Taylor Swift's UK Eras Tour sparks controversy as Met spends nearly $1M of taxpayers' money on security
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Pop icon Taylor Swift's highly-anticipated 'The Eras Tour' in London sparked a financial outrage apart from being a big cultural phenomenon across the globe.
The Metropolitan Police reportedly spent over $1 million to provide security for Swift's sold-out shows following a bomb threat at a previous show in Vienna and costs surged due to special demands from her management team, according to Radar Online.
Metropolitan Police spent $1 million on security for Taylor Swift's tour
The Metropolitan Police Service in London underwent a financial burden of more than $880,000 to provide security for Taylor Swift's concerts. The cost hiked by almost $200,000 due to additional security measures requested by the pop icon's team which included a police escort with specialist outriders, per the outlet.
Moreover, the policing expenses for the eight sell-out shows went up significantly, from $85,000 per night in June to nearly $126,000 per night upon the Swift's return in August.
The 45 percent surge was due to heightened security concerns for Swift after the cancellation of three concerts in Vienna following a bomb plot. Swift's team, led by her mother and manager, Andrea, demanded a police escort with specialist outriders.
Interestingly, Andrea also threatened to cancel the August dates if the security measures were not met. It would have reportedly caused a massive negative impact on the UK's live music economy, leading to hundreds of thousands of disappointed Swifties.
Taylor Swift's mother negotiated with government officials for heightened security
The pop icon's mother directly negotiated with government officials, including a former aide to Keir Starmer, Sue Gray, for the provision of the blue-light escort.
Moreover, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also got involved and urged the Metropolitan Police to be flexible in their approach, as per Radar Online.
Swift canceled three shows in Vienna after a small group of ISIS-inspired suspects plotted to launch a suicide attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium venue where she was set to perform.
Meanwhile, Vienna police said that the suspects had friends hired as security for the event. The three suspects reportedly planned to "bomb the gig and mow down fans" before the terror suicide plot was foiled by US intelligence and Europol.
Police statistics highlighted the significant financial resources allocated to ensure the safety and security of Swift's concerts which made them one of the most expensive events to police in recent years.
Swift's price tag compared to the security costs for Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium was completely different. The former One Direction singer's four-night run cost a total of $277,000, approximately $69,000 per night.
Internet criticizes Taylor Swift as Metropolitan Police shed $1 million on security during Eras Tour
Many internet users slammed Taylor Swift as 'The Eras Tour' in London sparked a financial outrage for the Metropolitan Police as they underwent a financial burden of more than $880,000 to provide security.
A user wrote on X, "She is that big?" One added, "Can't wait to see what she gets in the US 2025 lol."
A person also stated, "Dont they have to pay for this ? Like, I’m pretty sure you have to pay the police force to run security for you." Another mentioned, "Privileged little madam."
Dont they have to pay for this ? Like, I’m pretty sure you have to pay the police force to run security for you
— Danny Dubbzz (@RoofMasterDan) November 14, 2024
A user also wrote, "Billionaire who hates half of the US. Let her supply her own escort." One commented, "Celebrities should NEVER EVER be put on a pedestal just because they have money & so called status most of them are EVIL BEYOND WORD'S, & TAYLOR SWIT IS NO DIFFERENT."
Billionaire who hates half of the US. Let her supply her own escort.
— Birka Bj581 (@ATLgal77938) November 14, 2024
Celebrities should NEVER EVER be put on a pedestal just because they have £ & so called status most of them are EVIL BEYOND WORD'S, & TAYLOR SWIT IS NO DIFFERENT
— christopher leighton (@redevil2011) November 14, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
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