It is a happy Monday indeed as Taylor Swift can finally put this Sexual Assault trial behind her. The jury unanimously voted in her favor finding that Andrea Swift (her mother) and Frank Bell (Radio Liasion) did not interfere with David Mueller‘s (Former radio DJ) contract and are not granting him any money. Mueller was originally seeking 3 million in damages. The jury also voted in favor of Swift’s counterclaim, awarding her $1 and more importantly saying that yes, Mueller in fact assaulted Taylor Swift and yes he did batter her.
What this says to women is that you do not need to be afraid to come forward and speak out when you are sexually assaulted. No one has the right to touch your body unless you give them permission. That is not limited to rape, it includes touching of the body even over clothing.
For more information on the details of the case, watch below:
The window today #TaylorSwiftTrial pic.twitter.com/ibiBQMEZWe
— Michael Konopasek (@MikeKonopasek) August 14, 2017
After the four hour deliberation, Swift released a statement thanking her team and also noting that she realizes how fortunate she is to be able to afford such great lawyers and resources to fight this case and she will be donating to help other victims of sexual assault fight their cases.
“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.”
— Michael Konopasek (@MikeKonopasek) August 14, 2017
Swift’s lawyer stated after the case was won:
As I said, I think it’s a new day [for workplace sexual assault]. I think it is a new day because someone with the guts and the courage to stand up, with absolutely no upside in doing so, [has done so]. Taylor Swift has told everyone: this is it, the line is drawn.
Swift can now begin the next chapter of her life. We’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.
Variety Beat 