Rod Stewart seen performing Nazi salute and punching security guard in footage from raucous New Year's Eve party
Rock icon Rod Stewart and son Sean Stewart can be seen getting into a confrontation with a security guard at a Florida Hotel in footage obtained by the Daily Mail. The 75-year-old singer is shown mocking the security guard who prevented him access to the children's area of The Breakers Palm Beach Resort.
Stewart and his son Sean, 39, were later arrested and charged with simple battery, a misdemeanor that could lead to up to a year in jail. The security guard, Jessie Dixon claimed he was attacked by the father-son duo and is expected to file a civil suit against Rod and Sean Stewart.
In the footage, Rod Stewart is seen having a discussion with a group of people including Dixon. Stewart is then seen performing a Nazi salute with his right arm in what seems to be a mocking gesture, with his left hand to his face like a mustache.
The video has no sound and reportedly took place in the final hours of 2019, during preparations for the New Year's countdown. The father and son pleaded not guilty in January. Stewart was accompanied by his wife, Penny Lancaster, and their two sons, 14-year-old Alastair, and 8-year-old Aiden.
The singer is seen arriving at a check-in table for a private party but his group was stopped by an attendant. He is then seen strutting around and slipping behind the attendant, acting like he is about to grab her. When the attendant turns around, the singer places his hands in his pockets.
According to the incident report filed with the court by Palm Beach Police, the singer and his family were loud and argumentative when the attendant told them they couldn't access the playground.
When Dixon approaches, the discussion initially seems friendly, however, it soon turns animated as Dixon refuses access to Stewart and his group. Stewart is shown briefly walking a few steps away, before turning to Dixon and miming the Nazi salute.
When Stewart's son, Sean moves in front of Dixon, the security guard places the back of his right hand on the former's chest, seemingly creating a personal boundary. However, Sean is then seen pushing Dixon backward with both hands.
Then, Rod Stewart gets involved and is seen throwing a right hook at Dixon, followed by walking towards Sean. While it is unclear whether the singer's fist connected with Dixon, the security guard claims that Stewart struck him on the left side of the chest.
The confrontation then calms down quickly as the other members within Stewart's group play peacemakers. The police report noted that Stewart apologized before he left the area.
Stewart's lawyer, Guy Fronstin called the incident a "misunderstanding," according to the Daily Mail. He said, "This is an unfortunate situation. I'm just glad no one was hurt."