The legal battle between Taylor Swift and former Denver country radio DJ David Mueller is over. A jury ruled in Swift’s favor awarding her the symbolic $1 she was countersuing for. In a statement Swift wrote:
“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, and especially anyone who offered their support throughout this four-year ordeal and two-year long trial process.
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.”
The jury also found the singer’s mother, Andrea Swift, and manager Frank Bell not liable for tortious interference.
Baldridge gave a brief statement on the steps of the courthouse. “I think it’s a new day, because someone with the guts and the courage to stand up with absolutely no upside in doing so – that being Taylor Swift – has told everyone, ‘This is it, the line’s drawn.’”
He called Mueller’s case a “game of chicken” where “victims are prone to blink rather than relive the shame and humiliation of what took place.” He also noted the token $1 Swift is seeking in damages, “the single value of which is immeasurable to all women in this situation.”
“It means no means no, and it tells every woman that they will determine what is tolerable to their body,” he added.
Swift had accused Mueller of groping her during a meet and greet in 2013. He, in turn, sued the singer claiming that the accusation cost him his job.
Swift was dismissed as a defendant in Mueller’s suit on Friday after a judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to show that Swift had acted improperly.
Kesha, who has also experienced the glare of a public trial in her legal fight with producer Dr. Luke, expressed admiration for Swift’s determination. More than a year after Taylor donated $250,000 to support Kesha’s litigation against her label boss, Kesha returned the favor with a tweet backing Swift. “@taylorswift13 I support you always,” Kesha wrote. “And especially right now and admire your strength and fearlessness.”
TV host James Corden called Swift’s post-verdict statement “brilliant.”
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