After four days of testimony that began on August 8th, the trial of singer Taylor Swift versus former radio talk show host David Mueller concludes in a verdict favoring of the pop star plaintiff. According to CNN, the jury, which consisted of 6 women and 2 men, ruled in favor of Taylor Swift and subsequently determined Mueller guilty of alleged assault and battery.
The incident in question occurred at a meet-and-greet hosted in Denver in June 2013. Swift accused Mueller of “grabbing her bare ass” while posing for a photograph. Mueller stated in his defense that he merely touched her arm and ribs while “jostling” to position himself for the photo.
Mueller was ordered to pay Taylor Swift a more symbolic than monetary restitution of $1. The singer’s attorney, Doug Baldridge, called the ruling “not just a win” but “something that can make a difference.” “It takes people like Taylor, wonderful people like Taylor, who we all know, to stand up and draw these lines … As I said in the closing [argument], that dollar, that single dollar, is of immeasurable value in this ever going fight to figure out where the lines are, what’s right and what’s wrong,” he told the press. Swift hopes that by coming forth and seeking justice for the sexual assault she experienced, she can inspire other girls who have had similar experiences to overcome their fears and speak out.
Mueller had filed a countersuit against Taylor Swift, her mother Andrea Swift, and radio promotional director Frank Bell for committing torturous interference that sabotaged his $150,000 annual contract with Denver radio station KYGO, and ultimately ruining his career. The judge determined the defendants not guilty, and did not require them to reimburse Mueller for his lost contract or career.