One dollar can’t buy much, these days. Maybe it’ll get you a pack of gum or a soda. However, today, $1 gave Taylor Swift—and women everywhere—justice with a side of dignity. The pop star’s legal battle against Colorado-based DJ David Mueller, in which she accused him of assault and battery, has ended in her favor, with an eight-member jury finding Mueller guilty as charged.
For those not up to speed on this highly publicized trial (and its symbolic impact) here’s a rundown: Back in June 2013, while on her Red tour, Taylor took a picture with Mueller (who was a radio host for Colorado station 98.5 KYGO) and his then-girlfriend during a post-concert meet-and-greet at Denver’s Pepsi Center. During this photo op, the singer alleged that the DJ put his hand up her skirt to grab her butt. “The first couple of milliseconds I thought it must be a mistake, so I moved to the side very quickly so that his side would be removed from my ass cheek, but it didn’t let go,” Taylor testified. “It was a very shocking thing that has never happened to me before. This was not something I had ever dealt with. I got as far away from him as I possibly could.” Eventually security was notified, Mueller was escorted out of the venue and, two days later, fired from his job. Some two years later, Mueller sued Taylor, her mother Andrea and manager Frank Bell for their slanderous accusations that led to his ruined career (he sought $3 million). Taylor retaliated with a countersuit of assault and battery, seeking—that’s right—$1. “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,” said Douglas Baldridge, Taylor’s attorney.
Phew. So that’s what brings us to this day. After four days of testimony, the singer’s team came out victorious on all fronts, as not only was Mueller found guilty, but his charges against Taylor were dismissed due to lack of evidence and witness testimony.
This triumph hits particularly close to home for women and anyone who’s ever felt or been violated over the course of their life. Bravo, Taylor. You did good.
