Former radio DJ, David Mueller has been accused of groping Taylor Swift before her concert in 2013. Swift said she was “surprised, upset, offended and alarmed” by the alleged incident and Mueller has come forward and said he may have touched her ribs for an estimate of 40 seconds as he tried to jump into a photo. Following the accusations Mueller has been fired and is now seeking at least £3m. Swift has counter-sued Mueller seeking $1 (77 pence) in damages, but hopes that the case serves “as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts” according to court documents.
The 2013 photograph of Swift and Mueller is a key piece of evidence in both lawsuits but this isn’t the only imagery causing a stir. A courtroom sketch is doing the rounds and it doesn’t exactly capture the glowing pop-star we know and love. No photographs of Swift entering the Denver Court have be seen, so this sketch is all we have to go by. Although the unusual portrait has lightened the mood, the seriousness of the case should not be overlooked.
Along with her Mum and lawyer, Swift has brought along an army of fans from around the world, eager to show their support in her time of need. Fans lined up outside the courtroom holding tokens, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star during the nine-day trial. Whilst only 32 members of the public can be in the courtroom, seventy-five other people can watch at least part of the action via a video monitor in an overflow room.
‘Right as the moment came for us to pose for the photo, he took his hand and put it up my dress and grabbed onto my ass cheek and no matter how much I scooted over it was still there’ Swift states. So many women and girls, including myself, have been subjected to this level of sexual assault and it’s about time the perpetrators faced the consequences of their actions. Inappropriate touching in any form is sexual assault and is just so wrong. This case highlights the importance of sexual assault and it’s a great experience for girls to see that it will not be tolerated. So, we salute you Taylor, for confronting what could be an uncomfortable situation head on.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.