Cops Called After Operagoer 'Swatted' Nicole Kidman During Standing Ovation

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman encountered some drama when the pair took to The Merry Widow at the Sydney Opera House in January.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Urban, 53, and Kidman, 53, caught some heat from a disgruntled attendee who found their applause and standing ovation offensive. As the story goes, Urban hopped to his feet at the end of the performance and was followed by Kidman and the rest of the audience. An attendee behind them found the move offensive, so the two exchanged words and Urban explained that his gestures were mere signs of appreciation and continued to do. Afterward, Urban accused the man of assaulting Kidman after he "swatted" the actress with his program. The pair, as well as Kidman’s mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, who was at the event with them, were escorted out by the singer’s security team. Meanwhile, authorities confirmed to the outlet that officers were indeed called to the venue after the argument broke out in the audience.

"Police have been told a 53-year-old man and a 67-year-old man were both attending the entertainment centre when an argument broke out," police said in a statement without mentioning any names. "Officers spoke to both men and no further action was taken."

Urban and Kidman’s outing occurred after the latter reunited with her family after completing a mandatory self-isolation. The star was recently overseas to shoot scenes for her upcoming film, The Northman, which also stars Alexander Skarsgård and Ethan Hawke.

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