You do not put your hands on another person without their permission
There is finally a bit of good news for Taylor Swift after spending years fighting a lawsuit filed against her by a radio DJ. A judge sided with Swift and awarded her one dollar, one the record breaking artist hopes is a symbolic gesture for future litigation in sexual harassment cases.
The lawsuits began back in 2013 after Colorado based radio DJ, David Mueller, grabbed Swift’s ass during a meet and greet photo shoot at Denver’s Pepsi Center. Swift outed the DJ who was subsequently fired from the station. Mueller decided to sue Swift for “defamation,” denying the incident took place so Swift countersued for one dollar, standing by her story as the suits dragged out for three years.
Taylor Swift — The 'Sexual Assault' Photo I Wanted to Keep Secret (PHOTO) https://t.co/qT5FRZLo4T
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 12, 2016
In addition to throwing out Mueller’s $3 million lawsuit citing lack of evidence (which he pled down to $250,000 during closing arguments because, you know, Mueller was feeling generous), “the jury also ruled in Swift’s favor on the assault and battery suit she filed in response, forcing Mueller to pay Swift a symbolic $1,” CNN reported.
Swift hoped the dollar countersuit would send a message of hope to other sexual assault victims. “I want to thank Judge William J. Martinez and the jury for their careful consideration, my attorneys Doug Baldridge, Danielle Foley, Jay Schaudies and Katie Wright for fighting for me and anyone who feels silenced by a sexual assault,” PEOPLE reported.
Swift’s lawyer, Douglas Baldridge said the verdict will be “immeasurable to all women,” CNN reported. “The ruling was not just a win” he stated, “but something that can make a difference.”
And the people could not agree more:
If you don't think @taylorswift13 winning is huge, you're wrong. She just inspired god knows how many women to stand up #taylorswifttrial
— Doha Madani (@DohaMadani) August 14, 2017
THIS NEEDED TO BE SAID #TaylorSwiftTrial pic.twitter.com/DJIvrxWk0e
— summer (@slaylorstan) August 11, 2017
In honor of Taylor Swift's victory, I will be rocking 1989 on my ride home
— Amy Berman (@amyrberman) August 14, 2017
ICYMI: #TaylorSwift stood up to the man who assaulted her and she won her civil jury trial. This One is for women everywhere! #girlpower
— Areva Martin, Esq. (@ArevaMartin) August 15, 2017
#TaylorSwift wasnt suing him for money. She sued him on the fact that it is NEVER ok to sexually assault women. https://t.co/0YNDw1hq6W
— bэnnydiэgø ☆ (@bennydiego) August 14, 2017
Can I take back everything less than nice I ever said about #TaylorSwift? Girl is FIERCE. Love her. #taylorswifttrial
— Sasha Brown-Worsham (@sashabrownworsh) August 11, 2017
Taylor Swift has given a clear message to women around the world, "Dont remain quite because it makes THEM stronger" #TaylorSwiftTrial
— Salaar Ahmed (@ahmedsalaar83) August 10, 2017
Old man gropes young woman and when he gets caught he sues her because he got in trouble. So typical. #taylorswifttrial
— Erin Joy Perez (@ewiferezjoy) August 10, 2017
Swift stayed resolute during the entire trial, even when prosecutors asked asinine questions like did she actually “see” the incident directly. Swift responded that she, “couldn’t see exactly because her ass in the back of her body.” Swift also reminded the jury that victim blaming mentality would not be tolerated. “I am not going to allow your client to make me feel like it is anyway my fault because it isn’t,” Swift said during the trial.
According to PEOPLE, Swift released a statement following the verdict saying that she would also be donating an unspecified amount of money to unspecified organizations that help defend sexual assault victims.
“I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this. My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard,” Swift said.
Her lawyer, Doug Baldridge added, “By returning a verdict on Ms. Swift’s counterclaim for a single symbolic dollar, the value of which is immeasurable to all women in this situation…You will tell every woman…that no means no.”