Taylor Swift speaks out about her sexual assault trial for the first time
'This man hadn’t considered any formalities when he assaulted me, so why should I be polite?'
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Your support makes all the difference.Taylor Swift has broken her silence over her sexual assault trial for the first time since it took place in August.
Today, Time Magazine named the “Silence Breakers” as their 2017 Person of the Year.
These remarkable individuals have made waves this year by sparking a global movement in the fight against sexual harassment and assault.
The group includes Swift, who found herself locked in a legal battle this summer against radio DJ David Mueller.
It all began in 2013 when Swift claimed Mueller lifted up her skirt and grabbed her bum at a meet-and-greet.
After Mueller attempted to sue Swift for $3m in damages after being fired from his job on account of his actions, the singer decided to countersue the DJ in response to his lawsuit… for a mere $1.
The only time Swift has spoken publicly about the case was during the testimony that she gave during the trial.
Claudia Rosenbaum, entertainment news reporter at BuzzFeed, live-tweeted Swift’s personal account.
Speaking frankly about her experience, Swift reportedly said: “He did not touch my rib, he did not touch my hand, he grabbed my bare ass.”
Swift has now given her first interview about the ordeal.
Speaking to Time Magazine, Swift described the harrowing moment Mueller made his move.
“When we were posing for the photo, he stuck his hand up my dress and grabbed onto my ass cheek.
“I squirmed and lurched sideways to get away from him, but he wouldn’t let go.”
Swift was worried that Mueller would take advantage of other young artists, which is why she reported him to his radio station.
“The radio station conducted its own investigation and fired him. Two years later, he sued me.”
When giving her testimony in court, Swift decided not to hold back and provided an honest recollection of the events that transpired.
“This man hadn’t considered any formalities when he assaulted me, and his lawyer didn’t hold back on my mom - why should I be polite?
“I’m told it was the most amount of times the word “ass” has ever been said in Colorado Federal Court.”
Many victims of sexual assault find themselves blamed for speaking out, something that Swift addressed in her interview.
“I would tell people who find themselves in this situation that there is a great deal of blame placed on the victims in cases of sexual harassment and assault,” she said.
“My advice is that you not blame yourself and do not accept the blame others will try to place on you.
“The brave women and men who have come forward this year have all moved the needle in terms of letting people know that this abuse of power shouldn’t be tolerated.”
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