Taylor Swift has released a powerful statement in response to her recent trial victory, saying she hopes to help those whose voices should also be heard.
In case you missed it, the 27-year-old won her case against D.J. David Mueller who groped her backside underneath her skirt during a pre-concert meet and greet in 2013. The jury, consisting of six women and two men, found the former radio host guilty of assault and battery.
She was awarded a symbolic $1 in damages, which she had sought.
“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,” the singer said in a statement released after the verdict was revealed.
“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,” she continued.
“My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organisations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves.”
WATCH: Taylor Swift answers 73 questions about her life. Post continues…
Taylor’s lawyer, Douglas Baldridge, also 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.’”
Taylor’s win comes after a headline-grabbing testimony in court where she cut Mueller’s attorney down to size again and again.
While Taylor’s mum Andrea sobbed on the stand as she gave her testimony, the music icon remained calm and repeatedly shut down lawyer Gabe McFarland’s questions that often had a distinct taste of victim blaming.
When lawyer Gabe McFarland asked Taylor how she felt about Mueller losing his job, she said: “I’m not going to allow you or your client make me feel in any way that this is my fault.”
Taylor’s pointed responses to Mueller’s attorney hit headlines around the globe.
She added: “Here we are years later, and I’m being blamed for the unfortunate events of his life that are the product of his decisions — not mine.”
When pressed if she thought Mueller got what he deserved when he was fired, Taylor said: “I don’t feel anything about Mr. Mueller. I don’t know him.”
McFarland also suggested Swift should have taken a break if she was as distressed by Mueller allegedly groping her as she claims, to which she shot back: “And your client could have taken a normal photo with me.”
Get ’em, girl.
