Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Rod Stewart charged by police after 'punching security guard' outside children's party

British singer 'apologised' for 'becoming agitated'

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 04 January 2020 10:35 GMT
Comments
Rod Stewart criticises Elton John's announcement of retirement

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rod Stewart has been accused of punching a security guard during an altercation involving his son.

The guard told police that the pair were part of a group that “began to get loud and cause a scene” when they were denied access to a private party in the children’s area at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida on New Year’s Eve.

According to a probable cause affidavit, a man identified as Sean Stewart, 39, was accused of shoving the guard – named in the report as Jessie Dixon – after being told to back up.

This was allegedly followed by a punch in the ribcage area from the man’s father, Rod Stewart.

The affidavit states that the British singer apologised for his behaviour, which is said to have been depicted in video footage showing “evidence [of] Roderick Stewart intentionally striking” the victim against his will.

Stewart, 74, told police he was denied entry to the area where the children in his group were located, according to the affidavit.

The document notes Stewart’s claims that he became agitated after the security guard became argumentative.

Two employees working the private event corroborated the guard’s claims and submitted sworn witness statements to police.

Stewart has been issued notices to appear in Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Complex on 5 February, where he stands accused of simple battery.

The Independent has contacted Rod and Sean Stewart for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in