Taylor Swift Counterclaims in DJ Groping Case
In September, a former radio DJ sued Taylor Swift, claiming she cost him his job by falsely accusing him of a backstage groping. The pop star immediately fired back via publicist, saying she provided evidence. Now she has filed a counterclaim, affirming that the David Mueller did indeed lift Swift's skirt during a photo session at a pre-concert meet-and-greet, USA Today reports.
He Said, She Said
Mueller contended that he did nothing wrong at the meeting where he was photographed with Swift and his girlfriend. She had Mueller removed from the concert hall in Colorado and later from his job.
Swift's people told his bosses at the Denver radio station KYGO that Mueller touched her inappropriately and said they had a photo to show it happened. Mueller claimed the singer confused him with another station employee who had boasted about the grope to him the night it happened.
"Mueller's newfound claim that he is the 'wrong guy' and, therefore, his termination from KYGO was unjustified, is specious," Swift's attorneys wrote in the counterclaim. "Ms. Swift knows exactly who committed the assault -- it was Mueller."
Swift's attorneys say in court filings that the singer was "surprised, upset, offended, and alarmed" when Mueller groped her. Should the counterclaim succeed, she will reportedly donate the judgment of any damages to charities who fight sexual harassment.
Nothing Else for Now
Mueller's attorneys reportedly did not respond to requests for comment on the pop star's counterclaim. Swift's publicist was similarly silent on the topic.
But Taylor Swift, 25, is not shy and she will fight. She famously took on Apple and its new music streaming system on fair use grounds when thousands of musicians refused.
Her open letter to Apple sparked so much support that the company was forced to change policy, ensuring musicians like Swift get paid for every play of their songs.
In short, she is a force. And it should come as no surprise that Swift makes short shrift of the Denver DJ's claims.
Related Resources:
- Taylor Swift Sued by DJ Fired For Alleged Backstage Grope (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Greatest Hits: The Best of Celebrity Trademarks (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Taylor Swift Could Be First Musician to Trademark Lyrics (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
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