Security at Madison Square Garden in New York City apparently cracked down hard around pop star Taylor Swift's (36) wedding to football player Travis Kelce (36). As "Page Six" claims to have learned, several employees were escorted out of the New York arena on Thursday evening - the night before the wedding ceremony - because they allegedly took photographs there.
Transfers threatened
Reports differ on the exact number. One source told the outlet that two stagehands were escorted out for taking photos. A second source put the number of those affected at four. Apparently, no one was fired. Since the employees work for the union and are not directly employed by Madison Square Garden, a mediation process would have to be completed before termination, it was said. However, the incident is expected to have consequences: Those affected could no longer be deployed directly in the arena. However, they would still be allowed to work elsewhere within the Madison Square Garden corporation.
Strict precautions days in advance
The ejection fits into an unusually strict security concept. Already at the beginning of the week, it was said that company employees were banned from entering the arena in advance of the celebration. "MSG is off-limits to all company employees this week", a source described to "Page Six" as early as Tuesday. The invited guests were also urged to maintain secrecy. A large portion of the approximately 1,000 attendees allegedly had to sign non-disclosure agreements and were not allowed to reveal any details about the ceremony. Exceptions were reportedly made only for the closest circle of friends and family, who did not have to sign. A strict cell phone ban was also reportedly in effect during the celebration.
Few glimpses into the mega-bash
Guests included Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Grant, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, and Dakota Johnson, among others. Despite the secrecy measures, some details have now leaked to the public. George Stephanopoulos (65), host of "Good Morning America", was the first to speak out after the celebration and shared: "The ceremony was great, moving. Adam Sandler, funny and touching. The vows were everything you would want: authentic, vulnerable, serious and silly. Full of love. Who would have thought that a wedding at Madison Square Garden could be so intimate?" Rap star Nelly (51) called the celebration "incredible".
The ceremony was officiated by actor Adam Sandler. Swift's brother Austin and Kelce's brother Jason served as best men. As various insiders revealed to US media, Paul McCartney reportedly performed the Beatles song "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The hall was reportedly designed as a garden setting, and the bride and groom each read 20-minute wedding vows. According to Swift's spokesperson, both wore Haute Couture by Christian Dior. The shoes were from Christian Louboutin, and Cartier contributed the jewelry.
