Summary: Taylor Swift won her civil lawsuit against former radio DJ, David Mueller.
It’s official. He put his hand on her ass and didn’t let go.
That’s what a judge ruled on Monday in the case of singer Taylor Swift against former radio DJ David Mueller. Swift claimed that in 2013 she met Mueller at a concert meet-and-greet, and that during their photo op who put his hand under her skirt and squeezed her bottom.
The singer reported his action to his employer, Denver radio station KYGO, and Mueller was promptly fired. Instead of moving on from his life, however, Mueller sued Swift for $3 million in 2015, stating that her false accusation caused him to lose his $150,000 a year job.
Mueller’s lawsuit prompted Swift to file a countersuit, claiming that he had sexually assaulted her. In her civil case, she sought only $1, and she said that the case was not about the money but for standing up for women.
Last week, a jury of eight heard Swift, Mueller, and other witnesses’ testimony, and on Monday, they deliberated. According to The New York Times, the federal jury found Mueller guilty of assault and battery and ordered him to pay $1.
On Thursday, Swift testified that Mueller had grabbed her during the photo taking, and Mueller’s lawyer had asked what she felt about his subsequent firing.
“I am not going to allow your client to make me feel like it is in any way my fault, because it isn’t,” Swift said. “I am being blamed for the unfortunate events of his life that are a product of his decisions and not mine.”
Mueller stood firm during the trial that he had never grabbed Swift’s behind, and on Monday after the ruling, he told ABC News that he was innocent.
“What I’m saying is I didn’t do what they said,” Mueller said. “I never grabbed her. I never had my hand under her skirt and I can pass a polygraph.”
After days of emotional testimony, Judge William Martinez threw out Mueller’s original lawsuit against Swift on Friday, and on Monday, the jury made their decision in Swift’s case.
Swift later thanked the legal system and said that she hoped she had inspired other women to come forward who had been in similar situations.
“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. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves,” Swift said.
Mueller was represented by attorney Gabriel McFarland, and Swift was represented by Douglas Baldridge.
Mueller told ABC News that he had passed two polygraph tests and would continue fighting to clear his name. He said that he would most likely appeal Monday’s decision.
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