer didn’t attend the concerts, his advice reportedly helped the Met sidestep its reservations. And the £300 million in tourist revenue may have crossed a few minds during those discussions.
Swift’s security concerns were clearly not without merit. Just weeks before the London dates, two people were arrested in Austria on suspicion of plotting a terror attack inspired by ISIS. And let’s not forget the tragic incident in Southport, England, where an attack was made on children celebrating in a Swift-themed party. The question the UK government is currently under pressure for, though, is why the tax-payer’s money was required for a multi-millionaire’s visit.
Opposition politicians are obviously making as big a deal as possible of this decision, with the Labour party having just taken over running the country around 100 days ago. The aforementioned Cooper attended the concert with her husband, former politician Ed Balls, although there is nothing to suggest this was linked. Downing Street insists the police made an independent decision, but as Swift herself might say, this one is sure to leave some shaking it off and others wondering what really went down. Politics, eh!