Nobody should be forced to endure sexual harassment or sexual assault without repercussions for the perpetrator. Yet every day, it seems, there are more and more stories of people—often women but not always—being victimized by coworkers, supervisors, and associates. Not even the most recognizable celebrities in the world are immune from such issues, as a recent case out of Colorado clearly demonstrates.
It all started in 2013 when world-famous pop star and entertainer Taylor Swift was at a meet and greet with a Denver radio station disk jockey. According to Swift, the 55-year-old DJ was posing with the singer for a photograph when he reached under her skirt and groped her. Swift was appalled by the assault and reported it to the radio station. The DJ was subsequently fired from his position. He denied that any sexual assault took place and claims that he was wrongfully terminated because of the incident. He then sued Swift and two other individuals in 2015. Taylor Swift brought a countersuit for a symbolic one dollar, and the case went to trial earlier this month.
Swift Testifies That She Was Groped
Although the radio DJ accused of sexually assaulting Swift insisted that no inappropriate touching took place, Swift has been adamant that it happened. Swift explains, "It was a definite grab ... a very long grab... I know it was long enough for me to be completely sure it was intentional." She refused to back down or take the fault for the DJ’s firing, and according to reports, delivered consistent, believable testimony at trial. Swift told the DJ’s attorney, “I’m not going to allow you or your client make me feel in any way that this is my fault,” Swift said. “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.”
Swift’s mother Andrea Swift testified on her daughter’s behalf. She spoke to Swift shortly after the alleged incident took place and explained that police were not involved because she did not want her daughter to have to relive the experience. Swift’s mother has been accused of encouraging the radio station to fire the DJ after hearing of the alleged incident
A Valuable Dollar
Following the closing of testimony, a federal judge in Denver threw out the case against Swift. A few days later, a jury found in favor of Swift in her countersuit and awarded her the symbolic one-dollar verdict that she sought. The dollar was meant to be an “example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts."
While sexual harassment and sexual assault are not the same, those who have been sexually harassed may take inspiration in Swift standing up for herself. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, our experienced sexual harassment attorneys are ready to help you take action. Call 630-665-7300 for a confidential consultation at MKFM Law today.
Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/11/us/taylor-swift-trial/index.html
http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/08/14/543473684/taylor-swift-wins-sexual-assault-lawsuit-against-former-radio-host
http://www.vulture.com/2017/08/taylor-swifts-best-comebacks-at-her-sexual-assault-trial.html
